Blog about Italy with love. Cathedral of St. George. Ferrara - "ideal city"

Ferrara (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Ferrara with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Ferrara (Italy)

Ferrara is a city in northeastern Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region, the capital of the province of the same name. It is located on the territory of a large plain in the valley of the Po River, 50 km from the sea. Ferrara is a magnificent city of art and one of the capitals of the Renaissance, the historic center of which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Ferrara is a great place for those who want to get away from the traditional tourist route Venice - Florence - Rome and touch the culture and traditions Northern Italy. Here, among the winding medieval streets, masterpieces of art, architecture and culture lurk. The brightest page in the history of Ferrara is associated with the Dukes of d'Este, who ruled the city for 3 centuries.

Ferrara is an interesting example of urban planning, in which half of the city is medieval and the other part is Renaissance. At the same time, all this successfully combines and intersects. At that time, Ferrara was considered the most modern city in Italy. visit it wonderful place best in spring and autumn.

Geography and climate

Ferrara is located on the Po Valley in the Po valley. It borders the Veneto region to the north and Bologna to the south. The city is located in a swampy area. Summers are hot and stuffy. Winter and autumn are cool and rainy. Fog is frequent in Ferrara during the cold season.

Practical information

1. The population is 132.5 thousand people.
2. The area is 404.4 square kilometers.
3. The language is Italian.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1 in summer +2.
7. tourist office located in the castle d'Este.
8. Ferrara is a wealthy Italian city. Therefore, here you can find many shops from budget fashion to expensive boutiques. The main shopping areas are via Mazzini (street leading from Piazza Trento-Trieste) and via Garibaldi (street leading from Palazzo Municipio), as well as the entire city center around Castello d'Este.
9. Be sure to try cappellacci di zucca (pasta with pumpkin), al burro e salvia (pasta with butter and sage), al ragu (pasta with meat sauce) and other Italian dishes in Ferrara.
10. In the evenings on main square going a large number of young people who communicate noisily, drink beer and cocktails.

Story

The history of Ferrara begins in the 5th century, when refugees began to settle here during the invasion of the barbarians. During the reign of the Lombards, a fortress was built here. In the 8th century, the Lombard king gave the city as a gift to the Pope. But already in the 10th century, Ferrara was transferred to the nobles of Tuscany.

In the 10th-13th centuries, the city grew rapidly and prospered, becoming one of the most important and largest cities Northern Italy on a par with Venice, Florence and Milan.

In the 13th century, the d'Este family came to power in the city, during which Ferrara turned into one of the cultural and scientific centers Italy. The Este have defined the face of Ferrara for two centuries, and their courtyard was one of the most beautiful and luxurious in Europe.

At the end of the 16th century, after the fall of the power of d "Este, Ferrara lost its independence and became part of the Papal States. After the Napoleonic Wars, the city was occupied by the Austrians. And in 1860 it became part of Italy.

Attractions

The main attractions of Ferrara are located in the old town, which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The historic center has retained much of its medieval appearance and renaissance style layout. All the most famous monuments The architecture and culture of Ferrara bears the stamp of the d'Este family.

Castello Estense (Castle of Este) is one of the main symbols of Ferrara. This mighty stronghold was built in the 14th century on the site of a small fortress. The reason for the construction was the uprising of citizens. The castle stands out for its impressive proportions, towers, drawbridges and moat.

Subsequently, his protective role was transformed into a representative one. The castle thus became a splendid ducal residence and was adorned with roof terraces at the top of the towers, marble balconies, a Renaissance courtyard (at that time entirely frescoed) and sumptuous apartments. Impressive towers stand out in the four corners of the castle, symbols of the power of the d'Este family.

Most of the most popular attractions are located in the Centro Storico, which, of course, is not at all surprising. In the Middle Ages, the old city was surrounded by fortified walls. Central square Ferrara is the piazza of Trento and Trieste with a castle at one end and a cathedral at the other.

The area is car-free and often filled with market stalls. The main centers of power were located here: the ducal palace of the Lords of Este; the Bishops' Palace and the Palazzo della Ragione - the seat of civil authorities.

Cathedral of St. George - a cathedral with a beautiful facade. Its appearance is a peculiar evolution of architecture from the Romanesque lower tier, built at the beginning of the 12th century, up to the beautiful early Gothic loggia of the 16th century. An impressive bell tower with pink and white Renaissance marble was built nearby. The side that overlooks Piazza Trento and Trieste is an arcaded gallery with small shops and is called the tradesmen's loggia. Above the central loggia, a sculpture of the Last Judgment is carved in stone.

One of the highlights of Ferrara is its architecture and layout, which is frozen between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. To feel the past, just walk along the long Via delle Volte or other old streets old city. Here, underfoot are old paved cobblestones, and overhead are passages between buildings that form a series of arched tunnels. Delle Volte, unlike many of these picturesque medieval streets, is not oversaturated with shops and other tourist attractions.

The eight kilometers of brick walls surrounding the historic center of Ferrara are among the oldest and most advanced medieval and renaissance defensive systems in Italy. Here you can see all the elements that cities used to defend themselves in the past: moats, city gates, bastions, towers and shelters for archers. Now it is a great place for walking.

