Free walking tours in Ferrara and what to see

Must-sees

Ferrara lies on the Po plain, between Bologna and Venice, and was the court of the Este family during the Renaissance. Right in the centre stands the Este Castle, surrounded by a water-filled moat, with its towers, decorated halls and old prisons. A few steps away is the cathedral of San Giorgio, with a Romanesque and Gothic façade, and behind it begins the medieval quarter, with Via delle Volte and its covered passages, and the area of the old Jewish ghetto.

North of the castle stretches the Addizione Erculea, the Renaissance extension laid out by Biagio Rossetti that led UNESCO to recognise the city. Here is the Palazzo dei Diamanti, with its façade of pointed ashlar blocks, home to art exhibitions. In the south, the Palazzo Schifanoia holds the frescoes of the Hall of the Months. Don't leave without walking the walls, which encircle the centre for several kilometres and can be done on foot or by bike, the locals' favourite way of getting around.

Free tours and guided visits

Ferrara has no regular free walking tours. What is on offer are private guided tours of the historic centre, which let you tailor the route to the castle, the cathedral and the palazzi you are most interested in. Outside the city there are boat trips around the Po di Volano, in the Po delta, a gentle way to see canals, birds and wetland scenery.

How long to spend

In a full day you can see the castle, the cathedral, the medieval quarter and the Palazzo dei Diamanti. With two days you can add the Palazzo Schifanoia, a bike ride along the walls and a leisurely meal of local dishes, such as pumpkin cappellacci. If you have a third day, head out to the Po delta or to Comacchio, with its canals. From Bologna the train is quick and a day trip is very easy.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay inside the walls, between the castle and the medieval quarter, where there are hotels in old palazzi, pensioni and apartments. From there you do everything on foot or by bike, and many places lend them. Bear in mind that the centre has restricted car access, so if you arrive by car ask about parking. The station area is simpler and a stroll from the old town.