Day 2 - Afternoon - VisitModena

Official Tourist Information Site of Modena

Day 2 - Afternoon

After lunch, set aside a few hours for a visit to one of the local wineries and learn the secrets of producing Lambrusco which is bottled in four different “protected designations of origin”: Sorbara, Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Salamino di Santa Croce, and Modena.

Once you cross the rolling hills of the Terre di Castelli (the “land of castles,” so named for the presence there of many ancient settlements and medieval strongholds), you’ll reach Vignola’s Rocca, a splendid 15th-century fortress whose architecture absolutely demands a visit. The fascinating atmosphere is a real blast from the past!

Don’t leave Vignola without tasting its famous Torta Barozzi, a local specialty cake with a long tradition, made with dark chocolate, decaffeinated coffee, almonds, and other ingredients. Torta Barozzi has made Vignola famous.

On this tour, the many intriguing stops along the way will introduce you to places with enormous historical and cultural importance in and around Modena and the Terre di Castelli as well as give you a chance to sample some of the most renowned local specialties. The list of things to do in this area is long, so don’t hesitate to contact us for advice. We’ll be happy to help choose the best options for your trip.

First stop: Lambrusco wine

If you’re in the Modena area, you can’t miss a visit to a wine cellar. A visit can last 1-2 hours, depending upon the winery and its products, and may be free or require payment. If you can use some advice on how to plan the best tour possible, let us know. We’ll be happy to help.

Second stop: The Rocca Fortress in Vignola

Built for defensive purposes on the banks of the Panaro River, the Rocca was originally built in the Middle Ages and later transformed into a residence for the Contrari family of Ferrara, allies and advisors of the House of Este

Third stop: Torta Barozzi

This specialty dessert, whose name honors the illustrious Vignola architect Jacopo Barozzi, is sold in shops and pastry shops in the city center, a great place for a few moments of "sweet" relaxation before heading back home.

Fourth stop: Savignano sul Panaro

Strategically located on the crest of a hill above the Panaro River, at a point at which the river widens onto the plain, “Upper” Savignano offers one of the most evocative examples of a fortified medieval town, complete with a double city wall and the towering mass of the bell tower.