Citytrip Bologna, Italy
May 2019



Day 6
Sunday, June 2th


Today we will be visiting Modena, another one of the larger cities near Bolonga. It is known for its automotive industry. The factories of the famous and prestige′s Italian sports car makers Ferrari, De Tomaso, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati are, or were, located here. One of Ferrari′s cars, the 360 Modena, was named after the town itself. The town is also known in culinary circles for its production of balsamic vinegar. A train ride from Bologna to Modena takes about half an hour, that's all. You travel northwest along the Apennine Mountain range.

 




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Train tickets to Modena


Train tickets to Modena

 




Having arrived in Modena, we exit the station and walk into the Viale Monte Kosica, cross the street en stroll into the Via della Manifattura dei Tabacchi. The street name is derived from the former Tobacco Manufacture plant that was located here. The former Manifattura Tabacchi tobacco factory complex is a group of buildings that dates back to the sixteenth century. It currently hosts arts events, with special attention to artists and famous names from Modena´s social culture and context who have earned international recognition.

The 2011 redevelopment project, by architects Portoghesi and Lugli, created an urban site comprising four buildings in an area of about 21,000 m2, with offices, homes and retail businesses. The maze of public walkways that winds its way between the buildings come together in the heart of the site, Piazzetta delle Paltadore, between Via della Manifattura dei Tabacchi and Calle Bondesano. This square is dominated by a tall chimney that testifies to the ancient manufacturing process and symbolizes transformation of this site into a city centre complex. It provides a link between the old part of the city, the main railway station and the northern part of Modena, restoring a series of buildings that are an example of industrial architecture, recognized and protected by the Superintendence for Architectural and Landscape Heritage.

 




 




Walking through the Via Belle Arti we reach the north side of the old city of Modena; the Piazza Roma. An impressive large square with on the north side an equally impressive building covering the full width of the square. This is the military academy of Modena. Located in the Palazzo Ducale in the historic center of the city, it was the first military institution to be created in the world.

The academy focuses on the initial training and selection of future military officers in the Italian Army or in the Carabinieri. The location of this academy can trace its roots back to the ″Academy and Conference of Military Architecture″ founded by the duke Francesco III d′Este in 1756. The facade of the building is decorated with various statues, in front as well as on the roof. It is a beautiful building to see.

On this Piazza Roma it is a busy beehive. Here also there are a lot of activities going on. Especially for the very young children. Games have been organized, various types of toys are demonstrated and children are encouraged to play with them and books for the very young are there for them. It is quite a happening here with lots of kids. I understand that these celebrations are related to the founding of the state of Italy.

First we have some coffee at a restaurant where we can oversee the Piazza. From a shaded corner on a terrace we enjoy our coffee while observing the hustle and bustle on the square. One finished, we go from stand to stand to see what the activity is or what is promoted. I see toys that I have never seen before! It is interesting to see, even for adult children.

But this is not all! Throughout the cities cobblestone streets there are stands with country or county themes. An enormous lot of stands with all sorts of Italian produce from different parts of Italy, German sausages and meats, French cheese and wines, British crockery, Belgium waffles and the list of countries goes on! There is even one stand that sells a Dutch specialty: Mini Pancakes (Dutch: Poffertjes).

Through the Via Emilia with all the stands we reach the Piazza Giacomo Matteotti square. The place is packed with food stands that have tables and benches next to them. One of the being a hotdog stand in the far right corner of the square where it is a little quieter. We sit down and I go and order something to eat. They have various size sausages lying on the grill, and I order drinks and what I think are two hand size hotdogs and one order of fries.

The guy fetches a bun that I can hardly fit in two hands and puts a cucumber size sausage in it with a scoop of sauerkraut on top of that. OH DEAR! This is not a snack anymore; it is full size meal. I am not even including the fries yet. We look each other in the eyes and begin to bite, chew and swallow. We are going to be here for a while, that is for sure. Gradually we eat (work) our way through the hotdog and the fries. We have nothing better to do anyway! To my own surprise we both manage to devour the whole thing. Apparently all the walking about gave us a firm appetite.

 




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Train tickets to Bologna


Train tickets to Bologna

 




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Modena station

Modena station



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TrenItala

TrenItala

 






Returning to Bologna

 



On a full stomach we begin our walk back to the train station where we fetch the train to Bolonga. It is late in the afternoon when we return to the hotel. Neither one of us is really hungry yet. That was one good hotdog! The only thing left to do is a nightcap at the NUOVO Caffé. Good night you all.

 








     


















and welcome!




 





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Militairy Academy of Modena

Militairy Academy of Modena



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Torre Ghirlandina

Torre Ghirlandina



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Torre Ghirlandina

Torre Ghirlandina




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Street view

Street view