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Ferrara

Tranquil and welcoming, Ferrara is a haven for art enthusiasts. Known as the “city of bicycles,” its very title captures the essence of this charming Emilian town. A legacy of the Este family who administered it for about 3 centuries, its urban planning combines elements of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

In Ferrara, time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its relaxed atmosphere. With minimal car traffic and abundant green spaces, the city offers a remarkably high quality of life. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Renaissance architecture and its connection to the Po Delta.

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The Estense Castle

Your first stop in Ferrara should undoubtedly be the Castello Estense, a magnificent fortress commissioned by Marquis Nicolò II d’Este in 1385. Originally designed as the seat of the Este militia, complete with stables and armories, it gradually transformed into a noble residence, hosting the vibrant court life of the Este family.

Despite undergoing various transformations, the upper part of the palace remained the lodging for the Este family, while the lower floors maintained their defensive function due to internal rebellions and sieges of rival cities. Visiting the interior of the castle you will have the opportunity to admire the apartments, kitchens, prisons, and garden of one of the most powerful families in Europe.

The St. Giorgio Cathedral

St. George’s Cathedral is the most important religious site in Ferrara, crafted entirely from white marble. As you approach, Inside the lunette of the central portal, St. George captures attention with his horse slaying the dragon; while scenes from the life of Christ unfold below.

The prothyrum stands out as a unique feature in Italy: above the loggia, the theme of the Last Judgment unfolds on three registers. Here, souls emerge from their tombs to face judgment by St. John the Baptist. Based on the weight of their souls, he directs them either to Heaven on the left, symbolized by Adam, or to Hell on the right, depicted with a menacing cauldron.

The interior, a classical three-aisle church, was rebuilt in Baroque style after the devastating fire of the 17th century. You will notice that the facade is being renovated, due to the 2012 earthquake.

A City With The Most Beautiful Streets In The world

For photography enthusiasts, a must-see in Ferrara is Via delle Volte, a unique cobblestone street stretching 2 kilometers. Originally serving a commercial purpose before the Po’ River diverted, this street was once home to merchants trading goods with the rest of Italy. Today, it offers the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable shots.

The focal point of the city is Piazza Trento e Trieste, formerly Piazza delle Erbe, a place of meetings, markets and political influence. Here, you’ll discover a remarkable concentration of symbols representing the various powers that have governed Ferrara throughout its rich history such as the Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Palazzo della Ragione, the Loggia dei Merciai, and the unfinished bell tower attributed to Leon Battista Alberto.

From this square, you can embark on a delightful promenade featuring a spacious 12-meter-wide sidewalk, inviting you to explore Ferrara’s charming streets at a leisurely pace. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to walk along Via Corso Ercole d’Este, acclaimed by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Finally do not miss a visit to the Palazzo dei Diamanti and Palazzo Schifanoia, the hall is 24 meters long and full of frescoes not to be missed.

No visit to Ferrara would be complete without exploring the magnificent Palazzo dei Diamanti and Palazzo Schifanoia,The Palazzo dei Diamanti’s stunning hall, spanning 24 meters in length, is adorned with captivating frescoes that are simply unmissable.

Indulge in local specialties such as cappellacci with pumpkin, cappelletti, and passatelli in broth, as well as lasagna and a savory pasticcio of maccheroncini, adorned with flavorful meat sauce, mushrooms, or truffles—all typical of Ferrara. As a main course, salama da sugo, a pork sausage with various innards flavored with spices and red wine, or soaked eel and guinea fowl, all accompanied by “coppia,” the strangely shaped Ferrara IGT bread.

Comacchio (Ferrara, Emilia Romagna, Italy). Canal with bridge and colorful houses.

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