World Heritage Site
The Romanesque in Modena
One of the highlights in the artistic heritage of the area around Modena is undoubtedly its Romanesque art - a style that found its roots in the Roman world inspiring its themes, figurative motifs and expression of the great large religious and civil ferment around the year 1000. 
Just like all the main centres in Mediaeval Europe, Modena also saw the building of cathedrals and country churches of majestic elegance.
Modena Cathedral is an undisputed masterpiece - the landmark work of a great architect (Lanfranco) and a great master sculptor (Wiligelmo).
Its beauty and originality are still astonishing today.
In 1997, the Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Bell Tower and Piazza Grande were deservedly recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
And while the city boasts the supreme architectural harmony of its Cathedral, the lowlands equally boast similar beauty - such as the splendid Nonantola Abbey the Carpi "Sagra" and the Country church in Quarantoli.
The mountain areas also boast an equally impressive number of country and town churches in truly fascinating natural settings.
1 - Modena Cathedral and the Abbey of St. Sylvester at Nonantola
2 - Romanesque country churches in the hillsides
3 - Other country churches in the lowlands
Especially Interesting
Transromanica : first European project dedicated to Romanesque routes with the aim of exploiting the vast international artistic and cultural heritage dating from the Romanesque period.
