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Thứ Sáu, 29 tháng 11, 2019

Top 10 things to do in Toulouse

On the banks of the Garonne river, Toulouse has the nickname, “La Ville Rose”.

That’s because so many of the city’s great buildings are made with a pinkish brick, giving the cityscape a look that you can’t compare with any other city. Much of this architecture was funded by trading the city’s greatest commodity, woad, which was a blue dye used in medieval and renaissance textiles. Toulouse is now Europe’s aeronautical capital, with the largest space center in Europe, and where Airbus has its headquarters. Toulouse will attract curious minds with fascinating museums exploring the universe, prehistoric times, ancient art, the natural world, as well as art from the Gothic era to the impressionist. Discover the best things to do in Toulouse.

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1. Basilique Saint-Sernin

Completed in the 1100s, the UNESCO-listed Saint-Sernin Basilica may be the largest romanesque church in Europe. There’s also a large number of relics in the crypt, more than in any other church in France, and many were donated by Charlemagne to the abbey which stood on this site in the 800s.

Outside, the five-story brick tower is unmistakable, and as you look up you can see where construction was stopped in the 1100s and restarted in the 1300s from the shape of the arches.

You might also be surprised at Porte des Miégeville, with a precious Roman sculpture depicting Lazarus and Dives above the door.

2. Place du Capitole

It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping, sightseeing or painting the town red, during your break in Toulouse you’ll always be drawn back to the square in front of the city hall.

The city seems to be drawn towards this place, and the majestic pink palace in front of you is older than it looks. There are fragments going back to the 1100s, and if you walk around to the rear of the Capitole you can see the building’s renaissance donjon.

Go inside for a tour to gaze at the frescoes on the ceiling of the Salle des Illustres, and the heartwarming images in the Salle Gervais, where the 19th-century artist painted allegories of love, as this was the town hall’s wedding chamber.

3. Muséum de Toulouse

Not a museum about Toulouse, but France’s largest ethnological and natural history institution outside Paris: The Muséum de Toulouse presents more than 2.5 million exhibits.

If you have a thing for natural science you could immerse yourself in botanical, entomological, mineralogical, ornithological, paleontological and many other “logical” galleries for hours! Many of these collections were gathered by the most inquisitive minds of the 19th century.

This applies to the prehistory section, with Neolithic axes, a Mesolithic tomb and a bronze necklace from the Holocene epoch.

4. Foundation Bemberg

Hôtel dieuAssézat, the famous house of the B Foundation Foundation, is a miracle. This mansion was designed by Nicolas Bachelier, the most prestigious Renaissance architect of the city of Toulouse and took nearly 30 years to complete.

It was built for Pierre d’Assézat, who built his fortune on the woad trade, but was penniless by the time his plush palace was completed in 1581. The inner art gallery is also magnificent and was founded based on a collection by Georges Bprice, an extraordinary 20th-century patron of the arts.

It is difficult to choose outstanding paintings, but you have to see works by Venetian people like Canaletto, and French artists like Monet, Pierre Bonnard Matisse, and Cézanne.

5. Musée Saint-Raymond

Next to the Saint-Sernin Basilicas in Toulouse’s archaeological museum. As is often the case, the museum building warrants your attention; erected in 1523, it was a school for poorer students at the University of Toulouse.

The exhibits run from prehistory up to the year 1000 and deal with a host of Mediterranean civilizations, but with an accent on Gallo-Roman history.

6. Church of the Jacobins

This Jacobin monastery is the last word in gothic design in southern France. It was finished in the 1300s and is noted for its awesome dimensions, with a double nave and vaults that reach almost 30 meters.

The best is at the top, where you can see the palm tree, the tallest column with 22 ribs bent outwards to form the tunnel. You can see how it got its name, as this element has an arresting organic quality to it.

The ruins of Thomas Aquinas, one of the great thinkers of the middle ages, are also found in this church.

