Modena - Santa Maria della Pomposa

Modena, an Etruscan foundation, was an important city in the Roman Empire and a stronghold against the barbarian attacks at its end. It is said that it was never sacked by Attila, for a dense fog hid it (a miracle said to be provided by Saint Geminianus, patron of Modena), but it was eventually buried by a great flood in the 7th century and abandoned.

Towards the end of the 9th century, Modena was rebuilt and fortified by its bishop Ludovicus. When the construction of the cathedral began in 1099, the city was part of the possessions of Margravine Matilda of Tuscia. But when the building was consecrated by Lucius III in 1184, it was a free commune. In the wars between Frederick II and Gregory IX, it sided with the emperor.

The church of Santa Maria della Pomposa is an ancient church once located at the edge of the city walls.

It was documented by 1153. It was a parish church, but got deconsecrated in 1774 and used as a storage for firewood. Then it was granted by Duke Ercole III to the confraternity of St Sebastian. The church was reconsecrated in 1814.