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Digital & Print Resources

Digital & Print Resources

Emilia Romagna And San Marino, Italy

Digital Aids

Helpful Apps

  • Google Maps:

    A tool for finding routes for walking, driving, and public transport. It displays real-time traffic updates and public transport schedules.

  • Google Translate:

    For language assistance. Download the offline Italian language pack before your trip for use without an internet connection.

  • WhatsApp:

    Much used in Italy for communication. Many locals, tour operators, and some businesses use it for direct contact.

  • Trenitalia/Italo:

    Official apps for purchasing train tickets and checking schedules for national rail travel.

  • SETA:

    The official app for local bus information and digital ticket purchasing within Modena.

Web Guides

  • Modena Tourism Official Website:

    Search for "Visit Modena" or "Comune di Modena Turismo" for current local information, event calendars, and details on attractions.

  • Trenitalia.com / Italotreno.it:

    Official websites display national train schedules and bookings across Italy.

  • SETAweb.it:

    The official website for local public transport in Modena, displaying route maps and schedules.

  • Official Museum Websites:

    Review specific websites for attractions like Musei Ferrari or Galleria Estense for the most current opening hours, fees, and booking information.

  • Social Media:

    Official Modena tourism accounts on platforms like Instagram or Facebook often share beautiful photos, event updates, and local insights.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

Rick Steves Italy Guidebook offers broad coverage of major Italian regions including Modena.

Detailed Maps

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Italy presents a visually rich guide with detailed maps and photo inspiration.

Local Publications

Seek local city magazines or event guides like 'Modena Mese' at tourist offices or newsstands.

Further Exploration

Books & Media

  • The Story of Italian Gastronomy for Italian food history context.
  • Italian Ways: On and Off the Rails from Milan to Palermo for cultural insights.
  • Heat by Bill Buford for vivid insights into Italian culinary culture.
  • Documentaries and films: 'Chef's Table' (Netflix) Season 1, Episode 1 features Massimo Bottura.

Online & Language

  • Travel forums (TripAdvisor, Reddit r/travel) serve as platforms for questions and tips.
  • Specific Facebook groups for Italy travel or Emilia-Romagna display focused advice.
  • Language learning apps: Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur for basic Italian phrases.
  • YouTube channels for Italian language learning assist with pronunciation.

Trip Flow

Seasonal Visits

  • Autumn sees grape harvest, truffle season, and food festivals.
  • Spring brings pleasant weather for cycling and outdoor exploration.
  • Consider Festival Filosofia in September or Motor Valley Fest in May.
  • Winter provides a quieter, festive atmosphere with fewer tourists.

Regional Travel

  • Combine Modena with Bologna, Parma, Ferrara, and Ravenna for a full regional experience.
  • The Northern Italy Circuit connects Modena with Milan, Venice, and Florence.
  • Explore the wider Motor Valley triangle, including Bologna for Ducati.
  • Visit Ravenna for stunning Byzantine mosaics.

Interest-Based Ideas

  • For foodies, continue your culinary journey in Bologna or Parma.
  • History and art enthusiasts head to Florence or Rome.
  • For relaxation, explore the Italian lakes region or Liguria's coastlines.
  • Discover traditional Modenese opera at Teatro Comunale.

Safety & Exploration

Emergency Information

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (Europe-wide for police, ambulance, fire).
  • Medical Emergency (Ambulance): 118.
  • Police (Polizia di Stato): 113.
  • Fire Department (Vigili del Fuoco): 115.

Medical Facilities

  • Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara: Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 13 (Modena's main hospital).
  • Policlinico di Modena: Via del Pozzo, 71 (university hospital).
  • Pharmacies ('Farmacia') display a green cross sign.
  • Many pharmacies give minor medical advice and over-the-counter medications.

Document & Disaster Actions

  • Report lost or stolen passports/documents immediately to local police.
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate for emergency travel documents.
  • Learn your hotel's emergency exits and assembly points.
  • Follow local authority instructions during natural events like earthquakes.

Responsible Travel

Local Support

  • Spend at locally owned businesses for direct local economy benefits.
  • Treat historical sites, cultural institutions, and natural areas with care.
  • Discover opportunities to learn and value local culture, traditions, and history.

