Ferrara is a charming small town typical of the Emilia-Romagna region. When compared to larger cities like Bologna or Parma it might be under-noticed. However, if you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, that represents the best of what the Emilia-Romagna region has to offer (without a tourist at a sight)… Come to Ferrara!
Quick Facts
Situated in the Emilia-Romagna region, just 5 km from the important river Po, Ferrara was the house of the Este lords for several centuries. This family left numerous treasures in the city, such as Renaissance masterpieces, magnificent buildings, and futuristic ideas, resulting in the designation of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
With fewer than 130.000 inhabitants, this charming town owns a huge castle, an amazing cathedral, medieval frescoes of enormous value, and a lot of nature. As a proper city from the Emilia-Romagna, Ferrara offers exquisite culinary traditions, rivaling that of Bologna.
Itinerary
Although Ferrara has several attractions worthy of visiting, a day trip is enough to get to feel the atmosphere of the city, learn about its past, and try some culinary delicacies. If you’re planning to explore Italy extensively, Ferrara can be a great accommodation spot to visit cities like Parma, Bologna, and Ravenna.
Let’s start this one-day itinerary in Ferrara!
1. Este Castle
Italian: Castello Estense or Castello di San Michele
The Este Castle in Ferrara dates back to the 14th century, having suffered numerous extensions and renovations under various Este lords. In the Second World War the castle was heavily damaged by bombs and more recently, in 2012, it suffered from a strong earthquake with traces of the effects still visible on the palace ceilings.
Besides all the difficult times, the castle stands today with an incredible amount of spaces to visit and admire. Immerse yourself in the palace atmosphere as you wander through the diverse rooms, kitchen, chapel, garden, and the Lion Tower. To visit the tower you have to power through a climb of many steps, however, I recommend adding it to your itinerary as you will be gifted with a stunning 360° view of the city at the top.
Go deeper into the history of the castle by paying a visit to the dungeons, where Niccolò III (Lord of Ferrara in the 14th century) once locked his own son, after discovering his affair with his second wife. Uncover all the details of this intriguing tale and much more during your castle exploration.
Opening hours: Everyday from 10.00am to 6.00pm except on Thursday when it’s closed.
Ticket price: 12€ for adults and 10€ for visitors under 18 years old or over 65 years old. To visit the Lion Tower it’s 2€ in addition.
2. Architectural OVNI: Rotonda Foschini
Just a few steps away from the Este Castle, you’ll find Ferrara Theater. Within its walls lies an enchanting elliptical-shaped courtyard, displaying an inspiring perspective of the sky. This unique architectural work from Antonio Foschini serves as a source of inspiration, inviting anyone, even if just for 5 minutes, to transform into an artistic photographer.
3. Lunch at Hostaria Savonarola
Possibly one of the best restaurants in the entire Emilia-Romagna region, Hostaria Savanarola offers an array of authentic and heartwarming dishes, at just 10 steps away from the grand Este Castle. To discover the essence of Ferrara, opt for the Cappellacci di Zucca al Ragù, stuffed pasta with pumpkin and ground beef; and Pasticcio alla Ferrarese, which resembles a lasagna, but made of pasta. How Italian! Don’t be stuck with pasta, as the meatballs (polpette) are also amazing and definitely worth trying.
You can experience all this exquisite cuisine with a privileged view of the Este Castle, on the Hostaria Savonarola outdoor sitting area. What a delightful experience!
Opening hours: Everyday from 12.00am to 3.00pm and from 7.00pm to 12.00pm
4. Ferrara Cathedral
Italian: Basilica Cattedrale di San Giorgio, Duomo di Ferrara
In the same square of Ferrara Castle, you’ll find the marvelous Ferrara Cathedral. The city’s main church reveals an intriguing facade, as the overall style is Romanesque, like other churches in the region, however, the upper section displays Gothic traces.
It is very likely that when you visit Ferrara’s Cathedral you find ongoing remodeling efforts. Over the course of the 16th to the 18th century, the building underwent several restoration projects, some in response to a huge fire. Centuries later, the cathedral is once again undergoing full restoration due to the 2012 earthquake events that also affected the Este Castle. Even so, you can pay a visit to the interior of the church and get a sneak peek of its past (and future) splendor.
Opening hours: Everyday from 7.30am to 12.30pm and from 3.00pm to 7.00pm
Ticket price: free
5. Trento and Triestre Square
Italian: Piazza Trento e Trieste or piazza delle Erbe
The square housing the Cathedral is known as Piazza Trento e Triste, standing as the city’s most famous spot. Here you’ll find old palaces, the Victory Tower, and little shops under the loggia dei Merciai, a traditional space for merchants. If you like to observe the daily life in the city, this square serves as an exceptional place for people-watching.