The Archaeological Museum is located in the historic Palazzo di Ludovico il Moro, commissioned by Antonio Costabili. This is a beautiful 15th century Renaissance palace with a courtyard and frescoes. The magnificent collections of the museum mainly contain artifacts from the Greco-Etruscan and late Roman period.

Pomposa Abbey is a masterpiece of Romanesque art with a beautiful tall bell tower. The church was founded in the 6th century and from the middle of the 9th century there was a community of Benedictine monks. The spiritual and political jurisdiction of the abbot extended to all the surrounding villages. The monastery had one of the most extensive libraries of that time.

There is so much to see in life! What a shame if you don't make it! On May 30, 2012, the media reported that a strong earthquake in Northern Italy destroyed the historic center of the city of Ferrara, which is under the protection of UNESCO.

Life experience suggested that in our time all the information is worth checking, so in one of summer evenings we went to Ferrara.

The city met with closeness after the July heat of the day. From the walls of the houses it was simply full of heat.

In the depths of the narrow streets we found an air-conditioned restaurant with traditional cuisine for these places. I personally didn’t really like Tortillini with sweet pumpkin, but it was interesting to try.

After dinner, we set off to look for the "turned into ruins" historical center of the city.

Ferrara Cathedral of the 12th century - without a single crack.

Unfortunately, the cathedral was already closed, so it was not possible to visit inside.

Perfectly preserved medieval city with towers and battlements lived an ordinary life. Fortunately, nothing reminded of the earthquake that had occurred in Ferrara.

There were few tourists in the evening. But the streets were still filled with people.

The sounds of the guitar carried far along the ancient streets and squares of Ferrara, setting a romantic mood.

Some people are lucky to live in such a city! Here you can wander the streets all night.

On the square there was a performance (or rehearsal) of a youth group with flags. Every summer Ferrara hosts a theater festival.

It seems that in Ferrara the number of bicycles exceeds the number of cars. It was noticeable by the unusual breath in these streets.

For more than 300 years Ferrara was ruled by the D'Este dynasty, which left the city magnificent castle Castello Estense. A huge medieval building does not fit into any photograph, it is also called the Castle of St. Michael (Castello Estense, Castello di San Michele).

History has preserved the date of laying the castle - September 29, 1385. It was on this day that the castle was given the name of St. Michael.

Estense Castle in Ferrara is a massive medieval fortification with 4 corner towers, surrounded by a moat.

Several passages with drawbridges lead to the castle.

After the construction of the city walls in the 15th century, the defensive function of the castle faded into the background and the Este family took up interior design, for which he was invited famous architect and the painter Girolamo da Carpi. Appearance The castle was somewhat changed and has survived to this day in a more peaceful version.

During the Second World War, Estense Castle was badly damaged during the bombing and was completely restored only in 2006.

It is difficult to say whether the huge structure was a heavenly place for the Este family ... Often, the family of rulers hid behind these walls from popular unrest.

I have not been able to visit inside the castle yet, but there is something to see there, definitely. Guidebooks say that there are luxurious Gothic halls and a dungeon, chapels and an orange garden. Definitely need to go back to Ferrara!

Barriers were seen around the castle. The journalists wrote that the towers of the castle had fallen. Will they really fall? They say that thoughts sometimes materialize! Let's hope this isn't the case...

How tired of lies from all sides! It seems that newspaper ducks this time angered even the monument to the monk-thinker Sovanarola ...

Night Ferrara is magnificently illuminated, probably UNESCO funds are spent here for their intended purpose.

Perhaps Ferrara is one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles that I have seen.

In addition to architectural masterpieces, Ferrara is famous for the Palio di San Giorgio races, in which teams from eight districts of the city compete. The races in Ferrara have been held in the last week of May since 1259. That's the reason to return to Ferrara. We will definitely be back!!!

Ferrara is full interesting streets. They are all very cozy, brick and terracotta, a little shabby, with intricate arches, stone decor and a special atmosphere.
This red-brown paradise, dating back to the Middle Ages, is perfectly adapted to the needs modern city. The streets of Ferrara are sunny, warm, as if permeated with living energy. Many with such beloved arcades - an outstanding invention, ideal from rain, snow and the scorching Italian luminary. And what a play of light and shadow begins when the sun cuts the pavement into dark and light patterns...

However, not all streets can boast of galleries, for example, via San Romano can rightfully be proud of them. This is the old city artery, starting near the Duomo, or rather from Trento Trieste Square, where all kinds of fairs often take place.

The name of the street comes from the name of the church, which is located at its very beginning. The Cathedral of San Romano is very ancient, the original construction dates back to the 10th century, but later there were changes and reconstructions.

The church was eventually abolished and began to be used for various religious needs. Today it houses the Museum of the Dome Cathedral with very serious works: the statue of the Madonna Melograno (with pomegranate) by Jacopo della Quercia, sculptures of the 13th century and the work of Cosimo Tura.

