The 17 Pearls of Ferrara Italy

food traditions typical products and the preservation of local culture

The 17 Pearls of Ferrara, so named because of their importance to the local economy, are the result of the enhancement and protection of local typical food undertaken in Ferrara. Evidence of the strong bond between the territory and typical products are found in many ancient texts which explicitly refer to products that are still part of Ferrara's culinary tradition.

Heritage Preservation local producers working together have already received EU IPG certifications for the Coppia Ferrarese, a bread that traces its origins to the Renaissance period, Pears, Peaches and Nectarines and Asparagus while the Bosco Eliceo Wines have a DOC denomination

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Renaissance Customs and Food Traditions in Trentino and Emilia Romagna

Certifications are under consideration for Goro Clams, Ferrara Cucumbers, Po River Delta Carrots and Rice, Garlic Salami Zia Ferrarese, Voghiera Garlic, Pumpkin Cappellato and Pampapato-pampepato. 

Ferrara Historic Center Walking Itinerary

Belriguardo Castle Renaissance Art Courses and Local Cuisine in Ferrara

The Museums Project

 Learning by Doing. Preserving and Divulging Cultural Heritage in Your Community

Ferrara Italy Historic Center Walking Itinerary

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.

Arts and Gastronomy Courses in Ferrara and Modena

Celebrating the Cultural and Culinary Traditions of Emilia Romagna

Weekly Courses, available year round, designed to acquaint you and expand your knowledge of the arts, culture and cuisine of Ferrara and the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. 

The Cooking Classes take place in Ferrara restaurants, the balsamic vinegar program in Modena and the Fresco art course at the Belriguardo Museum.

1. Italian Cooking Classes: from the selection and purchase of the ingredients in local markets to the making, presentation and tasting of first and second courses. The afternoons are dedicated to visits to Ferrara’s museums and other cultural venues.
2. Bread-Making: coppia ferrarese – a hit at Milan’s Expo2015 - and other local specialties;
3. Creative Cooking: your favorite Italian dishes accompanied by unique aromas, herbs and flavors from the garden;
4. The Wines of Emilia Romagna;
5. Balsamic Vinegar: an introduction;
6. The Art of Fresco Making. Your program includes morning visits to Sala della Vigna, Palazzo Schifanoia, Marfisa and other venues to view examples of Ferrara area frescoes. In the afternoons, under the guidance of your art maestro, you will have a chance to put into practice your newly acquired knowledge by creating your very own frescos.

Accommodations in Typical Local Ferrara Country Houses and Villas

Planning Your Trip assumes uniquely local dimensions wherever you go; the activities that you, the visitor – local, or global –  select and irrespective of the length of your stay, are unique of the community you are visiting and rooted into the local economy, history and traditions.

TEMA develops personalized travel itineraries based on client interests by leveraging an in-depth knowledge of your destination, superior client service in the planning stages and throughout the trip or event as well as logistics expertise to reduce accommodations andtransport costs and transfer times.

tema@arezza.net | skype arezza1

Escorted Itineraries to visit the local small museums in or near Ferrara that are representative of the region’s Renaissance Traditions and its modern, industrial achievements, such as the Lamborghini Museum. Also included, a day trip to Florence or Venice.

Children Workshops are Available at Belriguardo Castle

Connect with Historia and Tema

for Year Round Art and Gastronomy Courses in Ferrara and Modena

Local Knowledge – Global Reach

tema@arezza.net |skype arezza1