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Modena
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Football Italia City Guide
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| Famous for giving the world Luciano Pavarotti and Ferraris, Modena glows with satisfaction now it has a decent football team. Along with neighbouring towns Bologna, Parma and Piacenza, Modena is doing its best to put the Emilia-Romagna region on the map of Italian football. |
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 Stadio: Alberto Braglia
Named after a gold medal Olympic gymnast from Modena, the Alberto Braglia is small, holding only 17,224. The city council have drawn up plans to increase the capacity, banking on the team to become Serie A regulars. The stadium’s central location very near the railway station makes it easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in Modena. |
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 Match Tickets
The ticket office outside the stadium sells what few tickets there are, due to season ticket holders filling just about every available seat. Be prepared to end up in the Curva Nord with the visiting supporters. Tickets cost about 15 Euros.
If, on the other hand, you feel like going to see an away match with the good-natured Canary fans, check the Bar Stadio just outside the stadium. Trips are organised from here.
Football Italia Ticket Info |
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 Out & About
> Modena’s main square, Piazza Grande, is dominated by the magnificent Romanesque cathedral dedicated to St. Geminiano. On the outside look for the bas-reliefs depicting King Arthur legends.
> The cathedral’s bell tower, the Torre Ghirlandina, is the symbol of Modena. Only open during the summer on Sundays.
> Visit the Ferrari museum, Galleria Ferrari, in Maranello (open daily 9.30am-6pm). Buses for Maranello leave frequently from outside Modena station and take about half an hour.
> Go to a volleyball match. Modena’s team Daytona Volley are historically one of Italy’s best, supplying many players to the national team. Tickets cost 10-14 Euros.
> Visit a Lambrusco vineyard or the acetaie, where they make balsamic vinegar. Tours can be arranged through the tourist office in Piazza Grande.
> If it is culture you’re after, the town’s museum complex in the Palazzo dei Musei is the place to go. It houses permanent collections of art, antique books and various other artefacts.
> The imposing Palazzo Ducale is now home to Italy’s only military academy for officers. The cadets - women as well as men - are easy to spot in their toy soldier style pink and blue uniforms.
> For the energetic, the nearby Apennines offers skiing, walking and horse riding according to the season. Monte Cimone is a favourite with skiers.
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Food & Drink
> Modena is home of the world famous aceto balsamico - balsamic vinegar - and here they use it with just about anything, including strawberries. Impossible to avoid.
> Try the muffin-like tigelle or the similar but fried gnocco fritto. Baskets of them are served with a selection of cold meats and cheeses - squacquerone, a soft, slightly bitter cheese is one of the best. Delicious.
> Cotechino and zampone are two kinds of local sausage. Eaten only during the festive season elsewhere, these are always on the menu in Modena.
> Sparkling red Lambrusco is the local speciality wine. Plenty of this everywhere.
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Restaurants
Many of central Modena’s restaurants are refined and expensive. Head for the surrounding hills and you’ll come across a multitude of more modest places offering good wholesome home cooking. Here are a few to try in the town itself.
> Caffè dell’Orologio (Piazzetta delle Ova 4). Just off Piazza Grande - great for an aperitivo, with loads of delicious nibbles and saucers of the denser version of balsamic vinegar to dip them in. Hosts temporary exhibitions of various kinds of memorabilia.
> Caffè Concerto (Piazza Grande). Live music and modern art in this cavernous, cathedral-like bar. Also serves food.
> Trattoria alla Redecocca (Piazzale Redecocca 8, Tel: 0039-059-242750). This is one of the best places for the traditional tigelle and gnocco fritto.
> Trattoria La Ròla (Via Selmi 76/78, Tel: 0039-059-235708). A good idea to book here, especially on a Sunday when many other restaurants are closed. Tasty traditional Modenese cuisine.
> Taverna dei Servi (Via dei Servi 37, Tel: 0039-059-217134). Another good choice if you want to savour the local delights without breaking the bank.
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Accomodation
> Hotel La Torre (Via Cervetta 5, Tel: 0039-059-222615). As its name suggests it’s just round the corner from the Ghirlandina tower. Cosy and friendly.
> Hotel Europa (Corso Vittorio Emanuele 52, Tel: 0039-059-217721). Midway between the station and the town centre. Comfortable and modern.
> Hotel Le Ville (Via Giardini 1270, Tel: 0039-059-510051). If you want to bump into the team come here. They stay the night before home games and eat in the restaurant next door. Not a cheap option but you could get an interesting behind the scenes glimpse of Modena FC.
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Getting there...
The best way to get to Modena is by flying to Bologna. Go online to www.easyjet.com for cheap flights from Stansted. Catch the Aerobus for 4.50 Euro from Bologna airport directly to the railway station, from where trains to Modena leave frequently and take only about 20 minutes. |
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Local lingo
Sl’è togo! - That’s cool!
Forza Canarini. - Up the Canaries.
Zio canta, l’ha espulso! - May my uncle sing, they’ve sent him off!
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Compiled by: Sarah Lane
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