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Touristically
the province of Modena is an area of attractions addressing several
demands: tourism of meetings, fairs, lectures, art and culture;
tourism which is largely based in the mountains, and finally gastronomic
tourism: all of these elements in which Modena has a tradition,
a history, wealth, and a rich image to offer to its visitors.
As regards congressional and business tourism, the presence in
the territory of universities, cultural institutions and leading
economic sectors creates several opportunities for visitors. In
fact, there are many exhibitions organized by the Quartiere Fieristico
di Modena. In addition, many conferences are held and organized
by the Chamber of Commerce, other local bodies, business organizations,
the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and other cultural
institutions.
This activity is favoured by a range of suitable services and
structures
able to satisfy the needs of tourism, which are largely aimed
at using the time efficiently.
In Modena any lover of art and culture can find an artistic wealth
that recalls the city's Roman past and its role as county town
during the period of the Estensi family. Among the more prestogious
buildings there is the Cathedral (considered to be one of the
most important buildings of the European Romanesque period), the
Abbazia di Nonantola (an example of Romanesque art in Emilia),
the Palazzo Ducale (seat of the Accademia Militare), and the Pinacoteca
Estense. Besides these traditional attractions there are several
places with business fame that attract thousands of visitors.
For example the Galleria Ferrari in Maranello, which puts on show
the company's achievements at world level in the motor racing
industry, and making Modena one of the centres in the production
of sport cars.
The expanse of the province of Modena also takes in a substantial
part of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano, which makes this area a
place of interest for mountain tourism. Rich in medieval castles,
sporting structures and other facilities, the Modenese mountains
are a popular destination both in winter and summer. The highest
localities include the communes around Monte Cimone (2165 m.),
where it is possible to find several resorts  with
modern facilities for winter sports (facilities for artificial
snow, chair lifts, ice rinks, etc.), all of this with more than
100 km of ski runs (some of them are homologated for international
races) for cross-country, downhill skiing and a snowpark for lovers
of snowboard.
During the Summer it is possible to visit the protected areas
that cover about 7% of the Modenese territory. In this areas it
is still possible to walk through unspoilt woodland riding a horse
or by mountain-bike, discover hidden valleys and beauty spots,
enjoy splendid views and pick mushrooms, chestnuts, bilberries,
blackberries and raspberries. In the highest areas it is possible
to find golden eagles and marmots, whilst the wood are populated
by deers, roes.
Gastronomy also represents an important touristic attraction for
Modena. The best traditions of Modenese cuisine (famous for tortellini,
zampone, lambrusco, balsamic vinegar and some other specialities)
are preserved by a high number of good restaurants, all approved
by the consortium "Consorzio Modena Tavola", that even
organises gastronomic events outside of Emilia Romagna and Italy.
In conclusion there are several handcraft shops present in the
historical centre of Modena and the thermal Spa of Salvarola,
in the commune of Sassuolo.
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