Visit Ferrara
City of Renaissance
Between history, art, gastronomy, and nature, Ferrara is a precious gem to discover by strolling its streets or cycling leisurely. Known as the city of bicycles and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it was the Este family who gave Ferrara its distinctive appearance, which it still retains today. Born in the Middle Ages, Ferrara became, thanks to its Renaissance expansion, the first modern “ideal city.” It is a captivating place where a harmonious balance between the medieval, Renaissance, and contemporary eras prevails.
Visiting Ferrara will be a delight for all senses, with cobblestone alleys, squares, grand monuments, extensive parks, and the ancient walls that embrace Ferrara in a green hug.
The symbol of the city is the mighty Estense Castle, built in 1385. This real fortress, surrounded by a moat, features towers, dungeons, and a drawbridge system, all in the heart of the historic center. The castle has lived three lives: first as an impregnable fortress, then as a splendid court palace, and now as a museum.
A short walk away is the imposing Cathedral of San Giorgio, a perfect fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles, adjacent to Piazza Trento e Trieste. Surrounding the cathedral is a historic center composed of charming medieval streets, including the characteristic Via delle Volte. These streets once hosted one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe.
An unparalleled Renaissance gem is the Palazzo dei Diamanti, home to the National Art Gallery and a favored venue for internationally renowned art exhibitions. It is rumored that one of its 8,500 diamond-shaped stones conceals a real gem from the crown of Ercole I d’Este.
Discovering Ferrara also means visiting some of its most beautiful palaces, such as Palazzo Schifanoia, symbolizing Renaissance splendor, where you can be enchanted by the magnificent frescoes of the Hall of the Months and the opulence of the Hall of Stuccoes. There’s also Casa Romei, the only example in the city of a 15th-century noble residence, and the Ducal Palace, now the Town Hall, where you can explore rooms rich with tapestries, frescoes, and lavish decorations.
DIscover more on www.inferrara.it/en/c/1/arte-e-cultura
Experiences in the City
Discover the city with guided tours organized by InFerrara, the local DMO. The best way to get to know Ferrara: from the historic center to the main museums and monuments, as well as tailored itineraries, bicycle tours, and tastings.
Yo can discover more on www.inferrara.it/experiences/experiences. All the guided tours at this link are all held in italian, but it is possibile to organize a private tour/experience by calling in advance the Tourist Information Office.
The InFerrara team also offers personalized proposals for companies wishing to provide employees with a team-building moment, offer clients or suppliers a special getaway, or enrich a business trip with some unique experiences.
An other interesting opportunity to see the most fascinating places in the city is the MyFe card: is the tourist card of Ferrara, that allows you to experience the city uniquely, saving time and money. It includes a ticket for visiting museums and city monuments, as well as an exemption from paying the tourist tax.
Ferrara on Foot or by Bike: A Slow City
For those born and raised in Ferrara, getting around by walking or cycling is a daily routine. In a flat, human-sized city where cycling is a way of life, slow tourism is ideal. One of the locals’ favorite walks is along the historic walls: 9 kilometers of greenery where you can discover the remnants of the ancient defensive system among bastions, gun batteries, and city gates.
The city’s green lung is the Urban Park, with its 1,200 hectares, but there are also delightful public gardens in the city center, such as Parco Massari, with its unmistakable English style. Nearby is the splendid Piazza Ariostea, a popular spot for breakfasts and aperitifs, and the Monumental Charterhouse, an evocative open-air museum that is much more than a cemetery. Besides the remains of notable figures like Michelangelo Antonioni, Filippo De Pisis, and Giovanni Boldini, there are also busts and statues of famous artists and the Temple of San Cristoforo.
Discover more on www.inferrara.it/en/c/11/turismo-slow
A Great Love for Cuisine
Ferrara is the homeland of “good eating”: its culinary tradition roots back to the medieval period but blossomed during the Renaissance when banquets became exclusive court events.
Cristoforo da Messisbugo was the first chef to record various local recipes, such as pumpkin cappellacci with ragù or butter and sage, cappelletti in broth, salama da sugo, and pasticcio di maccheroni, a pastry shell filled with pasta, béchamel, ragù, and nutmeg. A must-try during your visit is the coppia ferrarese, a typical bread with an unusual cross shape and four fragrant horns.
Among the desserts, you cannot miss tasting the pampapato, a delicacy made with dried fruit, candied fruit, spices, and dark chocolate, and the Tenerina cake, a traditional chocolate indulgence.
To fully savor the typical cuisine of Ferrara, you can find a list of traditional restaurants that belong to the “Ristorante Tipico Ferrarese” circuit. It is a tool to recognize local dining establishments that, through the quality of their service and the professionalism of their staff, promote the knowledge and appreciation of Ferrarese food and wine.
Discover more on www.inferrara.it/en/c/9/food