Modena is a little-known city in Emilia-Romagna and when truly explored it’s an absolute gem. From Modena in fact come Ferraris, Luciano Pavarotti and, of course, balsamic vinegar. In the summer the city truly comes alive, with food fairs, tastings and live bands in and around the streets of the historic city centre as well as military parades from the famous military academy near the city centre, in the Palazzo Ducale. Interestingly, it’s also home to the fifth best restaurant in the world, the three-michelin starred Osteria Francescana. Only 32 miles (or 1/2 hour by train) away from the region’s capital, Bologna, Modena is an easy daytrip. I spent 6 months living and working in Modena during my Third Year Abroad as an intern at Armani. It’s a lovely and genuine, authentic Italian city as it’s virtually free of tourists.

• Emilia-Romagna Tourism website