If you are looking for a city that is off the beaten path of tourists, but still has much to offer for those looking for a unique Italian experience Ferrara may be what you are looking for. While the city has uncertain origins, it has been around since at least the 8th century.
Ferrara was the seat of power for the Este family who ruled here for more than 300 years and brought much prestige to the city. Famous artists such as Petrarch, Titan, Pisanello and many poets were all brought to the city by the Este as their patrons.
After the Este fell from power in 1598 the city changed hands several times, but only to decline with the memory of their Renaissance greatness behind them. The city also fell victim to numerous assaults in World War II, but the city has worked hard to restore the city to its former splendor. Through their hard work and respect of the past, the city is much as it was during its Renaissance heyday. If you are interested in a vacation rental in Emilia-Romagna, we may have what you are looking for!
Ferrara was the seat of power for the Este family who ruled here for more than 300 years and brought much prestige to the city. Famous artists such as Petrarch, Titan, Pisanello and many poets were all brought to the city by the Este as their patrons.
After the Este fell from power in 1598 the city changed hands several times, but only to decline with the memory of their Renaissance greatness behind them. The city also fell victim to numerous assaults in World War II, but the city has worked hard to restore the city to its former splendor. Through their hard work and respect of the past, the city is much as it was during its Renaissance heyday. If you are interested in a vacation rental in Emilia-Romagna, we may have what you are looking for!
One of the most notable sights in Ferrara is the towering Castello Estense, built by the Nicolo II d'Este in 1385. The castle, complete with moat and drawbridge, was originally intended to protect the Este family from citizens angry at tax increases but eventually became the permanent home to the powerful ruling family. Today the Castle is still used in part to rule the city with much of it used as government offices but there are many rooms open to tours by the public. Some of the highlights are the royal suites, the Sala dei Giganti (Giant's Room), the games room, and the dungeon where Duke Nicolo III d'Este beheaded his second wife and his son Ugo after finding they were lovers. This tragic story provided the basis for the Robert Browning poem, My Last Duchess.
Before the Este built the Castello Estense they live in the building now known as the Palazzo Municipale, which is linked to the castle by a passageway.
While again many used for administrative offices of the city, the Palazzo is still a beautiful piece of architecture with some beautiful artworks including copper statues of several of the Este families. The Duomo of the city is an amazing three-tiered Romanesque and Gothic styled feat of architecture. The pink and white marble serves as a contrast to the rather graphic representation of the Final Judgement inside, with heaven and hell as well as the four horsemen escaping their coffins.
Ferrara is home to several colorful festivals. The Palio is held on the last Sunday of May each year, Ferrara's Palio is claimed to be the oldest of its kind dating back to 1279. In August the Busker's Festival is held and the streets are filled with musicians . In late September each year the Ferrara Balloon Festival is held, it is the largest hot-air balloon gathering in Italy. If you are interested in visiting the museums of Ferrara you can buy a combined ticket to gain entry into the Museo della Cattedrale, Palazzina di Marfisa d’Este, Palazzo Schifanoia and Museo Lapidario.
The town is also well known for several specific food dishes that have been developed and held in tradition since the Middle Ages. The cappellacci di zucca is a ravioli type pasta with a butternut squash, parmiagiano and nutmeg filling and served in a sage butter sauce. Cappelleti is a meat filled ravioli served in chicken broth or with a cream sauce and sometimes local truffles.
The pasticcio di maccheroni is a unique dish, with a sweet dough crush covering a macaroni Béchamel sauce along with porcini mushrooms. While the area is not as suitable for viticulture as the rest of Italy, several local wines do exist.
If you are interested in visiting or staying near Ferrara during your trip to Italy, be sure to check our listings for villa rentals with swimming pool in Emilia-Romagna! Our Villa Specialists are here to help you find your perfect vacation rental for your group and your needs. If Emilia-Romagana has not piqued your interest, we have many other listings in other regions to look at as well!
Before the Este built the Castello Estense they live in the building now known as the Palazzo Municipale, which is linked to the castle by a passageway.
While again many used for administrative offices of the city, the Palazzo is still a beautiful piece of architecture with some beautiful artworks including copper statues of several of the Este families. The Duomo of the city is an amazing three-tiered Romanesque and Gothic styled feat of architecture. The pink and white marble serves as a contrast to the rather graphic representation of the Final Judgement inside, with heaven and hell as well as the four horsemen escaping their coffins.
Ferrara is home to several colorful festivals. The Palio is held on the last Sunday of May each year, Ferrara's Palio is claimed to be the oldest of its kind dating back to 1279. In August the Busker's Festival is held and the streets are filled with musicians . In late September each year the Ferrara Balloon Festival is held, it is the largest hot-air balloon gathering in Italy. If you are interested in visiting the museums of Ferrara you can buy a combined ticket to gain entry into the Museo della Cattedrale, Palazzina di Marfisa d’Este, Palazzo Schifanoia and Museo Lapidario.
The town is also well known for several specific food dishes that have been developed and held in tradition since the Middle Ages. The cappellacci di zucca is a ravioli type pasta with a butternut squash, parmiagiano and nutmeg filling and served in a sage butter sauce. Cappelleti is a meat filled ravioli served in chicken broth or with a cream sauce and sometimes local truffles.
The pasticcio di maccheroni is a unique dish, with a sweet dough crush covering a macaroni Béchamel sauce along with porcini mushrooms. While the area is not as suitable for viticulture as the rest of Italy, several local wines do exist.
If you are interested in visiting or staying near Ferrara during your trip to Italy, be sure to check our listings for villa rentals with swimming pool in Emilia-Romagna! Our Villa Specialists are here to help you find your perfect vacation rental for your group and your needs. If Emilia-Romagana has not piqued your interest, we have many other listings in other regions to look at as well!