Via San Romano has a well-preserved medieval appearance - long, porticoed, a little gloomy. It is still a successful shopping street to this day, thanks to its excellent location in the heart of the city. And, of course, there is a huge amount here, because this is the most popular mode of transport in the city.

Another very large and important street of Ferrara is Via Mazzini. From it diverges a network of lanes, busy in the distant (and not so) past. Here in house number 95 there is a building of three synagogues with a museum and a memorial plaque in memory of the victims of the Second World War.

The stay of Jews in Ferrara has deep roots, in the 15th century the dukes d "Este favorably accepted the community. The Ferrara ghetto arose between 1624 and 1627 under papal rule. And it was a territory closed with bars on the site of the current streets of Mazzini, Vignatalita, Vittoria and a small Square Lampronti.

Now these streets are not much different from others, they are quiet and cozy with brickwork and fancy lanterns. The gratings are long gone, they were demolished in 1848.

An interesting story can be told main avenue Corso Martiri della Liberta. If translated, the name will be very impressive - Martyrs of Liberty Avenue. Previously it was named glorious city Rome, and in the old days of the Commune. The current name reflects historical fact: on the night of November 14-15, 1943, punitive fascist detachments killed 11 Ferraras. The horrors and cruelty of wartime...

The avenue with such a tragic history will nevertheless be of interest to the traveler, because it contains attractions that create the image of Ferrara: the Communal Theatre, the Municipal and Archbishop's palaces and, of course, the unusual Duomo - an explosive and majestic mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

This is a thriving modern trading center near the Po River. Ferrara is located in the eastern part of the region, on the way from Padua and further to.

The first mention of a settlement with this name appeared in 757 under Pope Stephen II. The place in the valley of the Po River, not far from the confluence of the Darsena tributary, turned out to be a convenient outpost, and soon people began to flock here in search of protection from the raids of the Lombards. The favorable location of the city - at the intersection of the main routes from the Adriatic coast in the valley of the Po River, as well as between Romagna and the northern regions - made it the subject of constant clashes between the pope and the emperor. In Ferrara, the Guelphs, who were represented by the Este family, won, and in 1264, Obizzo II d'Este was at the head of the Signoria.

Ruled by Ferrara for three and a half centuries, representatives of this family transformed and enlarged the city. The last Duke of Ferrara from this family was Cesare d'Este. With the departure of D'Este in 1598, the capital of the duchy falls into decay.

In 1796, the city was captured by French troops and during their stay they destroyed many architectural monuments and took out bronze statues and decorations for melting down for artillery pieces. After the expulsion of the invaders in 1815, Ferrara was again annexed to the papal possessions, and in 1860, by the will of the people, the city became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

There are few cars and motorcycles on the streets of the city, most of the townspeople move along the old streets on bicycles. In hotels, tourists are offered this type of transport for free.

Weather in Ferrara:

Ferrara Attractions:

It is possible to see all the sights of Ferrara in 1 day, and if you don’t go straight to all the sights, then half a day is enough.

Cathedral of San Giorgio

The main monument of the Middle Ages remains CathedralCan Giorgio(Cattedrale di San George, XII century), dedicated to the patron of Ferrara, St. George. The construction of the cathedral was started by Bishop Landolfo, who announced a competition among the city's nobility for the right to sponsor the construction of the cathedral. This honor was awarded to Guglielmo I degli Adelardi - his equestrian monument adorns the main (western) facade of the temple.

Master Nikolaus, an Italian architect and sculptor who worked in the 12th century, built the cathedral to the first level of galleries - only the central nave towered above the rest.

In the XVIII-XIX centuries, the western facade received the exquisite decoration that we see today, but, paying tribute to the talent of Nikolaus, the Romanesque entrance built by him was preserved behind the new portal.

Initially, it was not the western entrance that was considered the main one, but southern, facing the trading area. It was called the Pilgrim's Gate ( Rorta dei Pellegrini), since it ended here via San Romano (via San Romano), originating from the port on the river Po. Wanderers who sailed past Ferrara came to bow to St. George. Another name for the southern portal - Gate of the months(Porta dei Mesi): it is decorated with figures of people engaged in a certain business according to the calendar.

Two-faced Janus (a symbol of the Old and New Years) - January, an armed rider, probably - May (at this time they usually went on military campaigns), a grape picker - September. Fragments of the southern portal were badly damaged, and not all symbols can be deciphered.

• Cathedral of San Giorgio
• Piazza della Cattedrale
• daily 08.00–12.00, 15.00–19.00, Mon. St.

From the main facade of the cathedral Corso Martiri della Liberta leads to the huge castle of Castello Ectense:

Castle of Castello Ectense

Previously, the defensive walls of the Old Town passed in this place, but after the construction of the Ercole district began in 1492, the most elegant street in Ferrara was laid on the site of the former fortifications.

The construction of the castle began in 1385 after a formidable uprising caused by excessive taxes, during which the mob killed the senior adviser Tomaso da Tortona. The original plan included part of the defensive system in the north of the city - lion tower(Torre dei Leoni). The tower got its name back in 1248, when Azzo VII d'Este Novello defeated Emperor Frederick II himself. As a trophy, the winner brought two lions with him to the city, and ordered to place their symbolic images on the tower in memory of the significance of his services to the fatherland. The motto of the Este dynasty is also carved there - semper avanti! ("Always forward!").

