ferrara Map
Ferrara is an interesting Town in Emilia Romagna, north of Bologna and south of Venice.
Our map shows the best central hotel we've found, and the attractions and restaurants in the historic center of Ferrara.
Ferrara Travel Tips
Ferrara is on the Florence-Bologna-Venice line, which is not a bad train line to plan a vacation around (see our Italy Train Map to put it all into perspective).
You can drive into Ferrara, of course, the parking lots are well-marked as you enter the city.
The main way to get around Ferrara is by bicycle. You can rent one near the train station, or possibly at your hotel.
Recommended Place to Stay in Ferrara
Albergo Annunziata is perfectly situated; its front rooms have a wonderful view of the Este Castle (try for rooms 101, 201 or 301). Breakfast is advertised as "American" but I've yet to find an American buffet with caviar on it. That is to say it is a lavish buffet, even more amazing since the hotel is in Italy, home of the cellophane-wrapped industrial "brioche" which stands in for breakfast for an entire population of foodies. Bikes are available for your transportation.
seen from Room 201, Albergo Annunciata
Top Ferrara Sights
Il Castello Estense - The 1385 moated Castle in the middle of flat Ferrara (no climbing unless you wish to go up in the tower!) was partly restored in 1554. There are frescoes and dungeons to visit.
Romanesque Duomo - Near the castello, the Duomo is an imposing sturcture with lots to admire carved into the facade. On Wednesday and festival evenings, the front of the Duomo is a gathering place for youth and the young at heart.
The Walls - Yes, as in Lucca, the walls are worth exploring--stroll or bike, your choice.
Palazzo dei Diamanti by Biagio Rossetti, built starting from 1493, is an interesting example of Renaissance architecture and houses National Gallery of Art in Ferrara (Pinacoteca Nazionale).
The Palio di Ferrara
Around May, the Palio di Ferrara horse race is run (check web site for dates). The weekends before are full of medieval games and competitions. First recorded in 1259, it claims to be the oldest of these kinds of horse races in the world.
Ferrara is noted for its Renaissance buildings and the number of Renaissance artists who've been born in Ferrara, including Piero della Francesca, Jacopo Bellini and Andrea Mantegna.
Travel Planning
Albergo Annunciata Recommended Hotel in Ferrara (see map)
Hostels and Low Cost Hotels in Ferrara
