When I planned my week-long trip to Italy, I had Venice, Bologna, and other cities on my list. Seeking a convenient base between them, I chose Ferrara, and it quickly became a city close to my heart. Here’s why.
Ferrara boasts a compact center with landmarks, shops, and restaurants all within easy reach of the train station.
With a wealth of attractions to explore over several days, you won’t feel overwhelmed by too many choices. Plus, accommodation prices are notably lower compared to Venice. The food and coffee scene is also top-notch and reasonably priced, adding to the city’s allure.
What really struck me was the warmth of the locals. They are exceptionally friendly and always eager to engage. In a bustling metropolis, opportunities to interact with locals are rare, but here, it’s a regular practice.
I also appreciated the compact train station, where buses 1 and 9 conveniently drop you off at the city center. However, I often preferred walking – it was a pleasant 20-minute stroll from the train station to my apartment near the castle.
What you need to know about Ferrara
- Population: 130,000.
- In the Middle Ages, it was as significant as Milan, Venice, and Florence.
- The center of Ferrara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The city boasts a large number of cyclists.
Where is Ferrara, Italy?
Ferrara is in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy, located between Padua and Bologna.
How to get to Ferrara?
During the week, trains were delayed by 5-10 minutes several times.
I flew to Treviso Airport. From there, I took a bus to the train station in Treviso, and then a train to Ferrara. You can also fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport or Bologna.
When is the best time to visit Ferrara?
The first days of my trip to Ferrara were quite warm and sunny.
On the last day, it drizzled rain from morning until evening.
The climate here is typically Mediterranean – mild, humid winters, and hot summers. Autumn and spring are warm, albeit prone to rain and fog.
In February, when I visited Ferrara, temperatures ranged from +11 to +15 degrees Celsius. Coming from a northern country, I found such winter temperatures delightful. I wore a jacket that I usually wear for April-May.
It rained lightly one day, a Saturday, yet the streets in the center were bustling with people under umbrellas — they looked so serene, as if the sun were shining.
Locals say the most wonderful time is April-May and September. Summer might be less comfortable due to the dense stone buildings and lack of greenery.
How many days to spend in Ferrara?
I spent seven nights here. I dedicated two days to exploring Ferrara itself – one upon arrival and another before departure. On the remaining days, I took trains to Venice for the carnival, to Bologna, Florence, and even Rome. It takes three hours by high-speed train to reach Rome, where I managed to see several iconic landmarks. To be honest, a brief trip isn’t ideal for Rome.
I also intended to visit Padua or Comacchio but opted to stay in Ferrara due to forecasted rain. It turned out to be a great decision as I visited the castle, which left a lasting impression and attended a chocolate fair near the cathedral.
Where to stay in Ferrara?
I enjoyed the entire city center, especially the area around the castle and the cathedral. It’s convenient and comfortable here, with plenty of supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes. Both hotels and apartments are suitable options.
Where to eat?
I feel tempted to purchase everything available.
The sweets are so tempting, but I must exercise restraint.
The roasted pumpkin (on the right) turned out to be incredibly tasty.
During my trip, I dined both in restaurants and at home, as I prefer to eat lots of greens and fruits. In Ferrara, this is not a problem at all. Even small supermarkets have a good selection of food: cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and ready-made dishes.
I bought ready-made lentil soup, minestrone, roasted pumpkin, braised artichokes and fennel, and risotto. Everything was delicious, and it cost only 2-3 euros per serving. I also purchased various types of salad at the market. There are many stalls selling fruits and vegetables, some of which stay open late.
Espresso costs 1.3-1.5 euros, cappuccino 2-2.5 euros. A bottle of wine in the store starts from 4 euros.
How to pay for the bus?
You can buy a single ticket at the Tabaccheria for 1.5 euros and validate it after boarding. But it’s easier to pay directly with a bank card at the validator. There are also old machines in buses that accept coins, but then the fare will be 2 euros. The driver doesn’t sell tickets.
Sights to See in Ferrara in 1-2 Days
1. Estense Castle (Castello Estense)
I climbed one of the towers of this impressive castle.
The ceiling paintings are mirrored, sparing you the strain of tilting your head upwards.
The lemons on the balcony bring a vibrant atmosphere to the castle’s interior.
The main attractions of Ferrara are located in the city center. The highlight is Castello Estense – Ferrara’s symbol and the residence of its rulers.
The castle construction began in 1385. It is surrounded by a water-filled moat with four large towers and an inner courtyard, and has remained largely unchanged since the second half of the 16th century. It slightly resembles Milan’s Sforza Castle.
In the castle rooms, information in Italian and English describes the former use of each space – kitchen, prison, or bedroom. There is hardly any furniture, but beautiful ceiling paintings remain, reflecting in enormous mirrors. It’s so convenient! Sometimes it’s hard to make out what’s up there, practically straining your neck. Here, everything is visible at eye level.
You can buy tickets just for the castle or get a combo ticket that includes access to the Lion Tower, reached by climbing a steep staircase.
2. Ferrara Cathedral and Trento – Trieste square
Ancient market stalls are nestled right against the cathedral wall.
Lovely lions guard the entrance to the cathedral.
The gelateria is located across from the bell tower on Trento – Trieste Square.
Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Saint George, the cathedral is a magnificent structure built between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Its pink marble façade is complemented by a bell tower added later. With a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, the cathedral stands out in Ferrara, emanating refined elegance. Marble lions guard the entrance – charming creatures! Unfortunately, I couldn’t go inside as it was closed for restoration.
On weekends, a lively market fills the square by the cathedral. I stumbled upon a sweets market offering chocolates, candies, nougat, pastries, and honey. I grabbed some sweets for gifts – a delightful souvenir indeed.
