Motor Valley Guide: Ferrari, Lamborghini & Maserati from Modena
The Motor Valley of Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and Ducati. Here's your complete guide to visiting Italy's automotive heartland from Modena.
The Most Famous 80km of Road in Automotive History
The stretch of Via Emilia between Modena and Bologna produced more iconic cars than anywhere else on earth. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and De Tomaso were all born here. This is not a coincidence — it's a culture, a craft tradition, and a passion that runs through generations.
Modena is the perfect base for exploring Motor Valley. Here's everything you need to know.
Museo Enzo Ferrari — Modena (10 min walk)
The closest stop — and the most personal. The museum occupies a futuristic building designed by Future Systems that wraps around Enzo Ferrari's actual birth house, a modest yellow structure built in 1881.
Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions of historic Ferraris, Formula 1 cars from different eras, design sketches, and intimate personal effects. The story of a man who turned passion into obsession into legend.
Tickets: €17 adults | Hours: Daily 9:30–18:00 | Book online to skip queues.
Ferrari Museum — Maranello (15 min drive)
The main Ferrari Museum in Maranello — 20km south of Modena — is the pilgrimage site for tifosi worldwide. Two pavilions: one dedicated to the history of the Prancing Horse, one showcasing current and concept models.
For the ultimate experience, combine the museum visit with a Ferrari track experience or a factory tour (book months in advance — very limited spots).
Tickets: €19 | Combined Modena+Maranello ticket: €27
Lamborghini Museum & Factory — Sant'Agata Bolognese (30 min)
The Lamborghini factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese is one of the most exclusive automotive experiences in the world. On the guided factory tour, you'll watch craftspeople hand-stitching leather interiors, hand-assembling engines, and rolling finished Huracáns and Urus off the line.
The Museo Lamborghini houses legendary concept cars, the original Countach, Miuras, and the complete heritage collection.
Book 2-3 months in advance — factory tours sell out quickly. €90 per person.
Maserati — Modena
Maserati's roots are in Modena, where the brand was founded in 1914. While the main production has moved, the historic Maserati factory on Viale Ciro Menotti still exists. Occasional tours are available — contact the factory directly.
The Maserati Trident emblem was inspired by the Neptune fountain in Bologna's Piazza Maggiore.
Pagani Automobili — San Cesario sul Panaro (20 min)
The most exclusive name in Motor Valley. Pagani produces fewer than 40 cars per year, each hand-assembled in a laboratory-clean factory. The Museo Pagani was recently opened to the public — a small, intimate space showcasing the Zonda, Huayra, and Utopia.
Book well in advance. Limited capacity.
Ducati — Bologna (40 min)
For two-wheel enthusiasts, the Ducati Museum and factory tour in Bologna is an unmissable addition. The museum traces 100 years of Italian motorcycle engineering, with every race-winning bike on display.
Practical Tips for Motor Valley
- Best way to visit: Rent a car (ironic, but true). Public transport between factories is limited.
- Best day: Weekdays — factories are closed on weekends.
- Combine visits: Ferrari Modena + Ferrari Maranello is a full day. Lamborghini is a separate day.
- Book everything in advance — most factory tours sell out weeks ahead.
- Ask Martin — as a local, he can give you the latest opening hours, tips, and occasionally arrange private visits.
Martin's Home is in Modena's historic center — the ideal base for your Motor Valley adventure. Free private parking included for guests who book directly.
Stay in the Heart of Modena
Martin's Home is steps away from everything you've read about. Book direct for the best rates.
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