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In 1598 Modena became the capital of the Estense Duchy.
The d'Este family governed the city almost without interruption until 1796, the year when Ercole III d'Este withdrew from the city in the face of the French advance.
From 1796 the French dominated, with alternating fortunes, until 1814. From that year the Austria-Este dukes Francis IV and Francis V governed the state until 1859.
With the decline of d'Este sovereignty, the city became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Holidays in Modena
Sited on the via Emilia, Modena has, since the days of the Roman empire, been an important agricultural center. This enchanting town is known Internationally because of its proximity to Maranello, head quarters of Ferrari, and also for being the home of one Italy's most illustrious Military Academies.
The countryside around Modena encompasses the Nature Reserve Salse di Nirano. Modena has many sites of artistic and cultural interest, such as Modena Cathedral, the Tower of the Ghirlandina, the Lapidario Museum, the Church of St. Pietro, the Church of St. Agostino, Palazzo Ducale, the Duchi d'Este Library, the Civic Museums and the Estense Gallery.
Events of particular importance organized in the town include: the Modena Antiques Show, Pavarotti International, the Theatre Festival, the Estense Week and the Quintana Fair.
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