Church of Saint Peter in Modena (Chiesa di San Pietro a Modena)

The church of San Pietro, the most important church in Modena in terms of antiquity and artistic heritage after the Duomo, can be seen today in its 15th-century appearance, but its origins go back to the early Middle Ages.

The Benedictine abbey attached to the church was founded in 983; incorporated into the reformed congregation of Santa Giustina in 1434, it was under the constant protection of the House of Este from then on. After the devolution of Ferrara, it was the scene of the solemn funeral of Duke Cesare. A victim of the late 18th century suppressions, the church is still officiated by Benedictine monks, while the large monastery with two cloisters is occupied by public offices.

The church’s appearance, particularly the richly ornamented façade in terracotta, makes it the most important work of Renaissance architecture in Modena. The interior layout, with three naves and side chapels, can be considered an attempt at typological adaptation of the Romanesque layout of the Cathedral. Numerous 16th-century altarpieces are preserved on the side altars and above all a large number of plastic works by Antonio Begarelli.