When it comes to Emilian Baroque, Modena holds a place of honour. As the court city of the powerful House of Este, Modena experienced a period of extraordinary splendour between the 17th and 18th centuries, leaving behind an artistic and architectural heritage of exceptional value. Even today, visitors can admire magnificent palaces, lavishly decorated interiors and remarkable collections that reflect the taste and grandeur of the Este court. Walking through the halls of historic noble residences, admiring architecture enriched with theatrical details and being captivated by masterpieces created by the great Italian Baroque painters is like taking a true journey back in time.
If you love art, history and cultural itineraries, this journey through the Baroque masterpieces to see in Modena and its surroundings is the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most refined and fascinating sides of Emilia-Romagna.
Ducal Palace of Modena
Among the landmarks of Modena’s Baroque heritage, the Ducal Palace of Modena undoubtedly stands out. Art and architecture experts consider it one of the finest princely palaces built in 17th-century Europe. Located in the heart of the historic centre, it served for centuries as the seat of power of the House of Este and continues to impress visitors with its monumental scale and the richness of its interiors.
Commissioned by Duke Francesco I d’Este, construction began in 1634 under the direction of architect Bartolomeo Avanzini, with contributions from Girolamo Rainaldi, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Francesco Borromini and Pietro da Cortona. Distinguished by its elegant façade and its grand Courtyard of Honour, the palace reveals interiors of extraordinary beauty, enriched with frescoes, stucco work and decorations that evoke the aristocratic life of the Este court.
Today, the palace houses the Modena Military Academy and can only be visited on guided tours held on Saturdays and Sundays, subject to advance booking and availability.
Galleria Estense of Modena
Although the Galleria Estense is not itself a Baroque building, it houses an outstanding collection of Baroque paintings that reflects the artistic richness of the period through dramatic compositions, striking chiaroscuro and a remarkable sensitivity to colour that continues to fascinate scholars and visitors from around the world.
Founded in 1854 by Francis V of Austria-Este and housed in the Palazzo dei Musei since 1894, it is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious national galleries. It preserves the rich artistic heritage once belonging to the House of Este, later expanded through additional acquisitions. Its collections include paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, drawings, bronzes, ceramics, medals, ivory carvings and musical instruments.
As you explore its galleries, you will encounter masterpieces by some of the leading artists of the Italian Baroque, including Guido Reni, Guercino, Carlo Cignani and Elisabetta Sirani, one of the few women painters to achieve recognition in an era dominated by men. Among the most significant Baroque works are Saint Roch in Prison by Guido Reni, Venus, Mars and Cupid by Guercino, Flora by Carlo Cignani and Saint Francis Adoring the Crucifix by Elisabetta Sirani.
Ducal Palace of Sassuolo
Just a few kilometres from Modena lies the Ducal Palace of Sassuolo, one of the finest and most important Baroque residences in northern Italy. The palace’s present appearance is the result of the ambitious renovation commissioned by Duke Francesco I d’Este, who, during the first half of the 17th century, entrusted the Roman architect Luigi Bartolomeo Avanzini with transforming the family’s medieval castle into a magnificent suburban residence for the Este court.
The decoration of its interiors was entrusted to a distinguished group of artists, including the French court painter Jean Boulanger, Angelo Michele Colonna and Agostino Mitelli, renowned masters of Bolognese quadratura painting, together with numerous talented decorators and stucco artists such as Luca Colombi and Lattanzio Maschio.
Inside, visitors follow a spectacular route through frescoed halls, illusionistic perspectives and theatrical decorative schemes designed to celebrate the greatness of the House of Este and astonish guests with the magnificence of the Baroque style.
Photo credits: Ducal Palace of Modena © VisitModena | Galleria Estense of Modena © WGA – Wikipedia | Ducal Palace of Sassuolo © FAI
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