Guiglia
Discovering the Province of Modena
If you're looking for a welcoming, artistic and full of history place, we suggest visiting the Province of Modena, located in the beautiful Emilia-Romagna region. With a population of about 702,788 inhabitants, it is the second most populated province after Bologna.
Physical geography
The Province of Modena is divided into three different areas. The first is the plain, which extends from the north of the Via Emilia to the Lombardy border, including the territories of Mirandola and Finale Emilia. The second area is the hilly foothills, which extends from Vignola to Sassuolo along the Via Emilia in the north. Finally, the mountainous area is called Frignano and extends from Serramazzoni to the crest of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, where the Monte Cimone is located, the highest mountain in the northern Apennines (with a height of 2165 meters above sea level). This area is protected by the Regional Park of the Modenese High Apennines.
Hydrography
The most important rivers in the province are the Secchia and Panaro, two right tributaries of the Po. Among the other areas, it is worth mentioning also the Scoltenna, a tributary of the Panaro known for its wide valley and the imposing presence of Monte Cimone. Modena is considered a special city because it has two nearby rivers. Also known as the Fountain of the two rivers, the large fountain of Piazza Garibaldi (Fontana del Giuseppe Graziosi) has two outlets that represent the river basins of the rivers that flow in the city.
History
The Province of Modena has a long history dating back to the Duchy of Modena and Reggio, prior to the unification of Italy, which represents an important entity for the history of the territory. The noble family of Estensi deeply marked the history of the province, and the area of Ferrara and Lucca (Garfagnana) was for many years an integral part of the Estense Duchy. In 1859, Carlo Farini established the Province of Modena, distinguishing it into four districts: the Modena District, the Mirandola District, the Pavullo nel Frignano District, and the Castelnuovo di Garfagnana District, the latter subsequently ceded to the Province of Massa and Carrara in 1871. The first provincial elections were held on February 12, 1860. In 1929, the municipality of Castelfranco Emilia, previously in the Province of Bologna, was assigned to the Province of Modena.
Places of interest
In Modena, one of the most iconic buildings is the Ducal Palace, whose botanical garden is now open to the public. Sassuolo hosts a smaller Ducal Palace, which was the summer residence of the Dukes. The Province of Modena boasts a series of artistic sites, including the San Carlo Church and the San Pietro Church in Modena, both characterized by wonderful architectural designs. You could also admire the San Giorgio Church in Modena, the San Michele Arcangelo Church in Carpi, the Fossoli Castle in Carpi, and the Vignola Fortress, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Panaro Valley.
Typical cuisine
The Province of Modena is famous throughout the world for its cuisine, especially for the Modena Ham, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Among other typical dishes, you can find Tortellini in broth, Onion Soup, Lasagna, and cotechino, accompanied by a glass of Lambrusco. Modenese cuisine is a perfect mix of balanced flavors and local products.
Conclusions
The Province of Modena is a place full of history, culture, and food traditions. Whether you are traveling alone or with family, there are plenty of activities and places to enjoy. We have mentioned only some of the most important places, but there are many others to discover. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Province of Modena and let yourself be enchanted by its beauty!
