Opera lost one of its giants today with the passing of Luciano Pavarotti, one of the "Three Tenors" who sang on "Saturday Night Live" and at four World Cups. Before he did all that, though, he grew up playing soccer and teaching elementary school in the city of Modena, Italy, where his father was a baker and his mother worked in a cigar factory.
Pavarotti made his debut in the nearby town of Reggio Emilia at the Teatro Municipale, but he always had a soft spot for the Metropolitan Opera of New York, despite having performed in places as diverse as Central Park and underneath the Eiffel Tower. Though he loved New York, Pavarotti's home town has plenty to offer:
The Ghirlandina -- A massive bell tower next to the city's World Heritage Site cathedral, you could call this the Leaning Tower of Modena.
Hosteria Giusti -- The oldest deli in the world--it opened in 1605--is now a full-fledged restaurant where you can grub on hearty ragus and guzzle vino della casa.
The Ferrari Museum -- Just outside of Modena, the temple to fast cars celebrates the lore of Ferrari.
Related Stories:
· Pavarotti Dead at 71 [Yahoo]
· The Ferrari Museum [Official Site]
· Italy Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: rica.idw.tw]]]>