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Modena · Italy

Modena Cathedral

A major religious monument in Modena, valued for its architecture, art and place in the city’s historical development.

Plan a trip here Website / visitor information
Modena Cathedral Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0
Typical visit
1 hour
Setting
Indoor
Region
Emilia-Romagna
Last checked
9 Aug 2026

Why visit

Modena Cathedral is a major religious monument in Modena, valued for its architecture, art and place in the city’s historical development. Construction began in 1099 under the architect Lanfranco, with sculptural work by Wiligelmo forming a major Romanesque ensemble.

What you will see

  • Main façade and exterior massing.
  • Nave, chapels or principal interior spaces.
  • Historic artworks and liturgical furnishings.
  • Relationship with the surrounding square or old town.

History

Construction began in 1099 under the architect Lanfranco, with sculptural work by Wiligelmo forming a major Romanesque ensemble.

Visitor tips

  1. 1

    Allow time to look at the surrounding settlement or landscape as well as the principal site, and check current access information before setting out.

About Emilia-Romagna

Bologna, Modena and Ravenna connect medieval university streets, Romanesque cathedrals, early Christian mosaics and modern industrial heritage across the Po plain and Adriatic side of the region.

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More to see around Modena

Piazza Maggiore Bologna · Italy A landmark in Bologna that forms a recognisable part of the city’s public space, architecture and historical identity. Two Towers of Bologna Bologna · Italy A significant cultural or landscape site in Bologna, representing a distinctive part of the region’s history and visitor experience. Basilica of San Vitale Ravenna · Italy A major religious monument in Ravenna, valued for its architecture, art and place in the city’s historical development. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia Ravenna · Italy A significant cultural or landscape site in Ravenna, representing a distinctive part of the region’s history and visitor experience. Ferrari Museum Maranello Maranello · Italy A major museum in Maranello, presenting collections that illuminate an important strand of Italian art, archaeology or cultural history.

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Ready-made trips through Modena

All ready-made trips
Bologna, Modena and Ravenna 4 days · 6 stops · Moderate pace Move from Bologna’s civic centre and towers to Modena Cathedral, Maranello’s motor heritage and Ravenna’s late-antique mosaics.