If you haven’t tried gelato yet, there’s Grom in the square; they offer decent gelato with natural ingredients that vary with the seasons. An alternative is La Romana Gelateria on Via Palestro, 33; it’s a bit more spacious. It’s better to buy gelato where it’s covered with lids.
3. Municipal Palace (Palazzo Municipale)
To get to the square, you need to go through the arch.
Even in February, the square is bustling with people.
The Municipal Palace was the first residence of the Este dukes, a terracotta-colored building with arched windows, a tower, and bronze statues.
Adjacent to it is Piazza del Municipio, a typical Italian rectangular square with arcades and outdoor seating. It’s a lively, bustling square, the heart of city life. Despite being in the city center, access is only through an archway due to the dense construction in this part, much like in Bologna or Padua. At every turn, you encounter palaces, cathedrals, or simply medieval homes of affluent families.
4. Volta Street (Via delle Volte)
The street is narrow and features many intriguing old details.
An ancient street adorned with numerous arches that enhance its mystique. For a brief moment, you’re truly transported back to medieval Ferrara. It’s just a short stroll from the cathedral to reach this street.
Many sections of the street have been restored and paved with river pebbles, characteristic of a medieval town.
5. La Rotonda Foschini
Looks like an eye in the sky, but capturing it isn’t so easy.
One of the most interesting places I saw in Ferrara. I visited it right after getting off the train on my first day, heading to the apartment. It looks so beautiful at night!
The courtyard is part of the historic Communal Theater of Ferrara and is located on Corso della Giovecca 22 – just across from the castle. The theater was opened in 1773 but was later expanded. It has been recently renovated, and the results are impressive.
6. Diamond Palace (Palazzo dei Diamanti)
The Diamond Palace was constructed between 1493 and 1503.
The exterior walls are made up of 8,500 blocks of white marble, carved to resemble diamonds.
Just a short ten-minute walk north of the castle lies the Palazzo dei Diamanti — a strikingly unique building adorned with marble square tiles resembling pyramids.
The palace is home to the Pinacoteca Nazionale of Ferrara, showcasing works by Garofalo, Filippi, Dossi, and Mantegna. Access to the gallery is through the courtyard, with the staircase in the corner leading to the second floor. The same building also houses the Gallery of Modern Art.
As you move further away from the city center, streets and squares are lined with trees and shrubs, providing shade and relaxation in the summer, which is often scarce in the medieval central streets.
7. Massari Park
The picture was taken in February. I bet it’s really nice here in the spring.
Massari Park doesn’t have any special sights, but it’s a lovely place to take a walk, enjoy the fountains, or just relax. It’s located between the Diamond Palace and the Certosa di Ferrara, and you’ll find big trees like Lebanese cedars, plane trees, oaks, and chestnuts there. Plus, there’s a free restroom nearby.
8. Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Ferrara)
Near the Diamond Palace and Massari Park is a small botanical garden. It doesn’t look very well-maintained, but it has a good variety of plants. There’s not much to do here in February, but if you come in spring and summer, it’s definitely worth a visit.
In the botanical garden, there are 700 species of plants both in the beds and in the greenhouses. The Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum), 20 species of carnivorous plants, a pond with aquatic plants, and various maples make it interesting. So, if you’re a fan of botanical gardens, it’s worth stopping by. Admission is free.
9. Certosa di Ferrara
San Cristoforo alla Certosa, the former church of Ferrara Charterhouse.
The atmosphere encourages reflection and contemplation.
A Certosa is a monastery where monks lived, prayed, and worked. Certosa di Ferrara is one of the most beautiful examples. Now there are no longer monks here. It is located a 15-minute walk from the castle.
Certosa was constructed in 1551. In the early 19th century, it came under municipal ownership, and a monumental cemetery was established here. Many notable figures associated with Ferrara rest here, and some of the tombs are remarkable works of art.
10. Il Castello Centro Commerciale
You will need to take a bus to reach this shopping center.
Shopping centers are located on the outskirts of the city, with the largest being Il Castello Centro Commerciale at Via Giusti 4.
It’s surprisingly spacious for such a small city, worth visiting for several reasons. There are numerous departments and a supermarket where you can purchase groceries, as well as cosmetics, kitchenware, and household items. This presents a great alternative to souvenirs bought at tourist spots, which are often of questionable quality and overpriced. Given that Ferrara isn’t a tourist-centric city, finding souvenirs here isn’t straightforward. There’s also a food court, although prices are high and the cuisine is rather ordinary. A beautiful playground awaits at the entrance, offering ample space, wooden structures, and comfortable flooring.
Where to go from Ferrara?
To magnificent Bologna it’s just half an hour by train.
From Ferrara, I traveled to Venice, Rome, Florence, and Bologna. I reached all these cities by direct train. I bought tickets for the high-speed train to Rome and Florence in advance, as they become more expensive closer to the trip. Tickets to Venice and Bologna always cost the same (but there are also high-speed trains with expensive tickets), and trains run every hour.
Venice. The trip to the Carnival was very comfortable. I spent 9 hours in Venice itself, which was enough to enjoy the carnival without getting overwhelmed.
Rome. I managed to see some iconic places, but of course, one day is not nearly enough. I hope to visit this wonderful city again someday.
Florence. I spent more than a week several years ago in this beautiful city, so I nostalgically walked through my favorite places and indulged in five tiny pastries, for which this city is famous.
Bologna. It’s just a stone’s throw from Ferrara to Bologna, where I leisurely wandered around, exploring many interesting places. I really liked the city.