7. Cité de l’Espace

If there was ever a day out that could recapture your childlike sense of wonder, it’s a theme park all about space exploration. If you or your little ones are fascinated by the cosmos then you could devote a day to watching mind-expanding IMAX movies and planetarium shows.

Space travel geeks might hyperventilate when they set foot inside the actual Mir space station, which orbited the earth from 1986 to 2001. There’s also a life-size replica of the European Ariane 5 rocket, which has completed more than 70 successful missions since 2003.

8. Musée des Augustins

Taken from Musée Saint-Raymond, this attraction includes art and sculpture from the medieval period until the early 20th century. Once again, the building is an important ingredient, dating to the early-1300s and exemplifying the southern Gothic style.

The medieval religious sculpture in this museum is superb and was rescued from convents and churches that were being destroyed around the region in the 1800s.

The fine art collection is mostly from between the 1400s and 1700s, with works by an array of Italian renaissance artists, and Flemish and Dutch masters like Rubens, van Dyck, van Goyen, Cuyp and Jordaens.

9. Jardin Japonais

In Companies Cafarelli, some way north of the center is a park classified as a French “Jardin remarquable”. It has a Japanese garden, which is quite unusual with the southern latitude of the city of Toulouse and was inspired by the gardens in Kyoto between the 14th and 16th centuries.

The garden is full of symbols and is beneficial for meditation and rest, but it will help if you visit early when there are few people around. Cross the bridge across the pond to the island symbolizing paradise, and look down at the koi and the turtle.

There is a bust in the garden of Taisen Deshimaru, who founded many Sōtō zen dojos throughout France in the 70s.

10. Canal du Midi

Another UNESCO site the Canal du Midi is not just another waterway, but a mind-boggling work of 17th-century engineering; part of the 430-kilometer Canal des Deux Mers that linked the Mediterranean with the Atlantic.

Strictly speaking, the Canal du Midi is just the 240-kilometer-long waterway that begins in Toulouse and stretches to the Étang de Thau by the coastal city of Sète. It was ordered by Louis XIV and made by the genius Pierre Paul-Riquet, taking 15 years to complete. Walk or ride on the towpath next to its green waters, or check out the old locks on a cruise.

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Top 10 things to do in Orange

World-famous wines and Roman monuments have been listed by UNESCO on the menu in the small town of Orange in Vaucluse.

The theater is one of the most spectacular Roman ruins in Europe, and you will be surprised by how many of these buildings are still in place. There’s an informative little museum next door, and a short walk from the center of the town is a Triumphal Arch, noted for its three-arched design. If you love wine you’ll have the pleasure of discovering the many domains, caves, and wineries of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, one of the strictest and most revered labels in the world. Avignon, Luberon, and many other Roman monuments are also within your reach in Orange. Discover the best to do in Orange.

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1. Roman Theatre

Orange’s Roman Theatre is one of the great ancient sites in Europe. There isn’t a better-preserved Roman theatre in France, or possibly the rest of the continent, and is rare because it retains its scaenae frons – the 37-meter-high stone backdrop to the stage, with niches, columns and a statue of Augustus.

The outside facade is also very beautiful, a majestic stone wall with corolla at the top and three wooden doors leading up to the stage. To this day the theatre can seat 9,000 spectators and has an expansive stage, 61 meters across.

Even now, this is the venue in the atmosphere of the Summer Chorégies, an opera festival held in August every year since the theater was restored in 1969.

2. Triumphal Arch

About half a kilometer north of the theatre, on the N7, is Orange’s other fabulous piece of Roman heritage, dating to the rule of Augustus in the 1st century. It was reserved for members of the Gaulish Army that established Orange and was later updated to include the military successes of Germanicus and Tiberius for German tribes.

One of the things that makes it so noteworthy is that it has three arches, and is the oldest one with this design still intact. Take a few minutes to check out the bas-reliefs, which stood the test of time, even though the arch was a gateway to Orange's medieval fortifications.

3. Le Musée d’Art et d’Histoire d’Orange

Right opposite the theater is an attraction where you can learn about the ancient and medieval history of Orange. Entry is included with your ticket for the theatre. The museum is in a 17th-century “hôtel particulier” built for a Dutch nobleman.

