Fiorano Modenese: Ceramics, Heritage and Salse

Fiorano Modenese features several distinct landscapes: mud cones shape the terrain in the Salse di Nirano, while the historic village and the Santuario add an architectural accent. In Spezzano, the history of ceramics and the Acetaia in Castello di Spezzano take centre stage, while the Pista di Fiorano has a connection to Ferrari history.

Landscape and hiking trails

The Salse di Nirano nature reserve is a hollow surrounded by badlands. Numerous mud cones give the hilly landscape an almost lunar appearance. The cones form where cold, salty mud and cloudy water emerge, and have small craters.

Nine well-marked hiking trails are open to everyone; there are also four educational trails for activities for schools and families.

Santuario and historic village

The Baroque Santuario della Beata Vergine del Castello stands on a hill near the historic village. Its floor plan follows the shape of a Greek cross; it also has a central dome, two bell towers and two sacristies. On clear days, the view from the rear terrace of the Santuario-Basilica della Beata Vergine di Fiorano stretches north to the Torre Ghirlandina in Modena and south to the clay badlands of the first hills.

The Cammino delle Beatitudini reaches its final stop at the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Castello. Near the Santuario, an archaeological site preserves the remains of the old castle walls. In the historic village, 13 large ceramic panels mark the Itinerario s/Viste walking route.

A collection of ex-votos, painted plaques and votive objects in the side sacristies at the altar of the Santuario di Fiorano has borne witness to popular piety since the 17th century.

Ceramics and balsamic vinegar in Spezzano

In Spezzano, the Museo della Ceramica di Fiorano, founded in 1996, is housed in Castello di Spezzano. It traces the history of ceramic production from its Neolithic origins, through developments in the second half of the 20th century, to the present day. Using experimental archaeology, the museum reconstructs ceramic products, tools and kilns. Neolithic settlement and the Fiorano culture are also among the town’s early archaeological points of reference.

Another piece of historical evidence can be found in the church of Spezzano: the Tomba di Ciro Menotti tomb was completed in 1929. The Renaissance chapel is clad in polychrome marble.

The Acetaia comunale di Fiorano is located in the pentagonal tower of Castello di Spezzano. It houses three sets of barrels for producing Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena PDO and explains the traditional process in which cooked grape must becomes a typical balsamic product of the region. If you would like to visit the Acetaia, check in advance whether visits are currently possible.

The Pista di Fiorano

The Pista di Fiorano opened on 8 April 1972 and served Ferrari as a private test facility. The track is more than three kilometres long and has 14 bends and a chicane.

Discover more destinations: Dogaro, Castelvetro Di Modena, Casa Marchetti, Mirandola, San Prospero, Castelnuovo Rangone, Soliera, Pievepelago

For the main travel overview: Modena.