Medieval and Renaissance
History Architecture and Culinary Traditions
Ferrara has one
of the best preserved medieval historic centers in Europe and was declared a
Unesco Patrimony in 1995; a classic Italian Renaissance town characterized by
its walls, alleys, gothic churches, the Jewish Ghetto and Synagogues.
The Este Dynasty ruled
this city for 350 years contributing the Castle, the Erculean Addition, the urban expansion created in 1492 by the
enlargement of the walled city limits celebrated as an example of renaissance
urban planning, and many works of art, paintings and letters. The Estensi cultural
contributions began in 1391 with the founding of the university that led to
visits to Ferrara by humanists, scientists and artists including Piero della
Francesca, Tiziano, Mantegna, Copernicus, Pico della Mirandola, Pietro Bembo,
Ariosto and Tasso.
The Estense Castle dates back to
1385 as home to the Estense militias and the local nobility
The Ferraresi preferred mode of transport is the bicycle and the local culinary specialties range from the coppia ferrarese bread to pasticcio di maccheroni, a dish that dates back to the time of Lucrezia Borgia, salama da sugo and cappellacci di zucca.
Piazza delle Erbe
features sidewalk 12 meters wide and 120 meters long and
is the site of Ferrara’s fruits, vegetable and other outdoor markets. Around it
are the San Giorgio Cathedral, the Medieval era City Hall and courthouse
Palazzo della Ragione, the Loggia dei Merciai where wool and other cloths were
traded, and the unfinished bell tower by Leon Battista Alberti.
Schifanoia
Palace was built during the 14th Century and expanded in 1470s. The
name, mythology and astrology frescoed halls imply a place of entertainment
where you are not likely to be bored.
Arts and
Food Courses in Ferrara
Corso Ercole d’Este
is
a pedestrian only avenue that preserves the renaissance features of building
facades, doors and windows. It passes the Quadrivio degli Angeli is the meeting
point of the Diamanti, Turchi di Bagno and Prosperi-Sacrati Palaces. It ends at
Ferrara’s ancient city walls.
The Diamanti
Palace dates back to 1493 and is so named for the 8500 white marble
blocks used to decorate its exterior while the interior features a renaissance
courtyard with cloister and well. The Ferrara National Picture Galley is on the
first floor and holds works by Cosmè Tura, Andrea Mantegna, Ercole de Roberti
and Dosso Dossi.
Renaissance
Art Archeology History and Regional Cuisine
The Medieval Town via delle
Volte winds for two kilometers in Ferrara’s historic center and was a major
commercial artery with goods stored on the Po River waterfront, easily reached
through the maze of alleys and arches. The warehouses are now apartments and
restaurants.
The Jewish Ghetto is characterized by alleys, artisan shops, old fashioned food stores and the Jewish cemetery.