Just south of Modena is an area known for the production of ceramics and its connection with motorsports, which includes the towns of Sassuolo and Maranello. More historic landmarks are located in various other towns among the hills and mountains of the southern part of the Province of Modena.
Sassuolo
Sassuolo is a city south of Modena, located at the foot of the Apennines. The town emerged in the Late Middle Ages and it was ruled by local powers before enjoying a period as an independent signoria between 1499 and 1599. After joining the Duchy of Modena and Reggio, it shared the history of the rest of the region until today. Now Sassuolo is a major industrial center, best known for the production of ceramics and tiles.
✪ Ducal Palace of Sassuolo
The Ducal Palace of Sassuolo (Palazzo Ducale di Sassuolo) is a 15th-century palace built over some previous fortifications. It was used by the Pio family when Sassuolo was an indipendent signoria, and then as a residence for the Este, who ruled over the Duchy of Modena and Reggio. Under the Este rule, the palace was adorned with Baroque decorations and a series of impressive frescoes that can now be seen in many of its internal halls. The Ducal Palace is now a museum hosting several interesting artworks. A large park is adjacent to the palace.
Address: Piazzale della Rosa, 10, 41049 Sassuolo MO
Coordinates: 44.5425, 10.7800
Formigine
Formigine is a town located south of Modena, near Sassuolo. It developed around a castle in the Late Middle Ages and now it is known, along with some of the neighboring towns, for the production of ceramics.
Formigine Castle
The Formigine Castle was erected by the rulers of Modena in the 13th century, probably over some previous fortifications. The castle was later expanded as the town of Formigine grew around it. After losing its strategic importance, some parts of the fortress were used as prison, residences, and offices. Now restored, it houses an archaeological museum and a cultural center.
Address: Piazza Calcagnini, 1, 41043 Formigine MO
Coordinates: 44.5752, 10.8466
Maranello
Maranello is a town located at the foot of the mountains south of Modena. Despite being a city of ancient origins, it rose to prominence recently as the headquarters of car manufacturer Ferrari.
✪ Ferrari Museum
The Ferrari Museum of Maranello is a large exhibition focused on the history of Ferrari and motor racing in Italy. The museum features a collection of historic automobiles and Formula One race cars, but also several trophies and other objects showcasing the long history of the famous car manufacturer.
Address: Via Alfredo Dino Ferrari, 43, 41053 Maranello MO
Coordinates: 44.5297, 10.8615
Fiorano Modenese
Fiorano Modenese is a town located south of Modena, near Maranello. Along with the nearby cities, it is famous for the production of ceramics, but it also houses a few historic buildings and interesting attractions.
Spezzano Castle
The Spezzano Castle is a medieval fortress located on a hill south of Fiorano Modenese. Built around the 11th century and later reworked, it also served as a residence for local nobles. The interior houses a series of impressive Renaissance frescoes and it hosts the Museum of Ceramics (Museo della Ceramica), an exhibition on the long history of the production of ceramics in the region.
Address: Via del Castello, 12, 41042 Fiorano Modenese MO
Coordinates: 44.5216, 10.8467
Castelvetro di Modena
Castelvetro di Modena is a small town on a hill in the Province of Modena. It is known for the beauty of its old town, which still preserves its medieval appearance.
Medieval Town of Castelvetro di Modena
The oldest part of Castelvetro di Modena is located on top of a hill and partly surrounded by ancient walls. It is centered around Piazza Roma, which features a chessboard painted in the middle of it, and a panoramic spot with a great view of the surrounding hills. Facing this square are a couple of medieval towers and a historic palace serving as town hall. The nearby Church of Santi Senesio e Teopompo has its origins in the Middle Ages, but it was actually rebuilt in the early 20th century.
Address: Piazza Roma, 1, 41014 Castelvetro di Modena MO
Coordinates: 44.5035, 10.9432
Vignola
Vignola is a town located at the foot of the hills between Modena and Bologna. It was founded as a fortified position during the Middle Ages, and the town grew around a castle. Vignola was contested between local powers for centuries, and remained a relevant city in the region. Now it is an agricultural and industrial center.
Rocca of Vignola
The Rocca is a medieval castle erected in Vignola during the Middle Ages. Initially an important defensive position, it was then used as a residence for local nobles. Now the castle serves as a museum and it includes some halls adorned with Renaissance frescoes.
Address: Piazza dei Contrari, 4, 41058 Vignola MO
Coordinates: 44.4765, 11.0102
Pavullo nel Frignano
Pavullo nel Frignano is a town among the Apennines in the Province of Modena. Inhabited since ancient times, it has been known for centuries for being on one of the main roads connecting Emilia and Tuscany. Now, thanks to its position and the beautiful mountains that surround the town, it is a tourist destination.
Montecuccolo Castle
The Montecuccolo Castle is a medieval fortress located on a hill near Pavullo nel Frignano. It was erected starting in the 11th century, and later expanded adding more fortifications. An important castle throughout the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, this is the birthplace of Raimondo Montecuccoli, a 17th-century general among the greatest military commanders of its time. Now restored, the castle serves as a museum.
Address: Via Montecuccolo, 62a, 41026 Pavullo nel Frignano MO
Coordinates: 44.3131, 10.8152