The city's cathedral is a historical Roman Catholic church completed in 1184 with a crypt for the city's patron saint, Saint Geminianus. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site according to the website Serving History. Other significant sites in Modena include Ducal Palace, which houses the military museum and library; Town Hall, known for the frieze in its interior painted by Niccolo dell'Abbate; and the Museum Palace, housing the prominent museums of Modena.
Modena is the home of the legendary sports car manufacturing company Ferrari. The headquarters for Lamborghini and Maserati are located a few kilometers from the city. The Emilia-Romagna region is unique in its balsamic vinegar production, and according to Paul Bertolli, chef and food writer in San Francisco, Modena is one of the two locations in the world that produces true balsamic vinegar, or Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena.
The culture of Modena celebrates a variety of art forms, specifically opera, as the town houses the Teatro Comunale Modena, or the Community Theater of Modena, and is also the birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti, famous opera tenor. Modena boasts a cuisine rich in history and variety, which centers on ham and salami. The city and the surroundings are known for their carefully prepared meat dishes such as Zampone, made by stuffing the front trotter of a pig with other meats.
