It is one of the jewels of Emilia-Romagna that fascinates visitors with an atmosphere that exudes history and culture: Ferrara is a perfect destination for a weekend full of discoveries and authentic pleasures.
Fonte: dal web
Geographically located at the end of the Po Valley, east of Bologna, Ferrara is one of the main centers of the region, renowned for its history, its artistic and cultural heritage, as well as for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture.
The city is at “walking distance” and many of its main attractions are located in the old town, making it ideal to be discovered in two days.
Day 1: Dive into history
On the first day of the weekend in Ferrara you can immerse yourself in the past, exploring the impressive historical evidence that make this city so fascinating.
Morning
You can start your day with a walk along the imposing city walls, taking a real dive into the past: they are among the best preserved in Europe.
Continuing, the Estense Castle is a must. This medieval fortress with its moats and majestic towers is the symbol of the power of the Este, the noble family that dominated Ferrara for centuries.
After a busy morning, a relaxing lunch is a must. The locals of Ferrara offer a wide choice of typical Emilian dishes, from pumpkin cappellacci to fresh stuffed pasta to the delicious crescentine, accompanied by local meats and cheeses.
Fonte: dal web
Afternoon
In the afternoon, walking through the historic center is a real pleasure for art lovers as it allows you to admire various masterpieces of Ferrara architecture. An example? The Cathedral with its majestic façade and the bell tower in Renaissance style. Not far away is Palazzo dei Diamanti, famous for its façade enriched with diamond-shaped stones and for hosting international art exhibitions.
Evening
To end the day, you can enjoy a relaxing dinner immersed in the evocative atmosphere of the center, maybe savoring the typical Emilian dishes in one of the characteristic local.
Day 2: Hidden treasures and culinary delights
The second day in Ferrara can be spent between the art and the authentic flavors of this city rich in tradition and culture.
Morning
The day can begin with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Ferrara, at the Costabili Palace (called Palazzo di Ludovico il Moro), a treasure trove of historical and cultural evidence of ancient Ferrara and the surrounding territories. In addition to the finds that offer a complete overview of local history, from prehistoric civilizations to Roman times, the building itself is an architectural masterpiece that deserves to be admired. At the end of the visit there is access to a large Renaissance garden.
Fonte: dal web
Afternoon
After a relaxing start, you can eat something on the fly and discover those places that tell thousands of years of stories, such as the Jewish Quarter with its Synagogue, immersing your eyes on a community rooted in the history of Ferrara.
Evening
To end the weekend in Ferrara, you can take a gastronomic tour through the local delicacies, visiting the traditional shops to taste cold cuts, cheeses and other specialties of Ferrara (perhaps ending with a dinner that celebrates the Emilian cuisine in one of the typical restaurants of the city).
Other must-see attractions in Ferrara
In addition to the main attractions such as the Estense Castle and the Cathedral, there are several other things to see in Ferrara that offer an alternative and make the visit a complete experience.
Casa Romei – It is a historic residence that offers a fascinating look at everyday life between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with frescoes and period furniture. Inside there is also the Museum of Casa Romei with exposed works from churches and convents deconsecrated and other buildings of the city.
Fonte: dal web
Botanical Garden of the University of Ferrara – It is located in the garden of the Palazzo Turchi di Bagno and houses a wide variety of plant species both in greenhouses and outdoors.
Palazzo Schifanoia – Palazzo Schifanoia is a Renaissance building famous for the frescoes in the Sala dei Mesi, a masterpiece of Renaissance art that narrates the cycle of the seasons.
Piazza Trento and Trieste – In addition to the Cathedral, the surrounding square is a charming place to walk and admire the architecture and city life.
Palazzo Massari – It is another Renaissance palace, home to art exhibitions and cultural events that contribute to the artistic liveliness of the city.
Via delle Volte – This is a road covered by medieval arches, perfect for a romantic walk and to immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere of Ferrara.
Fonte: dal web
Where to sleep in Ferrara?
Ferrara is a journey through history and art, a city that fascinates visitors with its authenticity and timeless beauty. A weekend here is an unforgettable experience.
To spend a weekend in Ferrara, you can choose between different accommodation options suitable for various tastes and budgets. They range from modern hotels in the heart of the city that offer comfort and convenience to explore the main attractions to B&Bs and guest houses that offer more intimate hospitality. If you prefer a more genuine experience, farmhouses and holiday homes in the countryside offer a more peaceful and authentic environment.
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