Together with the Lion Tower, three bastions formed a rectangle surrounded by two-tiered walls. Initially, there was a garrison in the castle, but from the 2nd half of the 15th century, the castle became part of the count's residence. The Este family palace was almost opposite and was connected to the castle by a covered passage.

Under Ercol II (1534-1559), the Palace of Justice was located in Castello. In one of the towers there were prison cells. Among their prisoners were Hugo d'Este (son of Nicolò III) and Parisina Malatesta (wife of the same Nicolò III), convicted of adultery, Guido and Ferrante d'Este, accused of plotting against Alfonso I.

In the 16th century, the construction of the castle was completed. Architect Girolamo da Carpi replaced stone battlements with balconies and created a hanging orange garden Loggia degli Aranci, for which he ordered to plant orange trees in holes made in the stone floor of the terrace, surrounded by a brick wall with narrow slots. They say that through them the ladies of the D'Este family peeped at what was happening on the city streets. After the death of the last representative of the dynasty, the castle became the residence of the cardinals who rule Ferrara on behalf of the pope. Since 1859, Castello Ectense has been owned by the city authorities.

• Castello Ectense
• Largo Castello, 1
• winter: Tue–Sun 09.30–17.30
• summer (June 1 - Aug 31): Tue-Sun 09.00-13.00 and 15.00-19.00
• Ticket offices close 45 minutes before closing.
• Closed: 25 Dec, Mondays from Oct. to Feb.
• Entrance: 6 euros,
• children 12 - 18: 3 euros,
• children under 12: 1 euro.

Casa Romei

A 15-minute walk from the castle is Casa Romei(Casa Romei, XV century), the palace in which Lucrezia Borgia lived after her marriage to Duke Alfonso d'Este in 1502. The interiors have not been preserved, but in the halls you can see frescoes and sculptures from the Renaissance.

• Casa Romei
• Via Savonarola, 30
• Tue–Sun 08.30–19.30

Palazzo Schifanoia

The name of the Palazzo Schifanoia ( Palazzo Schifanoia) is traditionally translated roughly as "to avoid boredom" (it. schivar la noia).

The Palazzo began to be built back in 1385 under the Marquis Alberto d'Este V. But the decisive role in the fate of the front residence of Estense was played by the Marquis Borso (1413-1471), who launched work not only on completion, but also on decorating the palace, attracting the most famous apx iterators that time - Pietro Benvenuti degli Ordini and Biagio Rossetti. He ordered the construction of the so-called Salon of the Months - the marquis expected the title of Duke of Ferrara from the Pope (which happened in 1471) and prepared a luxurious hall for the celebration.

The walls (540 m2) were painted frescoes dedicated to 12 months of the year, and the theme is read both vertically and horizontally. The topmost band represents the mythological cycle according to the astrological treatises of that era.

At the second level, one can discern the symbols of the signs of the zodiac surrounded by triads (small constellations). This is followed by scenes from the life of Borso d'Este himself, which depict his deeds of different years, arranged according to the months in which they occurred.

During the French occupation, the walls of the palace were whitewashed, but in 1821 the frescoes were accidentally discovered. For more than a dozen years, restoration work has been carried out on the heritage, recognized as the most significant non-religious fresco cycle of the Renaissance.

• Palazzo Schifanoia
• via Scandiana, 23
• Tue-Sun. 09.00–18.00
  
• Closed: Jan 11, 6 and 11, Dec 25 and 26
• Entrance: € 6.00
• up to 18 years - free of charge, 18 - 25 years: € 2.00

Palazzo dei Diamanti

The only secular building awarded marble cladding in Ferrara is the Palazzo dei Diamanti ( Palazzo dei Diamanti, 1492). The name translates as "Diamond Palace" and is due to the fact that the facade of the building is decorated with 8500 stones resembling cut diamonds. Now in the building of the palace is located NationalArt Gallery(Pinacoteca Nazionale), where the works of artists from Ferrara from the Middle Ages to the XVIII century are exhibited.

• Palazzo dei Diamanti
• Corso Ercole I d'Este, 21
• hedgehog. 9 - 19
• Entrance: 11 euros
• 6 - 18 years old, pensioners, students: 9 euros

Palio of Ferrara

The traditional races "palio" in Ferrara are first mentioned in the code of laws of 1279. They were attended by men, women and riders on unbridled and bareback horses and donkeys. On the frescoes (XV century) of the Palazzo Scifanoia in the Salon of the Months, in the sector dedicated to April, you can see the participants of the palio, and the Duke of Borso d'Este is at the head of the jury.