The Gallo-Roman part is the most enchanting, with three Roman cadres engraved on large marble slabs, dating back to 77AD when the Vespasian Emperor conducted a land-rights assessment.

4. Orange Cathedral

The Diocese of Orange was suppressed after the Revolution, so for more than two hundred years, Orange Cathedral hasn’t strictly been a cathedral. That detail has nothing to lose the exquisite beauty of this 12th-century Roman building, where there are a few neoclassical updates on the facade.

The church had a difficult history, was damaged during the French Religious War, and for a while during the conflict, it was a Huguenot protest church.

Inside there’s a painting commemorating Orange’s 32 nuns who were martyred during the Reign of Terror in 1794. The bell tower dates back to the 1300s and has four bells, the oldest of which is in 1338, while the latest, which was cast in 1871, weighs more than a ton.

5. Colline Saint-Europe

The highest point in Orange is the 105-meter hill into which Orange’s Roman theatre is built.

The hill has a fascinating history of its own, as it is the site of the Château of the Princes of Nassau, a massive fortress with 11 fortresses, arguably one of the most beautiful forts in Europe.

By 1672, the city had become a mosque of the Dutch House of Cam-Nassau and also a protester: This ended after a siege of Count Grignan under Louis XIV. , in which gunpowder is used to destroy walls.

There isn’t much left but you can still see evocative pieces of the fortifications, while the hill also has four panoramic lookouts with views of the city, Mont Ventoux and the Rhône.

6. Wine

There are 21 properties and châteaux to visit in the Orange area alone! Orange falls into two worlds of preeminent AOCs wine. Even now grapes have to be hand-picked and arranged for a wine to qualify.

The soil in terroir is recognized by large round pebbles on red clay, exothermic during the night and thus allowing grape varieties like Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault to reach a particular maturity level.

Orange is also located in the much larger Côte-du-Rhône AOC, with vineyards primarily growing Grenache because of the Mediterranean climate.

7. Musée de la BA 115

The French air force has had a base five kilometers east of Orange since 1939 and is Orange’s main employer, providing business for some 200 companies.

The base's museum is only open on Tuesday and has a number of rooms related to the general history of the French Air Force as well as the specific context of this base and its play during World War II, War in Algeria, the Cold War and in today's conflict.

You can see classic uniforms and photography, medals and official documents from the base archive.

8. Musée Aéronautique d’ Orange

After visiting your base, you may feel itchy to see some hardware, and this museum is required, with a large set of fighters, bombers, helicopters, and other machines. Another flight south of the base.

It was run by“Les Amis de la 5eme Escadre”, an association for former members and patrons of an old fighter unit that lasted from 1945 to 1995. It's a bit magical for 20th-century jet fans, with a large collection of French-made Dassault Mirages and Mystères.

There are also foreign aircraft such as de Havilland Vampires and Hawker Hunters, as well as interesting navy planes like the Breguet Alizé and F-8 Crusader with “variable incidence” wings.

9. Orange Market

Every Thursday 300 regular stallholders take over the streets and squares in the center of the city, for one of Provence’s favorite outdoor markets. Flowers and other plants, local delicacies, handicrafts and all kinds of fresh produce are sold here.

One of the most rewarding things is to browse the regional vegetable stalls: Depending on the time of year, you can get grapes, eggplant, green beans and apricots, all fresh from the rural areas nearby.

To take home, Orange orange olive oil belongs to hule dileOlive de Provence AOC, or you get a bottle of Orange sweet famous muscat wine.

10. Bike Rides

The terrain around Orange is a dream bike-riding country, with landscapes that show Provence at its most idyllic. There are vineyards, the banks of the Rhône, sunflower fields, orchards and farms growing wheat.

You could try the 15.7-kilometer circular trip from Orange to Carderousse and back, with views of Mont Ventoux to keep you company.

