Modena World Heritage Festival

The event Modena World Heritage Festival returns in 2026 from October 2nd to 4th, according to the event calendar released by the Municipality of Modena. This year again, the weekend will be dedicated to the promotion of the city's UNESCO site, with the Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Tower, and Piazza Grande as protagonists of a program of free initiatives.

Following the pattern of previous editions, the major events that have characterized the festival are expected to be repeated: the evening videomapping show on the Ghirlandina, themed guided tours by reservation, special openings, and workshops for children and families. The detailed 2026 program, including the edition's theme, timings, and participating artists, will be published by the World Heritage Office of the Municipality of Modena in the weeks leading up to the event.

The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published. The official dates are set from October 2nd to 4th, 2026.

Based on recent editions, one can expect a three-day structure with:

• an evening videomapping show on the Ghirlandina Tower in Piazza Torre, with free admission, featuring multiple projections per night;
• themed guided tours by reservation of the Cathedral and the Ghirlandina;
• special openings of monuments and cultural institutions;
• readings, musical moments, and workshops for children and families.

The complete program, with timings and guest names, will be announced by the World Heritage Office of the Municipality of Modena shortly before the event.

The usual evening videomapping show on the Ghirlandina Tower, the heart of the festival, and the guided tours of the UNESCO complex in Piazza Grande. Detailed program coming soon.

Where

The heart of the event is Modena's UNESCO complex: Cathedral, Ghirlandina Tower, and Piazza Grande, in the historic center. The videomapping projections take place in Piazza Torre.

How to get there

By train: Modena station is served by the Milan-Bologna high-speed line and regional trains; from the station, the historic center can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes or by city buses. By car: take the Modena Nord or Modena Sud exits from the A1 motorway; it is advisable to park in the park-and-ride lots and reach the center on foot, given the ZTL (limited traffic zone).

Admission

Main events, including the evening projections on the Ghirlandina, are free admission. Themed guided tours are generally free but require reservation, subject to availability.

Information

World Heritage Office, Municipality of Modena - tel. +39 059 2033122 / +39 059 2033119, e-mail [email protected].