Ferrara in a Half Day

Ferrara is a magic town. In her historical centre time has stopped, and the Castle dominates everything.

In my opinion the Este, the lords of Ferrara for almost four Centuries, wanted to let the passers-by perceive strength and refinement, irreverence and grace, power and harmony.

In order to let you perceive this alternation of impressions and emotions I’ll take you to visit the Este Castle, that is still today located in the middle of Ferrara’s historical centre. Its austere bulk is refined by moldings and cornices, and it is reflected in the water of the moat that surrounds it. The inside preserves the prisons, the kitchen and a lot of beautiful rooms with frescos from the 16^th to the 19^th Century, that pass on us the memory of the members of the Este family.

Naming just a few of them is not easy, however I want to mention Leonello, that was the patron of artists as Leon Battista Alberti and Andrea Mantegna; Borso, a very religious and educated man, who bequeathed us the most wonderful book in the World a Bible, illuminated on every page, that at present is preserved in Modena. I also want to mention Ercole I, who commissioned the building of the Addizione Erculea, an incredibly modern and unique city plan of the 15^th Century. Alfonso I, son of Ercole and Eleonora d’Aragona, later married Lucrezia Borgia, and holds a very special record, as he’s been excommunicated by three Popes!

During our walking tour, we will also be able to walk through the Addizione Erculea. This wonderful city plan has been created by Biagio Rossetti, Ercole’s court architect. In this way we will be able to understand its brilliance and functionality and we will see Ferrara’s most famous palace: the Palazzo dei Diamanti. To me this charming building has a unique peculiarity: also when, during temporary exhibitions or special events, there are hundreds of people here around, it never loses its aura of calmness and quiet.

I like to finish the walk through Ferrara by a short visit of the Cathedral of Saint George, mainly to observe the fascinating sculptures of the facade, and to see the Piazza Trento Trieste next by. This was Ferrara’s market place and here around you can find a lot of bars and trattorias, where to relax and enjoy a light lunch or a traditional Ferrarese meal. In winter you can’t miss the delicious salama da sugo!