Italy

Close to the river and wetlands of the Po Valley, Ferrara was once a haven of cultural activity. The birthplace of Girolamo Savonarola, a fanatical monk who preached against luxury and greed, its heyday was during the Renaissance. Ravaged by WWII, Ferrara's centre has been carefully restored.

Before the 20th century

The Este dynasty ruled Ferrara from 1260 to 1598, its political and military prowess matched by intense cultural activity. Petrarch, Titian, Antonio Pisanello and poets Torquato Tasso and Ludovico Ariosto are just some of the luminaries who spent time here under the patronage of the Este dukes.

When the House of Este fell in 1598, Pope Clement VIII claimed the city, only to preside over its decline. Ferrara recovered importance during and after the Napoleonic period, when it was made chief city of the lower River Po.

Modern history

Much of the city centre was badly battered during WWII. Today's local government has carefully rebuilt much of the area.

Il Giardino dei Finzi-Contini (The Garden of the Finzi-Continis), the famous novel by Giorgio Bassani, was set in Ferrara and its movie adaptation was shot here in 1970. Al di là delle nuvole (Beyond the Clouds), directed by Wim Wenders and Michelangelo Antonioni, was also shot here in 1995.

Recent history

The 1st Ferrara Air Show was held in 2006. The Popular Aviation Club has been meeting in Ferrara since 1973 and has been growing ever since. The show, aimed at fulfilling the hunger of the many aviation enthusiasts in the region, featured model aircraft performances, technical demonstrations of model construction as well as an extensive exhibition of members' aircrafts. Howard Hughes eat your heart out.

On the last Sunday of May each year, the eight contrade (districts) of Ferrara compete in Il Palio, a horse race that momentarily turns Piazza Ariostea into medieval bedlam. Claimed to be the oldest race of its kind in Italy, it was first officially held in 1279.

Top Accommodation

Top Restaurants

The weather in Ferrara is relatively temperate. Being close to the river, it can be cold, grey and shrouded in fog during winter - but it doesn't last. Spring is pleasant with mild, sunny days and is a fabulous time to visit. Like the rest of Italy, summer can bring with it extreme, dry heat - coupled with the crowds, this can make life a trifle uncomfortable.

Average weather

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Transport

Getting there and away

The closest airport to Ferrara is the Guglielmo Marconi in Bologna, about 40km (24.8mi) from Ferrara's city centre. A regional bus travels to Ferrara from the depot opposite Piazza XX Settembre.

Ferrara's bus station is on Via Rampari San Paolo. ACFT buses (0532 59 94 11) operate services to surrounding towns such as Comacchio (1.25hr, eight daily), as well as to the Adriatic beaches (some of these leave from Ferrara train station).

The train is the better option for Bologna (15-30min) and Ravenna (1.25hr).

Getting around

Most traffic is banned from the city centre. ACFT buses 1, 2 and 9 run from Ferrara train station to the city centre.

For a taxi, call 0532 90 09 00.

Even better, get in the saddle and join the hundreds of other wheelers in what is, if you discount the jarring effect of the cobbles, Italy's most bicycle-friendly city. Among places where you can rent bikes are Itinerando (Piazzale Kennedy 6-8), Pirani e Bagni (Piazza Stazione), Roberto Ceragioli (Piazza Travaglio 4) & Romanelli (Via Luna 10).