“Show and Tell”: Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna

This week Roberta Parisi, a freelance translator and writer who resides in Cesena, shares her experience on a recent visit to Ferrara.

6 Favorite Photos from Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna

Thanks to a sunny winter day I had the opportunity to spend some pleasant hours in Ferrara, a city in Emilia-Romagna, 50 km north-east of Bologna. Due to the amazing cultural and architectural characteristics of its Renaissance style center, Ferrara is one of UNESCO World Heritage site of Emilia Romagna.

1. Palazzo dei Diamanti: I’ve visited Ferrara before and this palace was the most memorable. I remembered the bugnato of the exterior walls, made of thousands of marble diamonds. And, this time again, when I found myself in front of this majestic Palace, I was amazed by the dimension. Look at how little those people are next to the walls!

Palazzo dei Diamanti overlooks Corso d’Ercole I d’Este. During Renaissance this long straight street was also meant to be the escape route out of the town for the Dukes of Este Family, the lordship of Ferrara.

2. Castello Estense: The Castle, built in 1385 as a defensive fortress, is impressive and fascinating regardless from side you look at it. It is surrounded by a moat and at the bottom, its appearance still recalls the original function, while the higher part is elegantly decorated by balconies and roof terraces of white stones.

3. Via delle Volte: This tiny street evokes the feel of Medieval times. The endless repetition of arches creates fantastic perspective.

4. Ferrara Cathedral is absolutely magnificent. The façade, composed of three cusps, reminds us of the historical period of the city: marble sculptures tell the story of local lordships and of the Saints loved by the inhabitants; the decorations are both in Romanesque and Gothic style.

The interior is stunning! I entered for only a few seconds, where there was a service taking place, but I was absolutely impressed by the frescoes and the crystal chandelier, which gave me the feeling of being part at a Royal ceremony.

On the right part of the Cathedral there is the charming Loggia dei Merciai or Loggia degli Strazzoli (cloths sellers).

5. Loggia dei Merciai: This series of shops was built during Medieval Ages and to this day, the structure hosts the most elegant and chic shops of the city. They deserve not only a window-shopping moment, but worth a visit inside: at the bottom part of interior walls (which are in fact the exterior walls of the Cathedral) it is still possible to see ancient marble stones with the old city laws engraved.

6. San Domenico Church is also worth a visit. Once the Inquisition Court of the city, legend says that on the right pillar of the lateral entrance there is the imprint of the Devil’s hoof: he was angry as many of his cohorts were condemned here.

While strolling through Ferrara, don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste local delicacies: Ferrara’s typical bread, the coppia ferrarese, which is flavorful and particular in the shape, local cold-cuts such as coppa di testa, salame all’aglio or salama da sugo; and ravioli alla zucca, a pasta stuffed with pumpkin.

Thanks Roberta for giving us a glimpse of this beautiful city!

Have you been to Ferrara? Share you experience with us in the comments below.