A longer trail, De la Pierre aux Galets, who walks around the Orange Vineyard and Châteauneuf du Pape and to the east, you will be able to find the limestone cliffs of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

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Top 10 things to do in Strasbourg

The capital of the Alsace region has one of Europe’s largest medieval quarters.

In Grand Île and Petite France, cobbled streets weave between creaking timber-framed houses that have survived for hundreds of years. Strasbourg has been the subject of a centuries-long tug of war between France and Germany and is all the more exciting and beautiful for it. We left with a proud city with beautiful century-old districts built by Germans and high-tech fortifications of the 17th century designed by Vauban. The awareness of cross-pollination continues in food and wine, and also the presence of international organizations such as the European Parliament. Let's explore the best things to do in Strasbourg.

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1. Strasbourg Cathedral

For 227 years up to 1874 this spellbinding sandstone cathedral was the tallest building in the world and is still the highest surviving structure to have been built entirely during the medieval period.

Writers have waxed lyrical about it for hundreds of years, and it’s hard not to be moved by the west facade or the view of the vaults that greets you once you step inside. Another astounding thing about the cathedral is how much of it dates to the 1100s, including the entirety of the apse on the east side of the building.

You cannot turn down a trip to the top of the north tower, completed in 1439, and with views as far as the Black Forest, 30 kilometers away.

2. La Petite France

The most photogenic area in the city: Millers, fishermen, and tanners plied their trades in this district of waterways, weirs and locks crowded by black and white half-timbered (colombage) houses.

These quaint old structures are from the 1500s and 1600s, and if you stand back and look up you can make out the opening in the roofs where animal hides were once laid out in the sun to dry.

On some of the cobblestone streets like Rue du Bain aux Plantes, the houses look unfeasibly top-heavy, and every few paces are traditional restaurants serving Alsatian specialties like choucroute garnie.

3. Parc de l’Orangerie

Just across Ill from the European Parliament and the Court of Human Rights, the Parc de l’Orangerie took shape during the revolution when 140 orange trees confiscated from Château de Bouxwiller were granted to the city.

There are now only three of these trees remaining, and you can still see them on certain days in the park’s greenhouses. Naturally, there’s a lot more to this fantastic park than that: You have a large boating lake, lots of long, leafy avenues, lawns, and even a mini-zoo and farm for kids.

There’s also a stork reintroduction center; this type of bird has a special place in Strasbourg folklore, and it’s meant to be good luck for a household if a pair perch on the roof.

4. Barrage Vauban

Despite being built in the 1600s this fortified bridge and weir on the River Ill was a cornerstone of the city’s defenses as late as the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. It was made with pink sandstone from the Vosges, according to plans drawn up by Vauban (the great French military engineer).

The idea was that in times of siege it would raise the level of the Ill and flood the lands to the south, and also drop barriers to prevent invaders from passing through. There’s an internal corridor running the length of the structure and you can go up to the roof to see the towers of the Ponts Couverts and the cathedral.

5. Ponts Couverts

Tracking your entry to Petite France is a set of three solid bridges that you might know with four tall square towers. These were built in the 1300s and were part of the city’s original line of ramparts.

The bridges’ name is a bit of a misnomer these days as they aren’t actually covered any more: Up to the 1700s, the crossings were protected by long roofs that would have offered cover during sieges.

The bridges became obsolete after the Barrage Vauban was completed upriver and the roofs have been gone for almost 300 years, but the name survives.

6. Église Saint-Thomas

Further proof that Strasbourg is at a cultural crossroads is this protestant church, which was the main Lutheran place of worship after Strasbourg became part of France in 1681. Église Saint-Thomas was completed in the 1520s and is the only example of a German-style hall church in the region.

This means that unlike most churches in France, the nave and the aisles have the same height. They are brought under one roof and so are missing a clerestory (windows to light the nave). There is much to explore inside, including a large gothic fresco of St.

Michael and the stunning romanesque sarcophagus of Bishop Adeloch, from the 1100s. Finally, turn your gaze to the gallery organ from 1741, which was praised by Mozart when he played it in 1778.