Races are still held annually on the last Sunday of May in Piazza Ariostea. Boys run first two full circles ( Corsa dei Putty, the race is dedicated to St. Roman) and girls ( Corsa delle putte, dedicated St. Pavel). Natives of the province of Ferrara not older than 16 years old are allowed to participate. The funniest part of the holiday is donkey races ( Corsa delle Asine, dedicated St. Maurelius). Stubborn ones start when they want, or they don’t move at all. Until the end of the race, the rider should not touch the ground with his feet, even if the donkey stops or suddenly lies down. It takes a lot of time and patience for the start to go according to the rules. The race is designed for 3 laps, but if after 20 minutes no donkey reaches the finish line, the winner is the one who completed at least the first lap. In the last race, riders compete on thoroughbred bare horses ( Corsa dei Cavalli, dedicated St. George). The winners are awarded the standard of the saint to whom the competition was dedicated.

Ferrara Map

Rich in splendid renaissance sights, Ferrara, "kindled" by the attention of the ducal dynasty of Este, is a city full of energy and harmony, which since 1995 has been a World Heritage Site and is under the protection of UNESCO.

Ferrara (ital. Ferrara, Emil.-Rom dialect. Frara listen)) is the capital of the province of the same name in the region, with a little more than 140,000 inhabitants. The city is located in the east of the Padan Plain, in the delta of the Po River.

Ferrara is affectionately called "Città delle biciclette" (City of Bicycles) because of the calmness of the city streets and the abundance of cycle paths that wind through the city's many green spaces. Pleasant atmosphere, very few cars in the historical center of the city, people who like to relax and enjoy life. It seems that Ferrara has not changed much since those "golden" times, when the d'Este dynasty, one of the most powerful in Europe, ruled here, people from which were distinguished by a special love for art and beautiful things.

The modern "ideal" city took shape in the period from the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century, thanks to the architect Biagio Rossetti invited by the Duke of Ferrara, who expanded the city, creating a fundamentally new concept humanistic urban planning, considered the first example in Europe. Over the centuries, symmetry and beauty, nature and artificiality, tradition and innovation have masterfully blended into this city of art and culture. Ferrara is a truly unique city where the charm and atmosphere of a flourishing past has been preserved almost intact.

How to get to Ferrara

By plane:

Guglielmo Marconi Airport is located 45 km from Ferrara.

Ridolfi Forli Airport - 120 km

Venice Treviso Airport - 140 km

By taxi:

The most convenient way to get from airports to the center of any Italian city is by ordering a taxi transfer with a Russian-speaking driver. You can do this by clicking on the banner you see below:

By car

Highway A 13- Bologna-Padua; exit to: Ferrara Nord, Ferrara Sud.

You can rent a car by clicking on the banner:

By train:

By bus

Ferrara's bus station is located at Via Rampari di San Paolo.

Ferrara is easily accessible by bus from and

Where to stay in Ferrara

Hotel Touring - Viale Cavour 11, 44100 Ferrara, Italy

Hotel Touring is located in the center of Ferrara, just 50 meters from Estense Castle. It offers attentive service, a spa, and air-conditioned rooms with a minibar, SKY channels and free Wi-Fi. A full continental breakfast is served every morning, including cappuccino, freshly squeezed fruit juices and local cheeses. Guests can also order organic and gluten-free products.

Touring Hotel features a wellness center with panoramic city views. Guests can relax in Turkish bath or a hot tub, or recharge your batteries in an ice fountain.

The hotel offers bicycle rentals to explore the sights of Ferrara, including botanical garden and the Diamond Palace.

Hotel Touring is 4.5 km from the Ferrara Nord motorway exit and 1.5 km from railway station Ferrara.

Hotel Nazionale - Corso Porta Reno 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy

Hotel Nazionale is located in the historic center of Ferrara, just 50 meters from the Cathedral and Estense Castle.

A buffet breakfast is served every morning. Gluten-free meals can be prepared upon request. Guests of the Hotel Nazionale have discounts at all nearby establishments (restaurants, jazz club, golf club and beauty salons).

Hotel Nazionale is less than 20 minutes' walk from Ferrara Train Station. The university is located nearby. The new shuttle bus to Bologna Airport stops 100 meters away. Ferrara Fiere Exhibition Center is just a 5-minute drive away. The Ferrara Sud exit of the A13 motorway is 7 km away.

Hotel Annunziata - Piazza della Repubblica 5, 44121 Ferrara, Italy

Hotel Annunziata is located in the pedestrian area of ​​Ferrara, just 50 meters from famous castle Estense. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a full daily breakfast. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals and cheese tasting sessions.

The Annunziata's rooms and suites are located in the impressive main building and in a separate historic building 150 meters away. Some rooms have views of the castle.

A varied breakfast buffet is served each morning in the modern dining room, including gluten-free options. Guests can also enjoy their time at the bar and new terrace in front of the hotel.

There is a bus stop 100 meters from the hotel. public bus from/to Bologna airport.

Hotel Torre della Vittoria - Corso Porta Reno 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy

Offering free Wi-Fi and a terrace with panoramic city views, Torre della Vittoria is located in the center of Ferrara, 200 meters from Estense Castle. All rooms at the hotel offer views of the city and some of the Estense Castle.

A sweet breakfast is served daily and can also be served on the terrace overlooking Estense Castle and Ferrara Cathedral. A restaurant also run by the owners is a 5-minute walk away.