6. Vault Street & San Romano Street
Italian: Via delle Volte e Via San Romano
Going deep into Ferrara streets, just 6 minutes from the main square, we encounter Vault Street, a distinctive symbol of Ferrara. This medieval street is adorned with several arches, an architectural innovation to create a third dimension: an elevated passageway connecting artisans’ warehouses to their shops. While this architectural feature no longer serves its original purpose today, it is a testament to the city’s historical roots.
At the end of Vault Street, starts San Roman Street, which originated in the 12th century. It once constituted the primary access route from the banks of the River Po to the market square, the Trento and Trieste square. Today it’s most known for its little shops and caffés, as it’s one of Ferrara’s main streets.
7. Jewish Ghetto
Italian: Ghetto Ebraico
After San Romano street, we enter into the medieval district of Ferrara, which holds the rich historical legacy of one of Italy’s oldest Jewish communities and ghettos. In the 16th century, Mazzini Street served as the main passage of the ancient ghetto, by that time bustling with Jewish shops and buildings that continue to stand in their original structures to this day. Exploring this area allows us to uncover the city’s organizational structure, revealing distinctive construction and architectural features that set the ghetto apart from the rest of Ferrara.
8. Gelateria La Romana
Indulging in at least one gelato a day should be a must during your trip to Italy! On our way to the next stop, we take a sweet pause in our Ferrara itinerary, to treat ourselves to an exquisite Italian ice cream at La Romana. As a true and authentic artisanal shop, La Romana serves creamy and silky gelato, earning them incredible high reviews online.
If you are wondering which flavors to choose, go for the classic combination and ask for the Pesto di pistacchio (pistachio) and Pesto di Nocciola (hazelnut). Your taste buds will thank you!
Opening hours: Everyday from 12.00am to 11.00pm
9. Diamond Palace
Italian: Palazzo dei Diamanti
After a short 8 minute walk through Ferrara’s charming streets, we arrive at the iconic Diamond Palace, located on the Ercole I D’Este Street. If the name is not suggestive enough, the sight of this palace will for sure marvel you. This Renaissance building from the 15th century is not only a piece of art in its form, but it also houses art inside, as it is the National Painting Gallery of Ferrara (Pinacoteca Nazionale in Italian). In the museum, you can admire paintings from the Middle Ages up to the 18th century made by local artists such as Garofalo and Bellini.
Did You Know? The Diamond Palace is made of more than 8,500 white marble blocks carved to represent diamonds and each of them is positioned in the best way to maximize the light reflected off the building.
Opening hours: Everyday from 09.30am to 7.30pm
Ticket price: 13€ for adults and 11€ for visitors under 18 years old or over 65 years old.
Buy the tickets here.
10. Ercole I D'Este Street
Italian: Corso Ercole I D'Este
We finish our journey on Ercole I D’Este Street, renowned as one of Ferrara’s most iconic streets and also an essential factor in the city’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 15th century, the visionary Ercole I planned and implemented an urban project that revolutionized Ferrara into the pioneering modern city of Europe, characterized by straight and wide avenues, grand squares, and rich palaces.
Follow Ercole I D’Este street to the north you’ll find yourself in the peaceful Parco Massari, or head south for one last glimpse of the magnificent Este Castle.
Ferrara, though small in size, offers a wealth of richness and charm, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
Transport and Moving Around
Ferrara is not a big city so it is advisable to do everything by walking or, if you want to have the real experience, by renting a bike.
You can reach Ferrara from other cities by train:
- Florence – around 1 hours
- Milan – around 2 hours
- Rome – around 3 hours
Tips
As a smaller city, Ferrara offers excellent accommodation at affordable prices, making it an ideal base for exploring the entire Emilia-Romagna region.
Summary
Despite not being widely famous, Ferrara stands out as an authentic example of an Emilia-Romagna town. Unlike other Italian cities, you can wander in this charming villa without encountering a single tourist.
If you are looking to experience an immersive experience of real Italian life without all the hustle from the crowds and tourist traps (while indulging in delicious cuisine!), Ferrara is a must-stop. This one-day itinerary highlights the best things to do, guaranteeing a heavenly trip.
Seeking a day trip from Ferrara?
With just a 30 minute journey, you can discover the holy grail of food: Bologna
Check our travel guide about Bologna!
Bologna Bologna might not be the first city that comes to mind when you consider a visit to Italy, but let me tell you, once you’ve experienced Bologna, the only regret you’ll have is not having spent more time
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