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Musei del Duomo: Treasures of Modena's Cathedral

Explore the art and history of Modena's magnificent Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, through its captivating museum collections.

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The Musei del Duomo in Modena showcases the rich history and artistry of the city's iconic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum complex comprises the Museo Lapidario and the Museo del Duomo, housing sculptures, artifacts, and sacred objects that narrate the story of the Duomo's construction and its significance to the Modenese community.

A brief summary to Musei del Duomo

  • Tuesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-2 pm
  • Friday 10 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-2 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore both sections of the Musei del Duomo and appreciate the rich history and artistry on display.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Modena Cathedral and the Ghirlandina tower to gain a deeper understanding of the site's historical and architectural significance.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events that may enhance your visit.
  • Consider renting an audio guide to learn more about the key artifacts and the history of the Duomo.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Musei del Duomo are located at Via Lanfranco, 4, right next to the Duomo in Piazza Grande, Modena's main square. From Piazza Grande, walk towards the Duomo; the entrance to the museums is on the left side of the cathedral, opposite the Porta della Pescheria. The walk from the center of Piazza Grande takes only a few minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Musei del Duomo can be reached by bus. Several bus lines stop near Piazza Grande. From the bus stop, walk towards the Duomo; the entrance to the museums is on the left side of the cathedral, opposite the Porta della Pescheria. A single urban bus ride costs €1.50. You can also purchase tickets directly on the bus using a contactless credit card for €1.20. A daily urban pass costs €4.50.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, be aware that the Duomo is located within Modena's limited traffic zone (ZTL). It's best to park outside the ZTL and walk or take public transport. The Novi Park garage is a 10-minute walk to Piazza Grande and charges €1.20/hour from 6 am to 8 pm (€0.40 at night). Parcheggio del Centro, an underground parking garage in Parco Novi Sad, offers 24-hour surveillance. Parking near the train station is also an option, with the Parcheggio Stazione Modena located in front of the station. Blue line parking spaces are available outside the ZTL for around €0.60/hour.

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Discover more about Musei del Duomo

The Musei del Duomo, located adjacent to the Duomo of Modena, offer a comprehensive look into the history, art, and religious significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum complex is divided into two main sections: the Museo Lapidario and the Museo del Duomo. The Museo Lapidario (Lapidary Museum) was established in the late 19th century to house artifacts discovered during the cathedral's restoration. The collection includes sculptures, reliefs, and architectural fragments from Roman times, which were reused in the construction of the Duomo. Highlights include the plutei (parapets) from the pre-existing High Middle Ages cathedral, the Arch of San Geminiano, and the renowned series of Metopes. These eight Romanesque sculptures depict monstrous and fantastical beings and were crafted by a master in Wiligelmo's workshop. The Museo del Duomo (Cathedral Museum) displays an array of artistic and liturgical items dating from the Romanesque period to the 19th century. The collection features furnishings, sculptures, ancient reliquaries, fabrics, paintings, and manuscripts that illustrate the devotion of the Modenese community to the Domus Clari Geminiani over the centuries. Notable pieces include the precious altarolo (small altar) of San Geminiano (11th-12th century), the Evangelistario (Gospel Book) created in the Nonantola scriptorium (late 11th – early 12th century), and the Relatio, a 13th-century copy of a 12th-century text chronicling the construction of the Duomo. Also of interest are the large Flemish tapestries depicting stories from Genesis, part of a series of twenty pieces made in the 16th century. The Duomo of Modena, also known as Modena Cathedral, is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Construction began in 1099 under the direction of architect Lanfranco, replacing an earlier Christian basilica. The cathedral was built to honor Saint Geminianus, the patron saint of Modena, whose remains are housed in the crypt. The building incorporates ancient Roman stones, connecting it to the grandeur of antiquity. The facade features intricate carvings by Wiligelmo, a prominent sculptor of the era. Together with the Ghirlandina bell tower and Piazza Grande, the Duomo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

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