7. Musée Alsacien

With a supreme location in a 17th-century house on a quayside of the River Ill, the Musée Alsacien couldn’t be better placed to teach you about local traditions and art in the city. The galleries offer a number of recreations of historic house scenes and seminars, all presented with original ceramics, costumes, furniture, tools, toys, and everyday utensils.

The most intriguing displays deal with the traditional “savoir-faire” of the Alsace region, so illustrating how, for instance, the wine was pressed in the 1700s and talking you through the Roman origins of wine-growing.

8. European Parliament

When you reflect on the city’s past, it makes perfect sense that Strasbourg should be home to the European Parliament as it has always been a place where different cultures, faiths, and languages have been reconciled.

Strasbourg is one of three non-capital cities around the world to have an international institution, and the European Parliament needs to be on your itinerary. You may have to call ahead to get a tour of this modern cylindrical structure, housing the 750-seat debating chamber.

Inside are three “internal streets”, one of which has a winter garden with a philodendron forest.

9. Palais des Rohan

This baroque Episcopal palace was built in the 1720s according to the designs of Robert de Cotte, the “first architect” of Louis XV. It’s a breathtaking building, erected for Cardinal Armand-Gaston de Rohan-Soubise the Prince Bishop of Strasbourg and loved for its high classical facade.

It was modeled on the grand mansions in Paris from this time and the interior is as opulent as you’d imagine. There are three museums to browse inside, an archaeology exhibit in the basement, decorative arts on the ground floor and a display of fine art on the first floor.

10. Neustadt

Strasbourg tripled in size in the 34 years between the Franco-Prussian War and the end of the First World War. This was the German period, and the speed of construction furnished a host of districts in Strasbourg with an architectural consistency that is hard to find anywhere else.

These areas were designed to be the new center of the city, with broad boulevards on a grid system, which was deemed more hygienic and efficient than the medieval street plan at Grand Île and Petite France.

The Neustadt is roughly crescent-shaped, covering the western, northern and eastern parts of Strasbourg. Some bits to discover include the areas around the Parc de l’Orangerie, the University, Place de la République and Île Sainte-Hélène.

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Top 10 things to do in Siena

Siena is a historic city in the region of Tuscany and is the capital of the province of Siena.

This city is famous for its beautiful architecture and beautiful main square - the square. Furthermore, Siena has a historic city center that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, Siena is also known for its legendary Palio horse race that takes place twice a year and draws hundreds of spectators. As with other cities in Tuscany, Siena was first settled by Etruscan tribes and became a town during the Roman reign of Emperor Augustus. As the town was not located near any major roads, it did not prosper during the Roman Era, however during the time of the Lombards the town developed and eventually became the powerful Republic of Siena that lasts for several hundred years.

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1. Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Siena Cathedral is one of the premier pieces of Gothic architecture in the whole of Italy. This building is simply fantastic and both its exterior and interior designs are sublime. Originally constructed in the 13th century, the cathedral has stood for hundreds of years as an icon of the city and sits in the Piazza del Duomo in the historic town center.

The façade and exterior of the cathedral are magnificent and features a plethora of white stone and marble design features, plus several sublime frescos.

Furthermore, the interior of the church is quite breath-taking – practically every angle is decorated; from striped polychrome marble arches to the ornate golden dome and the beautiful frescos above the main altar.

2. Piazza del Campo

The Piazza del Campo is undoubtedly the main square of Siena – this superb open square contains some simply stunning architecture and is always buzzing with local life and tourism.

What makes this square so inviting are the curved lines of the buildings that provide an enclosed and friendly feeling. Notable buildings located on the square include the gigantic Torre del Mangia, the beautiful Palazzo Pubblico and the Fountain of Gaia.

Many people start their tour of Siena from this very point and it also contains a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The beautiful medieval architecture, lively atmosphere and interesting shape of the square make it a major attraction.