The hotel is a minute's walk from Ferrara Cathedral. Ferrara Train Station is 2 km away.

History of Ferrara

The origin of Ferrara is still shrouded in mystery... Legend has it that a princess from Troy named Ferrara fled her country, escaping certain death, and founded the city that became the predecessor modern Ferrara and retained the name of the princess. Another myth claims that the city arose miraculously at the place where Phaeton fell struck by Jupiter's lightning after a disastrous escape in Apollo's chariot.

The first document that mentions Ferrara dates back to 753 AD. and testifies to the dominance of the Lombards in the city. At the end of the Lombard period, Ferrara passed into the power of the church, and then became the seat of Canossa until the beginning of 1100, when the city first "showed character" and subsequently became a free commune.

This period was marked by continuous bloody skirmishes between the Salinguerra and Adelardi dynasties vying for power, and continued until 1242, before Ferrara passed into the possession of the powerful Este.

Thus, a golden age began for the city and its population, which lasted more than three centuries; under the rule of the Este dynasty, Ferrara became one of the most developed cultural centers of the Italian Renaissance. The greatest contribution to the cultural development of the city was made by the Marquis Leonello, who surrounded himself with artists, writers and musicians. Leonello's brother, Borso, was not known as a famous intellectual, but he imprinted his name for centuries, decorating the city. architectural gems. One of them is the Schifanoia Palace, a magnificent building where the Este held lavish banquets and balls. Finally, Borso's successor, Duke Ercole I, granted Ferrara the status of the first European city built according to a single architectural plan - this innovative urban project is known as the "Ercole Extension".

Unfortunately, the splendor of the Este court, the astuteness of the marriage policy and the wars in defense of their territories were not enough to continue the reign. In 1598, the domination of Este in Ferrara came to an end: with the death of Duke Alfonso II, who left no direct heirs, Pope Clement VIII turned Ferrara into the Papal States. Thus began a period of papal domination, during which Ferrara slowly degraded in every aspect.

Revolutionary uprisings led to the expulsion of papal power and the incorporation of Ferrara into the Italian Republic in 1860.

During the Second World War, the city was badly damaged by air strikes, many citizens of Ferrara - there was a large Jewish ghetto in the city - were deported to concentration camps and only a few returned.

Today, after passing hard way reconstruction and economic recovery, Ferrara boasts a high quality of life and a vibrant cultural life, filled with great exhibitions, concerts and various events, including the First international festival street musicians and the oldest Palio in Italy...

What to see in Ferrara

Historical Center

Protected by perfectly preserved fortified walls, the historic center of Ferrara impresses all visitors. The old city is so well preserved that it seems that time stopped here in the 15th-16th centuries. Note that UNESCO included Ferrara under the note: "a unique example of urban architecture of the Renaissance. A city that retains its historic center - the canon of urban planning - in perfect condition."

Let's walk together historical center cities to enjoy the sights that amazed the UNESCO experts - someone who knows beauty, don't they?

Historic center of Ferrara. Photo flickr.com

Corso Ercole

According to UNESCO and among travelers who have seen the world, Corso Ercole d "Este is one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Until 1492, Ferrara was a city with a medieval structure, woven from small, winding streets, framed by the Po and the Giovec canal. In In 1492, Ercole d'Este decided to expand the city by entrusting an extraordinary architectural work to the architect Biagio Rossetti. Thus was born "Addizione Erculea", a project by which the area of ​​the city almost doubled; with the help of "Addizione Erculea", Ferrara became the first example of a modern European city. The heart of that project was Corso Ercole d'Este, which stretches from Castello Estense. Completely closed to traffic and almost without shops, the street retains its structure with Renaissance palaces, their beautiful facades, doors and windows with stucco. The most important a section of the street is the so-called "Crossroads of the Angels" (Quadrivio degli Angeli), where the Palazzo dei Diamanti, the Palazzo Turchi di Bagno and the Palazzo Prosperi Sacrati intersect. The street ends in a beautiful green area close to the ancient city walls.

Corso Ercole street. Photo flickr.com

Castle of the Dukes of d'Este (Castello Estense)

If you have seen any photographs or postcards of Ferrara, then, of course, they depicted the Castle of the Dukes d'Este. The foundation stone of this fortress was laid on September 29, 1385 by the Marquis Niccolo II d "Este. The decision to build this majestic castle stemmed from trivial reasons. Shortly before the event, the Marquis was forced to suppress an uprising against high taxes in the city, after which the Marquis's adviser, Tommaso da Tortona, was killed. Niccolo d "Este was afraid that he would follow de Tortona to the next world, so he gave the order to build a fortified fortress that would become his residence and refuge.

Castle of the Dukes d'Este. Photo flickr.com

Over the centuries, the Castle of the Dukes d'Este has played different roles: most During its existence, the castle served as a haven for the Este army, but in the 15th century, Castello gradually turned into the residence of the Este dynasty. Staying most of the time in the siege of the armies of nearby cities and hiding from internal rebellions, the Este always hid in the upper part of the building, leaving the lower floors for the defense of the castle. A visit to the castle will allow you to discover the halls and bedrooms of the rulers of the dynasty, servants' rooms, prisons, a garden, a chapel and many other rooms of the castle. A real trip to everyday life one of the most powerful families in Europe.

