Ferrara
Italy · Emilia-Romagna · 9 m
Description
Ferrara is a Renaissance city on the Po plain that the Este dukes rebuilt to a plan, and the northern half of it is counted as the first piece of modern town planning in Europe. Its moated brick castle stands in the middle of the city with water still around it. The Palazzo dei Diamanti carries a facade of eight thousand faceted marble blocks, and Palazzo Schifanoia holds a fresco cycle of the months. Nine kilometres of city wall survive almost unbroken and are ridden rather than walked. Bicycles outnumber cars in the centre, and the old Jewish quarter runs behind the cathedral.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – June or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Castello Estense and its moat
- Palazzo dei Diamanti
- Renaissance city and Po Delta (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Cycling the nine kilometres of city walls
- Palazzo Schifanoia and the Hall of the Months
- Cathedral of Saint George
- Via delle Volte
- Jewish quarter and the synagogue
- Addizione Erculea, the planned northern city
- Pinacoteca Nazionale
- Monastery of Sant'Antonio in Polesine
- Palazzo Costabili and the archaeological museum
- Po Delta Park(Day trip)
- Comacchio and its canals(Day trip)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Ferrara, Ferrara Via Boschetto, Ferrara Città del Ragazzo