3. Palazzo Pubblico

Located in the Piazza del Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico is one of the most renowned structures in Siena and stands out due to its amazing architecture and the domineering Torre del Mangia.

This medieval structure was created in the 13th century and served as the house of the Republican Government of Siena. The exterior features Italian Gothic design with a two-tone stone cladding and a plethora of beautiful arched windows.

Furthermore, the interior of the palace contains some stunning frescos – practically every major room in the building is covered with ornate decoration and gorgeous paintings.

Guided tours of the palace interior are possible and it is also possible to climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia.

4. Torre del Mangia

This slender 102m tall tower stands proudly at the end of the Palazzo Pubblico and is one of the best-known attractions in the city. This tower was constructed at the same time as the palace and features a similar two-tone design with a white stone crown.

It is possible to climb to the top of the tower for unrivaled views of the city of Siena – be warned, however, you have to climb over two hundred steps to reach the top, but the reward is worth it! When you reach the top, you can look down on the Piazza del Campo and see the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.

5. Biblioteca Piccolomini

Siena Cathedral is a wonder in its own right, but within the walls of this impressive building is a hidden treasure. The Piccolomini Library is renowned throughout the country and rightly so – within this small room is one of the most impressive frescos in the region of Tuscany.

The walls, arches, and ceiling are covered with this immensely detailed painting created by Pinturicchio and his workshop team. 10 different scenes are depicted here – all of which relate to the life and career of Pope Pius II. The detail is fantastic and the colors are still as vivid as the day they were created.

Aside from the magnificent paintings, there is also a series of historical manuscripts on display.

6. Siena National Gallery

The Siena National Gallery is housed within a former palace which in itself is a fantastic building dating back to the 15th century. You can find the gallery on Via San Pietro in the historic town center, just south of the Piazza del Campo.

Within the confines of the superb gallery, there is a brilliant collection of art, predominantly from Sienese Artists between the 12th and 16th centuries. Notable artworks include “Raising of Lazarus” and “Entry into Jerusalem” by Guide da Siena, and “Madonna Enthroned” by Lorenzetti.

Furthermore, there is also a series of cartoons by Beccafumi. This gallery is one of the most important in Siena and is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the cities arts and culture.

7. Church of San Domenico

The Church of San Domenico is located in the western part of the historic town center and features a jumble of different styles. Over the years this church has been changed and added too hence its immense size and strange amalgamation of design styles.

Although the exterior is not as lavish as the Siena Cathedral, the interior has some beautiful decorations like the Santa Caterina Chapel. This chapel has some beautiful religious frescoes and some marble sculptures.

Furthermore, the main nave contains some ornate religious fixtures such as golden candelabras and altarpieces. This building is yet another magnificent structure in the heart of Siena and is definitely worth a visit.

8. Piazza Salimbeni

The Piazza Salimbeni is a small but interesting square in the heart of the historic town center. On three sides of the square, you can find three completely different palace facades - Palazzo Tantucci, Palazzo Salimbeni, and Palazzo Spannocchi.

Originally, the center of the square was the garden of Salimbeni palace but today it contains some beautiful patterned tiles and an ornate marble statue.

Palazzo Tantucci has an orange façade with many white framed windows, while the adjacent Paris Spannocchi has a luxurious pale yellow design with a series of arched windows.

Finally, the Salimbeni Palace has a cream façade with several windows adorned with intricate plasterwork.

9. Porta Pispini

During the Middle Ages, Siena was a mighty city and it had an extensive defensive network that surrounded much of the town center. The Porta Pispini (or Gate of the Water Spout as it is also known) is one of the remaining portals from this historic network and can be found in the eastern part of Siena.

The gateway features a double doorway made from stone – both have impressive arches and the inner gate still has its wooden frame and doors. Furthermore, both doorways have a crenulated roofline and the effect is quite impressive.

If you walk to the right of the gate you can see the original city walls and a well-preserved guard tower too.

10. Santuario di Santa Caterina

This religious complex was created to honor St. Catherine of Siena and it is said to be built on her original birthplace. Within the complex, you can find a variety of different structures including several arcades and loggias, and the Church of the Crucified.

