FERRARA WALKING TOUR

Ferrara is a stunning city where past and present intertwine. Walking through its streets, we will discover the most hidden corners of this magnificent Estense capital which was built according to the canons of the "Ideal City" . From the beginning of the thirteenth century, the Estensi ruled it for the next three hundred years, transforming it into the urban aspect that it still preserves today: something unique, capable of merging the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, in what is called the first modern city of Europe.

Precisely for this characteristic, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

 

The classic half-day tour includes a visit to the exterior of the main buildings in the historic center. Depending on the meeting place, we will be able to see the famous Monumental Aqueduct and continue on to the most ancient and suggestive part of the city: Via delle Volte . We will cross the ancient Jewish ghetto discovering the history of this religious community very important for the history of the city. Walking along via Mazzini, we will enter the beating heart of the city or Piazza Trento e Trieste admiring one side of the city Cathedral dedicated to San Giorgio martire. We will cross the square until we reach the town hall which was the first ducal residence of the Este. From here, always walking we will reach their second and most important residence: the imposing Estense Castle .

We will end our tour in the so-called Quadrivio degli Angeli at the intersection of the axis consisting of Corso Ercole I d'Este with that of Corso Porta Mare and Corso Biagio Rossetti. It constitutes one of the most significant points both on the architectural and urban plan of the city. Here we will discover some wonderful palaces including the famous Palazzo dei Diamanti.

 

In addition to the above half-day tour, I can propose an extension outside the city that would cover a full day of tour. The absolutely most suggestive places that I would like to visit are the Pomposa Abbey (about 30 km outside Ferrara), one of the most important and oldest in Italy, dating back to the 9th century. Inside we find ancient frescoes, bas-reliefs and mosaics with a strong spiritual charge. In the second phase of the day we will be able to reach the town of Comacchio in a marvelous territory between land and water, a small Venice in the center of the Po Delta Park .

If you are looking for an idea for your private tour in Emilia Romagna or around Bologna, do not hesitate to contact me for information, suggestions and ideas for your tour!