Ferrara is a charming town in the Emilia-Romagna region on the way between Bologna and Venice.

It was founded near the Po river and is a recommended destination for those who love nature, art and culture.

Ferrara was the capital of the Ducato di Ferrara (Duchy of Ferrara) and for three centuries it was leaded by the Este family. It was during this period that the city became a capital of the Italian Renaissance by hosting some of the most famous artists and literary people of the time. The Este family was in fact a family of patrons who with their enlightenment’s politics gave enormous prestige to what was once a modest rural center. Under the House of Este (Casa d’Este) the city of Ferrara experienced an important urban development (Addizione Erculea) that led it to be considered one of the first modern capitals of Europe.

Ferrara has handed down to us today this immense urban, artistic and cultural heritage for which it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

The landmark building of Ferrara is the Estense Castle (Castello Estense, 14th century), a residence from which the Este family exercised its power. Located in the Ferrara town center is an impregnable medieval manor built in brick and surrounded by a moat.

Among the countless other buildings to visit in the town we just remember the Palazzo Municipale (Town Hall), the Cattedrale di San Giorgio (Cathedral of Saint George, seat of the Archbishopric), Palazzo dei Diamanti (Diamond Palace) and Palazzo Schifanoia.

For art lovers you can choose to visit the many museums or art galleries in the city.

Do not miss a visit to the Renaissance Walls that are still intact. Whether you are a walker or a biker, the city walls lend themselves to a perfect walk or cycling through nature and history.

In any case, the whole city of Ferrara is an ideal place for walking or cycling to discover the magical corners that will make us relive the atmosphere of the past.

Ferrara also offers numerous events that host participants and visitors from all over the world. These include the Palio di San Giorgio (historical revisitation), the Ferrara Buskers Festival (street artists and musicians) and the Ferrara Balloon Festival (the biggest hot-hair balloons festival in Europe).

If you love good food here you can taste the typical recipes for which Ferrara is known as the “Patria del mangiar bene” (Homeland of eating well). In this regard we point out the oldest wine shop in the world (1435), located a few steps from the Cathedral, where you can taste the typical dishes and a variety of excellent wines. Visiting this wine shop you can not only taste the delights of the palate but also taste the atmosphere of a place that has hosted in the previous centuries personalities such as Tiziano Vecellio, Ludovico Ariosto, Nicolò Copernico and Torquato Tasso.