


If you’re sick of queuing for selfies at the Colosseum or getting elbowed by tour groups in Venice, it’s time to give Ferrara (Italy) a whirl. This hidden gem has medieval streets, Renaissance palaces, and proper Italian grub for your taste buds. It’s a place to land your time machine but with better coffee and tranquillity.

The city centre is pleasantly compact. You can leisurely walk around in about half an hour and reach the end of it. Plus, it’s a delightful way to stumble upon hidden gems.
In the summer, it gets toasty. The daytime highs are around 28 to 32℃, and night-time lows are about 17 to 20℃. Winter’s a different story, and Ferrara gets pretty chilly, often hovering around 0℃, sometimes with a sprinkle of snow. Spring and autumn are generally quite pleasant. Temps get as high as 22℃ in the day and as low as 7℃ at night, just right for wandering around. One thing to remember is that Ferrara can get slightly foggy, especially in autumn and winter. If you’re travelling at those times, you want to bring an umbrella, just in case.
Castello Estense (Este Castle) This one is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site. The Este family built the castle in the 14th century in response to a revolt in the city. It has the typical castle look you imagine, and a museum showcases its history. Cathedral of Ferrara A Roman Catholic cathedral with a beautiful combination of Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic styles. This 12th-century building is still open 24/7 (except from noon to 3 pm, which is lunch break time). You can embrace the religious feel of the Museum of Artifacts or just explore the chapels. Palazzo dei Diamanti Art Galleries A perfect destination for artists, the building is a notable example of a Renaissance palace. But the inside is the gem; it houses an art gallery with a collection of sculptures and paintings. Corso Ercole I d'Este In front of the Palazzo dei Diamanti lies a marvellous boulevard that links the Estence Castle to the Degli Angeli gate, the Corso Ercole I d’Este. UNESCO recognises it as one of the most impressive boulevards in the world. Walking there lets you travel through time into the age of Ferrara’s Renaissance.
Cappellacci alla zucca It is egg pasta tortelloni filled with pumpkin cream. In Ferrara, it is often served with a light coating of Ferrarese ragu plus shredded parmesan cheese. This sweet and savoury delicacy dates back to the Renaissance era. Salame Zia Ferrarese This sweet salami with garlic and pepper is often served as an Antipasto (an appetiser). It can also be combined with other cured meats, like mortadella or prosciutto crudo. Coppia Ferrarese Copia Ferrarese is the famous X-shaped bread from Ferrara, often served with cured meats and cheeses. Coppia is a sourdough bread made with flour, olive oil, malt and lard. The first record of this bread-making dates way back to the 13th century. Pasticcio di Maccheroni This dish is a delicacy from Ferrara! It’s a mixture of macaroni pasta, meat ragu, truffles, and nutmeg-flavoured bechamel wrapped in sweet shortcrust pastry. The lovely exterior, combined with the savoury filling, has lasted since the 16th century.
Ferrara is a charming city with a well-preserved historic centre. If you’re visiting for the history, you can choose between the Castello Estense, Piazza della Catterdrale, and the Palazzo dei Diamanti area. The main attractions are concentrated here. But, if you're seeking a different cultural experience, the area near Parco Massari is significantly greener than the city centre, and the Jewish Quarter can offer a unique cultural experience. So, you can choose easy access to the city centre or immerse yourself in the vibrant Ferrarese life and culture.
Prepare your most comfortable shoes. Ferrara has cobblestone streets, and you’ll do a lot of walking. As a tourist, there’s a tourism card that offers free access to main attractions and saves you a lot of hotel tax. In addition, Italy uses Type L power sockets; just make sure to get one when you get there.

Travel Tips for Province of Ferrara