Any info on Modena, Italy?
 

Hi, <BR> <BR>My husband has an opportunity for a position that would take us to Modena, Italy for a 2 year stint. I see Modena mentioned often, but very little specific information. Can anyone tell me what the city is like? What kind of feel? Is it someplace you could stay for a couple years? From what I have read so far we would be in food heaven - may have to get a bigger wardrobe! Hopefully we can check it out before committing. Thanks for any help!

Kim <BR>Seize the day! What a great opportunity-I'm very envious! Modena usually means fast cars as both the Ferrari and Maserati factories are on the outskirts. However the historic centre has the wonderful Duomo (Cathedral) built along the old Roman road (Via Emilia) It has a leaning tower, the Torre Ghirlandina. The centre is very attractive with a maze of old streets and has a great gallery-The Palazzo dei Musei. I'd be off tomorrow without thinking twice! M

I agree with Meg. We were there last September - what a wonderful place! The old center city is a gem. Be sure to have a meal at Giusti - it's a salumeria in front, and 4 tables in the rear. You need a reservation to get in. Some of the best food we've ever eaten in Italy! <BR> <BR>Here are some bookmarks for Modena: <BR> <BR>http://www.comune.modena.it/english/ <BR>http://www.guidadimodena.com/ <BR>http://www.comune.modena.it/infoturismo/uk/index.html <BR>http://www.provincia.modena.it/ <BR>http://www.immagica.it/modena/default.htm <BR>http://www.guidadimodena.com/ <BR>http://www.provincia.modena.it/servi...ri_inglese.htm <BR>http://www.comune.modena.it/benvenuti/eng/ <BR>http://members.aol.com/gaidello/ <BR> <BR>The last address is for "Il Gaidello". Its a restaurant on a farm in the country, in Castelfranco Emilia (about 1/2 hour from Modena). They serve an 8 course sit-down meal for a fixed price which is awsome! You can also rent rooms there.

Thanks for the info Paul and Meg. I look forward to reading more about Modena in the websites you suggested Paul.

Kim, focus on more than just Modena. You will be in the epicenter of Italy with Florence an hour away, Venice two and Bologna 20 minutes. Not to mention everything else in central and Northern Italy. <BR> <BR>But having said that, I would also like to say that you have the opportunity to live in a true Italian town that is not inundated by tourists like Florence and Venice. You will be immersed in the daily life of the town, with the markets, and the gossip, and the passegiatta, and the values, and the seasons, and all the things that make up the fabric of a society. <BR> <BR>I made a similar move two years ago, and I haven't regretted a minute. And I moved by myself, without family, into a totally new environment. Do it. You won't regret it.

kim dont think about it do it fast. great town(pavaroti' home town) and close to bologna-the old section is wonderful. also close to the places that make parm. cheese and famous hams.. location is great and the people seemed friendly. have a great 2 years

This is a cute story that really shows generation gap: <BR> <BR>My grandfather asked my brother which city in Italy he would most like to visit. My brother quickly replied "Modena." My grandfather was impressed and said, "That is where I would want to go because it is where Luciano Pavarotti is from." My brother just looked up and said, "I don't know about that, but I wanted to go because that is where they make Ferraris."

Any chance you have to go live in Italy - take it! I have lived a couple years in Italy as a little girl and then again in college. It is my favorite country and such a unique opportunity. Yes, you will love Modena, but moreso you will love the train system that will take you anywhere in the country you choose.