Trip Planner: Europe / Italy / Emilia-Romagna / Province of Modena / Modena / Historic Sites / Duomo di Modena

Duomo di Modena, Modena

(1,800+ reviews on the web)

Religious Site Tourist Spot

A white marble cathedral, Duomo di Modena is one of the best-preserved Romanesque structures. It dates back to the 11th century, when it was built to house the crypt of Saint Geminianus, Modena's patron saint. You'll first notice the cathedral's immense rose window overlooking the cobblestoned square. Outside, look for the bas-reliefs by Anselmo de Campione and Wiligelmus, and the ancient Roman lions guarding the entrance. Inside, you can tour the three expansive knaves as well as the 1,000-year-old crypt that houses St. Geminianus' sarcophagus. The cathedral also features a marble parapet by de Campione, a wood crucifix from the 14th century, and two nativity scenes by noted Modenese artists Antionio Begarelli and Guido Mazzoni. Be sure to stop by the Porta della Peschera, the cathedral's north entrance, which is detailed with high-relief carvings of Arthurian legend scenes. This archway is thought to be the earliest monumental sculpture featuring the legend. Plan your Duomo di Modena visit and explore what else you can see and do in Modena using our Modena travel itinerary planner.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

Chloe C

went here for mass- found it amazing. Make sure you read up on all the details before you go. I also had tickets for the museum but it was closed when i went there. make sure you check the opening hou... more »
PJandSJ

Our body clocks are not well-attuned to Italian ecclesiastical patterns, because churches are often closed between something like 1200 and 1500 – which is often the very time when we discover some pot... more »
anna maria pier... W

I was born in Modena but live in UK and had not been there for 50 years. It was nice to show this lovely place to my husband more »

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Google

Carlos Sarasola Orio

Not to miss. Beautiful, impressive with hundreds of imaginative little details and decorations to explore.

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Gustav Christensson

A remarkable cathedral. After being renovated and cleaned in 2012, the exterior is a wonder to look at and reflects the light like a mirror. The inside is also majestic and imposing. If religion isn't your cup of tea, you might please yourself with a free concert instead on select days.

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Emanuele Bartolomucci

Beautiful Romanesque Roman Catholic cathedral from the 12th century dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Saint Geminianus, patron of the city of Modena. World Heritage Site, it includes the bell tower known as Ghirlandina that recently underwent a restoration spanning almost 4 years, which brought its characteristic white color back.

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Diego Khoo

This is a less well known Italian Catholic relic out of UNESCO's heritage site book. Aesthetically, it does feel more 'Roamn' than 'Gothic'.

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Nicola Caravaggio

A perfect example of Italian Roman style

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Duomo di Modena, Modena

Plan your trip to Modena

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Plans in Modena by other users

Chloe C

PJandSJ

anna maria pier... W

Carlos Sarasola Orio

Gustav Christensson

Emanuele Bartolomucci

Diego Khoo

Nicola Caravaggio

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