10 Things you should see in Ferrara

1) WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CASTLE: THE ESTENSE CASTLE

The Estense Castle amazes those who arrive in Ferrara with its grandeur. An almost unexpected fortress that sits right in the city centre, now as in the past. Surrounded by a moat and drawbridges, it attracts the curiosity of visitors.

Kissed by the summer sun or bathed in an evocative blanket of fog, it is the true symbol of the city. The charm of this structure will leave you speechless: impossible to miss but also wonderfully beautiful to discover!

2) RENAISSANCE SPLENDOR: THE SCHIFANOIA MUSEUM

The Schifanoia Museum is one of the emblems of the Renaissance splendours of Este Ferrara.

The purpose of the palace was precisely to ‘avoid boredom’ (schivar la noia) or from which it derives its name. In short, a place where it is virtually impossible to get bored since it was built full of mysteries to discover! Today it offers a dynamic and interactive museum tour via a mobile app that will engage you from the very first steps. 

3) THE STRENGTH OF THE CITY: THE CITY WALLS

If you plan to visit our city, to capture its essence, you cannot pass up taking a walk on the city walls. With their nine kilometres, the walls encircle Ferrara almost entirely. Assiduously frequented by the people of Ferrara in their spare time and for a bit of exercise, the walls also offer a historical itinerary which includes some highlights that are definitely worth a visit!

4)VOICES FROM THE PAST: THE CARTHUSIAN MONASTERY

5) THE FERRARESE DIAMOND: QUADRIVIO DEGLI ANGELI

The Quadrivio degli Angeli is one of the most significant points of the Addizione Erculea; an ambitious urban planning project for which Ferrara obtained UNESCO recognition as a Renaissance city. This corner of the city will allow you to admire one of the city's most characteristic palaces, the Palazzo Diamanti. In addition, you can visit here the National Picture Gallery (Pinacoteca), temporary exhibitions (both at the Palazzo Diamanti and the PAC – Contemporary Art Pavilion) and two fantastic green areas: the Massari Park and the University’s Botanical Garden.

6) SUSPENDED PASSAGES: VIA DELLE VOLTE

Walking through the city centre you will notice a charming street full of personality! Via delle Volte is a street dedicated to the city’s trade since the early development of the medieval city. It marks the axis along which Ferrara developed from the 7th to the 11th century AD and had a major influence on the development of the entire city. A street that will transport you to another era!

7) CATHEDRAL MUSEUM

The Ferrara Cathedral Museum was founded in 1929, but only found its final location in the former church of San Romano in 2000. An important operation carried out thanks to the Municipality of Ferrara and the Cathedral Chapter to document and divulge the history of the most important sacred temple of Este spirituality. You will surely be fascinated by it!

8) STORIES INTERSECT: NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

A visit to the National Archaeological Museum in Ferrara is a unique experience, which combines the discovery of Spina's exceptional archaeological finds with the wonderful setting of Palazzo Costabili, one of the great pieces of architecture of the Ferrara Renaissance. The palace – also known as Palazzo Ludovico il Moro after the Este duke who is thought to have had it erected – also includes an impressive back garden, which can also be visited!

9) A NOBLE LIFE: CASA ROMEI

How did people live in the 15th century? If you are curious to find out, you have to stop at Casa Romei: a unique museum and architectural complex that has no parallel in the city. Embellished with priceless decorations and works of art that will let you discover real fragments of daily life during the Renaissance!

10) THE MEMORY OF THE CITY: MEIS

Adjacent to the historic centre of Ferrara, the National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah (MEIS) will take you on a journey to discover Jewish history in Italy. The exhibition itinerary is constantly evolving and is located in a highly evocative place: the old complex that housed the city's prisons. 

The history of Ferrara – and of Italy in general – is closely linked to Jewish culture: we strongly recommend a visit to this beautiful place where you will discover a history that perhaps not everyone knows!