Where is the castle located: in the historical center

How to get there: by bus C4 or walking through the historic city center

Ticket: 6 €. Excursion € 10

Cathedral of Ferrara

St. George's Cathedral is the most important religious monument in Ferrara. It is located in Piazza delle Erbe (today Trento and Trieste) in front of the Town Hall, near the Castello Estense. You will immediately catch the eye of the white marble facade of the cathedral with a beautiful entrance.

The porch of the cathedral is supported by two columns depicting an old man and a young man sitting on two lions. In the center of the portal is depicted St. George slaying the dragon, below it you can see scenes from the life of Christ. The upper part of the entrance of the cathedral is a unique example of Lombard romanticism in Italy: it is formed from a loggia, above which stucco molding on the theme of the Last Judgment develops in three directions. The interior of the cathedral, with three naves, was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style after a devastating fire in the seventeenth century.

Cathedral Ferrara. Photo flickr.com

Don't miss a visit to the Cathedral Museum, which is located in the nearby former church San Romano. Here is the Madonna of Jacopo della Quercia (1403-1406), exquisite works by Philip Solari, Andrea of ​​Caron and Bernardo Rosselino, and parts of an ancient organ depicting St. George and the Dragon and the Annunciation by Cosme Tura.

Interior of the Duomo Ferrara. Photo flickr.com

Where is Cathedral: in the historical center

How to get there: on foot

When to visit: Monday to Saturday 7:30-12:00 / 15:00-18.30. Sunday from 7:30 to 12:30 / 15.30-19.30

Ticket: free

Museum

Where: in the historic center

How to get there: on foot

When: from 9:30 to 13:00 / from 15:00 to 18:00

Ticket: 6 €

Diamond Palace - Palazzo dei Diamanti

It is easy to understand why this magnificent Palazzo is called "Diamond". Its façade is clad in 8,500 blocks of pink-veined white marble that glisten in the sun like real diamonds. The incomparable palazzo was designed in 1493 by Biagio Rossetti, using unusual perspectives and lighting effects in the design. The palace was the central work of the so-called "Expansion of Ercole", started by Ercole d'Este.

Inside the palace is a beautiful courtyard with a Renaissance monastery. The building hosts important temporary exhibitions organized by the Ferrara Modern Art Gallery, while the first floor of the building houses the National Gallery of Ferrara, which houses a collection of works of exceptional value (works by Cosimo Tura, Gentile da Fabriano, Ercole de Roberti, Andrea Mantegna and Vittore Carpaccio ).

Diamond Palace. Photo flickr.com

Location: Corso Ercole d'Este

How to get there: by bus 3C or on foot from the old town, Constitution Boulevard and Corso Porta Po or Viale Cavour and Corso Ercole I d'Este

Opening hours: 9:00-14:00

Ticket: € 2 incl. art gallery. Temporary exhibitions require a separate ticket.

Via Delle Volte

Photography lovers and eternal romantics, you have found your place in the heart of the city! This is Via delle Volte, a cobbled street about 2 km long that crosses Ferrara. At one time, this beautiful medieval street was the main shopping street of the city. Here were the houses of merchants who traded with the rest of Italy across the river. The vaults and arches of the merchants' houses and the arcades that allowed quick access to the warehouses on the river are still visible, but today they are mostly closed. Via delle Volte is not a very popular place. But this was not always the case: for centuries, not only merchants, but also "people with a bad reputation" hunted here. And when night falls and yellow lights ignite the atmosphere, it seems that whispers can be heard along the alleys and ominous shadows roam ...

Via Delle Volte. Photo flickr.com

Palazzo Schifanoia

The name of this building was not chosen by chance: Alberto V d'Este built it in 1835 as a resting place to "schivar la noia", to dispel boredom. However, the splendor and beauty of the palazzo, which can be observed today, was already given by Borso d'Este Having received the title of Duke of Ferrara from Pope Paolo II, d "Este decided to celebrate his power with a ducal hall, decorated with an exceptional series of frescoes.

Palazzo Schifanoia. Photo flickr.com

Thus was born the Hall of the Months, adorned with a large cycle of pagan paintings and Renaissance frescoes, in which, more or less allegorically, good government Duke, thanks to astrology. To complete the work in less than a year, the duke called on the work of artists from the "Officina Ferrarese", including Francesco del Cossa and Ercole de Roberti. The hall has a length of 24 meters and a width of 11 meters, the cycle of frescoes begins on the southern wall. Due to the earthquake in Emilia in 2012, only the Hall of the Months and the following Hall degli Stucchi can currently be visited.

Palazzo Schifanoia. Magnificent hall of the months. Photo flickr.com

Address: Via Scandiana, 23

How to get there: 20 minutes walk from Castello Estense

Opening hours: from 9:30 to 18:00

Ticket: € 3

Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza del Municipio

Piazza delle Erbe (Square of Trento and Trieste since January 21, 1919) is one of the main attractions of the city. For two centuries, a fruit and vegetable market was organized here, which is what the square owes its name to. All the buildings where the rulers of Ferrara have sat for centuries are concentrated in Piazza delle Erbe: here is the Palazzo della Ragione and government buildings adjacent to it.