Sustainable Habits

  • Reduce single-use plastics. Carry a reusable water bottle and a Shopping bag.
  • Be aware of your water and energy consumption in accommodations.
  • Choose public transport, walking, or cycling whenever possible.

Cultural Awareness

Interactions

  • A few words of Italian demonstrate appreciation.
  • Observe local customs, like dress codes for religious sites.
  • A friendly demeanor positively shapes interactions.

Local Etiquette

  • Request permission before photographing individuals.
  • The 'coperto' is a cover charge, not a tip.
  • Partake in the 'Passeggiata,' the evening stroll, to observe local life.

Beyond Modena

For Food Enthusiasts

  1. Continue your culinary journey in Bologna (the 'food capital').
  2. Visit Parma for Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano.
  3. Explore the wine regions of Tuscany.
  4. Discover local markets for fresh ingredients.
  5. Enroll in regional cooking classes.

History & Art Seekers

  1. Head south to Florence for Renaissance art and architecture.
  2. Explore Rome for ancient ruins and the Vatican.
  3. Consider Ravenna for its stunning Byzantine mosaics.
  4. Visit historic cities like Siena or Venice.
  5. Explore local art galleries and small museums.

Automotive World

For Foodies

Continue your culinary journey in Bologna ('food capital') or Parma (Prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano).

History & Art Seekers

Head south to Florence for Renaissance art or Rome for ancient ruins and the Vatican.

Automotive World

Explore the wider 'Motor Valley' triangle, including Bologna (Ducati) and Lamborghini, Pagani.

Essential Reminder

Save emergency numbers to your phone. Also, write them down and keep them in your wallet for quick access.

Trip Flow

Seasonal Visits

Autumn Experiences

  • Grape Harvest:

    Witness the grape harvest in surrounding vineyards.

  • Truffle Season:

    Enjoy fresh truffles at local restaurants and markets.

  • Food Festivals:

    Partake in various food festivals celebrating regional produce.

Spring Delights

  • Pleasant Weather:

    Enjoy comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.

  • Outdoor Exploration:

    Ideal conditions for cycling through the countryside.

  • Specific Events:

    Plan a trip around Festival Filosofia in September or Motor Valley Fest in May.

Regional Connections

Emilia-Romagna Grand Tour

Combine Modena with Bologna, Parma, Ferrara, and Ravenna for a comprehensive regional experience.

Northern Italy Circuit

Connect Modena with Milan (fashion, art), Venice (canals, art), and Florence (Renaissance) via high-speed rail.

Lakes & Coastlines

Explore the Italian lakes region (Lake Garda, Lake Como) or the rugged coastlines of Liguria (Cinque Terre).

Interest-Based Ideas

For Food Enthusiasts

  • Continue your culinary journey in Bologna, the 'food capital'.
  • Visit Parma for Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano production.
  • Explore the renowned wine regions of Tuscany.
  • Discover local markets and authentic trattorias for true flavors.

For History & Art Lovers

  • Head south to Florence for Renaissance art and architecture.
  • Explore Rome for ancient ruins, Vatican City, and a wealth of history.
  • Consider Ravenna for its stunning Byzantine mosaics.
  • Explore the historical narratives embedded in Italian cities.

Automotive Enthusiasts

Motor Valley Exploration

  • Explore the wider "Motor Valley" triangle, home to iconic brands.
  • Visit Bologna for Ducati motorcycle factory tours and museums.
  • Discover the factories and museums of Lamborghini and Pagani in nearby areas.
  • Plan specific routes to experience the automotive heritage of Emilia-Romagna.

Relaxation & Scenery

  • Explore the Italian lakes region (Lake Garda, Lake Como) for serene beauty.
  • Discover the rugged coastlines of Liguria, including the picturesque Cinque Terre.
  • Unwind in charming Italian towns outside the bustling city centers.
  • Enjoy leisurely walks and scenic views in Italy's diverse natural landscapes.

Travel Tip

Download offline maps on your phone. Navigation still works without an internet connection.