Modena

Modena stands on the southern side of the Po Valley, on the course of the ancient Via Aemilia. The Roman colony of Mutina was founded here in 183 BC. Its medieval successor grew around the bishop's seat, and its cathedral, civic tower and great square formed the heart of a city that later became the capital of the Este dukes.

The Este secured lasting control of Modena in 1336, and the city became a duchy under Borso d'Este. When the family lost Ferrara to the papacy in 1598, Modena became the seat of its court. The ducal palace housed the military academy founded by Francesco III in 1757 to train officers for the Este army. The city's university, founded in the twelfth century, was enlarged under Francesco II in 1686.