There are a surprising number of things to do in Ferrara, Italy. Did you know that Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? This was a sure sign that this charming corner of Northern Italy would be bursting with history and culture.
The original settlement at Ferrara dates back to the Middle Ages rather than having ancient origins like many other Italian cities.
We spent four days on a weekend Emilia Romagna food holiday with a home base in Bologna.
Take the train from Bologna to Ferrara for an ideal day trip in Italy’s food-filled Emilia Romagna region. Read on for tips on how to spend a day in Ferrara.
1. Ferrara’s Castle with a Moat
Castello Estense di Ferrara is surrounded by a moat and is very atmospheric. We paid the admission fee (8 EUR at the time of writing) and checked out some amazing art adorning the walls and ceilings.
2. Ferrara Palio
We were exploring the interior of the castle when we heard the sound of trumpets. We raced to a window on the second floor, looked out across the moat and soon saw a stream of armor-clad soldiers marching into the streets.
We had chanced upon Ferrara during Palio, a hundreds-of-years-old tradition of horse-racing and other competitions. We learned that the Ferrara Palio is the oldest documented palio in Italy and dates back to the 13th century.
We cracked open the window to take some pictures and watched in awe as troupe after troupe of sumptuously clad people strode down the street. I love fun, unexpected surprises when we travel. You can check out some video footage from Ferrara Palio here.
3. The Underside of Ferrara: A Trip to the Dungeons
Castello Estense di Ferrara also features a dark side. We hunched over and crept through thick metal doors into dark medieval dungeons.
4. Umbrellas Without a Cloud in the Sky
We emerged from the castle in Ferrara with a renewed appreciation for the sun. We walked down pedestrianized Via Giuseppe Mazzini which was covered with colorful floating umbrellas despite the fact that there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
5. Ferrara’s Arts and Crafts Market
Just outside Castello Estense di Ferrara, an arts and crafts market was set up for the weekend. We had a great time browsing the creations of local artisans.
6. Ferrara’s Palazzo dei Diamanti
Palazzo dei Diamanti is an imposing Ferrara point of interest with pointy diamond-shaped protrusions on the facade. This late 15th-century palace also features a lovely courtyard and small garden that you can explore for free.
Palazzo dei Diamanti showcases architecture designed by Biagio Rossetti. who was born in Ferrara and lived at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries.
7. Ferrara Wall Walking
Ferrara was a medieval walled city, and vestiges of the town’s fortifications still remain. We took the opportunity to walk inside, outside, and on the Ferrara city walls for a lovely, relaxing hike.
8. Gelato Time in Ferrara
We’d definitely worked up an appetite from walking in the sun when we chanced upon Gelateria Baluardi tucked just inside the Ferrara town wall. We purchased a refreshing frozen cup of sweetness and sat outside on a shaded patio to enjoy our treat.
9. Eat Fresh Pasta in Ferrara
Ferrara features a warren of narrow alleys emanating out from the historic square anchored by the Duomo and Castello Estense di Ferrara. It was here that we discovered Il Gatto Bianco, where we sat down to a homemade plate of pumpkin-filled pasta and a carafe of wine. Delicious!
10. Ferrara’s Stunning Duomo
No visit to a city in Italy is complete without ducking into the Duomo. Italian cities generally feature large, ornate cathedrals, and Ferrara is no exception. Ferrara Cathedral dates back to the 12th century.
The cathedral seems to be broken into three columns with impressive lions in marble out front. The interior is equally impressive and definitely worth popping in at the very least for a brief cooling respite from the sun.
We definitely enjoyed our day trip from Bologna to Ferrara, a true Renaissance city! Ferrara features amazing sun, food, and architecture. Don’t miss it!
