On the Heels of Netflix: Modena’s Historic Market and Food Tour

Netflix has put Modena on the international culinary map through various food documentaries. Now discover the centuries of history, craftsmanship and gastronomic tradition behind the city’s celebrated food scene on a guided Modena food and market tour with Yummy Italy.

We’ll begin with a breakfast typical of the region: artisan coffee and gnocco fritto , a golden, puffed pillow of fried dough. As we enjoy this local favourite, we’ll explore Emilia-Romagna’s extraordinary gastronomic heritage from Roman times, discovering the significance of its 44 (and counting!) PDO and PGI products and the traditions that have made this region one of Italy’s great food destinations.

On our way to the market, we’ll visit Modena’s magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Romanesque Cathedral dedicated to San Geminiano. Dating back to 1099, this architectural masterpiece offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past before we delve into its equally fascinating culinary history.

Next, we’ll explore Mercato Albinelli , Modena’s beautiful covered market, opened in 1931 and celebrated for its elegant Liberty-style architecture. Amid its lively stalls and historic botteghe , we’ll discover the stories of local vendors and sample exceptional regional specialities at carefully selected purveyors, including historic businesses known as Botteghe Storiche . Taste Parmigiano Reggiano aged for 24 and 36 months and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar aged for at least 12 and 25 years, while uncovering the stories behind iconic dishes such as tortellini in brodo and tagliatelle al ragù . We’ll also stop for erbazzone , a delicious savoury filled pie from neighbouring Reggio Emilia.

Our journey continues to a remarkable historic salumeria dating back to 1605. A favourite of some of Modena’s most celebrated figures, including the composer Gioacchino Rossini and the late Luciano Pavarotti, this venerable establishment offers a taste of the region’s extraordinary cured-meat heritage. We’ll sample some of its finest products while exploring the traditions behind Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto di Modena and Culatello di Zibello.

Finally, we’ll visit a historic bakery founded in 1882 to sample some of Modena’s most indulgent traditional sweets.

More than a food tour, this is a journey into the history, people and culinary traditions that make Modena unique. Ideal for curious food lovers keen to discover the city beyond the screen.

Come hungry. Leave with a taste of Modena’s history.

Tasting Highlights: Artisan Coffee, Gnocco Fritto, 24 and 36 month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar min. 12 year and min. 25 year aged, Erbazzone Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto di Modena, Culatello di Zibello, typical Modenese sweets.