Modena was a daytrip visit from our base in Bologna. A 30-minute train trip. The previous review by Michael in 2023 is spot on and there is little I can add. We had the good fortune of a clear day in a week of light rain when visiting the Cathedral located in the Piazza Grande. It is only a 5 - 10-minute walk from the Train Station. The main church was open for viewing; however the crypt and lower part of the church was closed to tourists at the time of our visit. The Cathedral and Bell tower were striking within the Square, and it appeared that the church was on a lean in comparison to the Bell Tower, but not sure if this is attributed to the level of the Piazza. Although the OUV is a small area contained within the Piazza itself, it is also a lovely town to wander an explore. In hindsight, we probably should have based ourselves here and day tripped to Bologna. Christmas markets were in the process of being set up around the Piazza on the day of our visit in mid-November 2025. There was no cost to enter the Cathedral or Crypt (when open)

An interesting footnote not specifically associated with the OUV, but located in Piazza Grande is the famous Ringadora Stone, a large block of marble that was used as a public forum (stage) in medieval times. It also was used to display bodies of unknown deceased persons, who were laid out on the stone slab in the Piazza in the hope that they could be identified by community members. It still stands there today within the Piazza Grande.