Welcome to Modena, a city where tradition, craftsmanship, and speed come together. Known as the “Terra di Motori” or “Land of Motors,” this area is the engine of Italy’s legendary Motor Valley, a world-renowned region that produces some of the most prestigious automotive brands in history: Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Pagani, Ducati, Dallara, and more. If you want to combine a food tour with Ferrari in Maranello check out the page.
For enthusiasts of engines, design, and adrenaline, Modena isn’t just a destination — it’s a pilgrimage.
A Land Driven by Passion and Precision
The roots of Modena’s motor legacy go back over a century. In the early 1900s, a wave of mechanical curiosity and technical mastery swept across Emilia-Romagna, giving rise to local workshops and eventually world-class manufacturers.
Here, Enzo Ferrari was born and began his incredible journey. Just a few kilometers away, Horacio Pagani set up his visionary supercar workshop. The Maserati brothers, originally from Bologna, also made their mark in Modena. This area became more than a production hub — it became a motor culture.
Today, Modena stands at the center of a thriving ecosystem of over 16,000 automotive companies, employing nearly 94,000 people and exporting billions in vehicles and components every year.
Explore the Icons: Ferrari, Maserati, and Pagani
No trip to the Terra di Motori is complete without a visit to its most iconic name: Ferrari.
- At the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, visitors can admire classic models, Formula 1 legends, and limited-edition supercars.
- In the city center of Modena, the Museo Enzo Ferrari offers an immersive experience tracing the life of the man behind the Prancing Horse — all inside a futuristic yellow building that echoes a car’s bonnet.
- Maserati, headquartered in Modena, is also open to the public through factory tours and museum visits, showcasing its blend of performance and Italian elegance.
- Just outside the city, the Pagani Museum and Atelier welcomes visitors to discover how one of the world’s most luxurious hypercars is hand-built — often with materials like carbon fiber and titanium.
Drive It Like You Mean It
Visiting museums is just the start. In Modena’s Terra di Motori, you can get behind the wheel yourself. Several agencies and official partners offer:
- Test drives of Ferraris or Lamborghinis on open roads or racetracks.
- Track days at the Modena Autodrome, where you can race safely under the guidance of professional instructors.
- Go-kart sessions for families and friends wanting a taste of racing action.
Whether you’re a pro driver or simply curious, the region offers unforgettable driving experiences that will get your heart racing.
Festivals and Events: The Motor Valley Fest
Each spring, Modena transforms into a living museum of engines and innovation with the Motor Valley Fest — a four-day celebration of automotive excellence. Car exhibitions fill the piazzas, experts discuss the future of mobility, and the streets buzz with the sound of classic and modern engines.
The event attracts tens of thousands of visitors and turns the entire city into a showroom for everything from electric supercars to vintage collectibles. Best of all? Many of the events are free and open to the public.
Engineering the Future
The Terra di Motori is not just about nostalgia and horsepower — it’s also a center of research and innovation.
Modena hosts institutions like the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UniMORE) and the Motorvehicle University of Emilia-Romagna (MUNER), where students train in engineering, motorsport technology, and sustainable mobility. These collaborations between academia and industry ensure that the Motor Valley continues to lead the way into the future.
Food and Fast Cars: The Perfect Combo
What makes Modena truly unique is the way it blends speed and flavor. After a morning tour of a supercar factory or test drive, why not indulge in a lunch of Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, and handmade tortellini?
At Emilia Delizia, we offer curated tours that combine Motors and Meals — allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Visit the Ferrari Museum in the morning, then relax in a countryside trattoria with a glass of Lambrusco. It’s an experience like no other.
Plan Your Visit
Top Motor Valley stops near Modena:
- Ferrari Museum (Maranello)
- Enzo Ferrari Museum (Modena)
- Maserati Factory and Showroom (Modena)
- Pagani Museum and Atelier (San Cesario sul Panaro)
- Modena Autodrome – for driving experiences
- Private car collections, such as the Umberto Panini Museum
Many of these can be visited in one or two days — or enjoyed over a longer stay in the region, especially when paired with food tours and cultural experiences.
Discover more from Emilia Delizia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.