Monument to Girolamo Savonarola. Ferrara. Photo flickr.com

Also on the square you can admire the Duomo of Ferrara (see above), the unfinished bell tower and the Loggia dei Mercai (traders), a place where cloth makers traded in the Middle Ages. Piazza delle Erbe accommodates the "listone", a pavement 12 meters wide and 120 long; it is a common place for walking local residents, among stalls and fairs. Opposite the cathedral begins Piazza del Municipio, with an impressive staircase that leads to the first residence of the Este.

Piazza delle Erbe. Photo flickr.com

Monastery of Sant'Antonio in Polesine

If you want to have an extraordinary experience, come here in the morning or at 3pm. Thus, you can hear the singing of the Gregorian choir, which breaks the peace and quiet of the monastery. After listening to the tunes, go to the monastery with a chapel where Beatrice d "Este (its founder) rests. Do not miss the church of the nuns with three chapels, all decorated with precious frescoes by the masters of the Giotto school, telling about the childhood of Jesus, the life of the Virgin and the Passion of Christ.

Monastery of Sant'Antonio in Polesine. Photo flickr.com

Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 9:30 to 11:30 / 15:15 to 17:00. Saturday: 9:30 to 11:30 / 15:15 to 16:30.

Ticket: "Offer" (You will be asked to leave as much as you can)

Where: 25-minute walk from Estense Castle. Bus: No. 2 from the train station, stop XX Settembre (about 150 meters).

Ferrara Holidays

Ferrara, first of all, is famous for the Palio races, the oldest in Italy, which are not much inferior to the famous one. Let's talk about this event, its history and mechanism.

Palio of Ferrara

The Palio of Ferrara became an official city holiday in 1279, but the tradition of celebrating the victory of Azzo VII Novello over Ezzelino da Romano, vicar of the German emperor, in the bloody battle of Cassano d'Adda arose twenty years earlier.

The city charter of 1279 registered the Palio tradition: it was decided that the holiday would be held in the form of four different races (competitions between guys, girls, on donkeys and horses) during two memorable religious holidays of the city: April 23 on the day of St. George, the patron saint of the city, and August 15 in honor of the Mother of God of the Assumption.

Chronicles testify that such races were also held on the occasion of special events, such as births, weddings of city lords and visits of various rulers. The Palio of Ferrara was so popular that noble families from other cities always came to watch the races. In 1466, for example, King Ferdinand of Naples came to Ferrara to test the speed of his horses, while in 1475 Gonzaga, Marquis, personally took part in the Palio with 19 horses and won the coveted banner.

The prize for the winner of the race was simply a "Palio" or fine cloth banner, and those who finished second and third received a roast pig and a rooster, respectively.

Races are currently held once a year, on the last Sunday in May. The choice of this date was made in honor of one of the most outstanding editions of 1471, timed to coincide with the visit of Borso d'Este on his return from Rome after conferring on him the title of Duke of Ferrara by Pope Paul II. After the transfer of powers from Este to the state under the Holy See, the celebrations continued, but were mainly associated with the celebration of the carnival.

Palio of Ferrara. Photo flickr.com

Today there are four prizes - Palio banners: green is for "Putte", girls, red for "Putti", boys' competition, the winner of the donkey race receives the white banner and, finally, the winner of the horse race receives the golden flag. Eight "rioni" - urban areas and four "borgos" (territories outside the city walls) are fighting for the palio. Each district is characterized by its own colors and a symbol taken from the ancient coats of arms of Este.

The Palio of Ferrara is not limited to racing. In fact, the whole month of May in Ferrara hosts events related to the historical past of the city, starting from the Feast of the Blessing (Benedizione dei Ceri e dei Palii), which takes place in the Church of St. George, to ancient games with the participation of musicians and standard bearers from eight districts of the city . The most colorful of the previous palio events is certainly the historic parade on Corso Ercole d'Este: more than 1200 ladies, knights, squires, magicians, jugglers, commoners and musicians offer a spectacular show culminating in Piazza Castello.

What to try in Ferrara

We are located in the area, on the border with, therefore traditional cuisine Ferrara is based on typical kitchens these two regions.

Ferrara offers fresh pasta in abundance. We recommend trying pumpkin cappellacci, cappelletti and passatelli in broth, lasagna, and the most typical Ferrara first course, pasticcio di maccheroni in stew, seasoned with porcini mushrooms and truffles.

For the second, order something from meat. For example, salama da sugo, pork sausages, liver, tongue, pork or kotekkino (kotike) seasoned with spices and red wine. No less tasty are poultry dishes.

Fish lovers will appreciate dishes from the eel caught in the Pau, such as eel "ammarinata", a dish that is always on the local menu. All main courses are accompanied by "coppia", an oddly shaped IGT bread from Ferrara.

For desserts, try classic local gingerbread and lemon-flavoured "brazadèla".