The Loggias and arcades are beautifully decorated and contain some fantastic architecture. Additionally, the Church of the Crucified contains some opulent decoration and frescos depicting the life of St. Catherine. This is a great place to visit to understand the importance of Siena’s main Saint.

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Top 10 things to do in Modena, Italy

Not very far from Florence, you can find a small and pretty town called Modena.

Among other things worth mentioning, Modena is the hometown of both Luciano Pavarotti and Enzo Ferrari, making this beautiful place the only place in the world where opera and formula one come together. It’s a calm and relaxing place for having a holiday. Walking on the small alleys of the old city center offers a unique experience.

Read on to discover more about the top 10 things to do in Modena, Italy

1. Feel like a formula one pilot while visiting Enzo Ferrari Museum

No matter if you’re a fan of formula one or not, this museum must be on your list while in Modena. It offers a lot of information about the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the Ferrari company. It’s suitable for kids also. On top of all the information offered, you can also admire amazing cars that were built by this company over the years.

2. Have a coffee in Piazza Grande

When visiting Modena, it’s for sure a challenge to avoid passing Piazza Grande. Located in the heart of the old city center, Piazza Grande has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site some years back. It’s impressive due to the architecture around and imposing buildings.

3. Torre della Ghirlandina

Since it’s the tallest structure in town (over 80 m/262 ft high), you can notice Torre della Ghirlandina from all sides of Modena. Everyone recognizes it as the symbol of the city and if you climb up, you’ll have the chance to see the best view over the historic city center. Besides, climbing up the stairs is the perfect exercise - for sure needed after enjoying all the delicious Italian food, ice-cream and Tiramisu.

4. Cooking Experience and Balsamico Tour in Modena

There is no better way to leave Italy than being able to make your own pasta starting just with eggs and flour. This 4 hour tour will allow you to join a cooking lesson from professionals. On top of that, you will get to visit one of the places where local traditional Balsamico vinegar is produced. The experience is particularly enjoyable for families. Cooking together helps you spend some fun quality time.

5. Balsamic Vinegar Tour of the Oldest Balsamic Vinegar Company in Modena

Modena has a long history of balsamic vinegar. There are many traditional producers selling only the best quality. This tour will take you to one of the companies, showing to you the entire process and the different phases the balsamic vinegar needs to go through before being sold. You will also get to taste balsamic vinegar that has been preserved for a long period of time, even up to one hundred years.

6. Dumo di Modena (Modena Cathedral)

Talking about the tower of Ghirlandina, you can’t miss Modena Cathedral since you’re there already. This is also part of the UNESCO Patrimony site. The carving inside is impressive. There is also a museum on the premises, but make sure you get there during working times.

7. Galleria Estense

Italian art is indeed worth checking out even if you’re not an art expert. Galleria Estense, although a bit off the beaten touristic paths, hides wonderful and unique art pieces inside. It displays mostly paintings from the 14th all the way to the 18th-century. You can also see some sculptures here and even an Armani violin.

8. Ducal Palace of Modena

What used to be a palace back in the 15th up to the 19th-century, has transformed into a library and the Italian Military Academy. This baroque style building reminds tourists of an old history, talking about Modena’s past. The recently renovated square where it is located (Plazza Roma) is a good meeting point with its large space.

9. Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti

Placed outside of Modena, it can be a challenge to find Museo Luciano Pavarotti. It’s the best destination if you’re traveling with kids, as there are play areas both inside and outside. The museum presents biographical facts about the famous opera singer, Luciano Pavarotti. You will leave the museum amazed by how many hidden talents Pavarotti had. The museum is built in his former house, so you will also have the opportunity to get a feel of his day to day life.

10. Palazzo Comunale di Modena

If you’re visiting Modena during a weekday, you will be able to visit Palazzo Comunale for free. You will also be able to see Baroque frescoes and decorated ceilings. Even just the building in itself has charming architecture, so make sure to at least pass by.