Ferrara for runners

THE RING OF CITY WALLS AND UNDER WALLS

We must start with our city walls, an almost complete ring that embraces Ferrara, giving it two routes with a bucolic atmosphere. The first route, above the perfectly preserved walls, is a good 9 km long and allows a close-up view of towers, bastions and gates, including the scenic Porta degli Angeli. Almost all at high altitude and earthy, the high path involves some slight ascents, and subsequent descents, between the connections of the various portions of the walls. In places, the path narrows allowing the passage of two or three people at a time.

The second route runs along the outer side of the walls for about 12 km. A large green area backs a dirt and gravel path that is wider than the high path. Some well-marked pedestrian crossings briefly interrupt the run and also open up a view of the city: the beautiful perspective of Piazzale Medaglie d'Oro, the San Giovanni roundabout with the beautiful Torrione - home of the city's Jazz Club - or the renovated Porta Paola area between Piazza Travaglio and Via Bologna.

Should the 12 km not be enough for you, the low path can be lengthened by following the next tips!

PARCO URBANO G.BASSANI

A green area of great importance to the city, the Urban Park named after the great writer is the largest concentration of vegetation in the city and is furrowed by a path that, curve after curve, puts together a kilometre and a half of surface area suitable for running. Access to the park from the graceful little bridge in Via Azzo Novello is convenient: from here, either going straight ahead or turning right, it is possible to take a loop path that, having explored the entire park area, including ponds and relaxation areas, will take you back to the same bridge to resume the low or high route of the walls. Here the history of the park is interesting and engaging.

FRANCOLINO CYCLE ROUTE

Another scenic route, which from the centre nevertheless requires crossing a portion of the walls or sottomura, is the one leading from the city to the hamlet of Francolino, nestled under the right bank of the Po. To the 12 km of the sottomura, therefore, another 8 km can be added towards the north. The long Via dei Calzolai is entirely bordered by an asphalt cycle path that is also suitable for running and walking. On either side of the path is the countryside, as far as the eye can see along the typical flat landscape of the area. There is no shortage of small trees and benches for a rest in the shade, but the real spectacle can only be seen by reaching the end of the hamlet of Francolino, and climbing up the embankment of the Destra Po. The more daring and well-trained can also attempt to go a little further along the embankment. The watchword: tranquillity.

ALONGSIDE THE BURANA CHANNEL

Remaining in the city, an urban route is the one that runs along the Burana Canal, on the new city dock. The Burana Canal is an artificial waterway that connects the province of Ferrara to the provinces of Mantua and Modena, on the right side of the Po, flowing into the Adriatic Sea at Lido di Volano. In the city, the canal has encouraged the creation, and today the restoration, of a scenic Darsena (dock) that can be easily walked or run along. The canal then becomes the Po di Volano right next to Via Volano heading east. By taking a portion of the sottomura, the route can be extended as far as Piazza Ariostea, for example, and then take advantage of a small and wonderful connection between the area of the Jewish Cemetery and Terraviva - in Via dell'Erbe - and the High Walls in Via degli Angeli.

The Burana cycle path, on the other hand, runs from the Darsena to the west, giving the possibility of reaching Bondeno on about 13 km of paved, shady and safe path.

A ROUTE THROUGH THE PARKS OF FERRARA

Ferrara has no shortage of green areas, fortunately, often surrounded by high walls that make them almost secretly fascinating. For a city jog that is a little less demanding than the previous ones, or always to lengthen the route, you can hop between one park and another, admiring their mysterious beauty. Depending on the location of your accommodation, you can locate the nearest park to get off on the right foot. Parco Pareschi, for example, remains east of the centre and was once the site of the Ferrara Botanical Garden; or Parco Massari, which graces the Addizione Erculea a few steps from the Piazza Arioste ring. Parco Massari tells the story of the city within its high walls, but not only: if you listen carefully, it also tells the story of Giorgio and Micòl Finzi Contini, in the ever-timely words of Bassani, who drew inspiration for the famous garden there. Amidst houses, monuments and green areas, the Giardino district also offers a convenient route: the Acquedotto Monumentale provides the ring of asphalt that surrounds it, acting as a bridge between two portions of the city walls, or extending towards the city's Darsena (dock).

Whether you prefer the countryside or the city, Ferrara also wants to accompany you in this great liberating passion. A good run is just what you need to get a perfect start to a perfect day!