Ferrara

Ferrara is a city in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, capital city of the province of Ferrara. It is situated 50 km north-northeast of Bologna, on the Po di Volano, a branch channel of the main stream of the Po River, located 5 km north. The town has broad streets and numerous palaces dating from the 14th century, when it hosted the court of the house of Este. Modern times have brought a renewal of industrial activity. Ferrara is on the main rail line from Bologna to Padua and Venice, and has branches to Ravenna, Poggio Rusco (for Suzzara) and Codigoro. The town is still surrounded by more than 9 kilometres of ancient walls, mainly built in the 15th and 16th centuries[1]. The most prominent building is the square Castello Estense, in the centre of the town, a brick building surrounded by a moat, with four towers. It was built after 1385 and partly restored in 1554; the pavilions on the top of the towers date from the latter year. Near it is the hospital of Santa Anna, where the poet Torquato Tasso was confined during his attack of insanity (1579–1586). The Palazzo del Municipio, rebuilt in the 18th century, was the earlier residence of the Este family. Close by it is the cathedral of San Giorgio, consecrated in 1135, when the Romanesque lower part of the main façade and the side façades were completed. It was built by Guglielmo degli Adelardi (d. 1146), who is buried in it. The upper part of the main façade, with arcades of pointed arches, dates from the 13th century and the portal has recumbent lions and elaborate sculptures above. The interior was restored in the baroque style in 1712.

The campanile, in the Renaissance style, dates from 1451–1493, but the last storey was added at the end of the 16th century. A little way off is the university, which has faculties of law, architecture, pharmacy, medicine and natural science; the library has valuable manuscripts, including part of that of the Orlando Furioso and letters by Tasso. In the university took their degree Nicolaus Copernicus (1503) and Paracelsus. Ferrara has many early Renaissance palaces, often retaining terracotta decorations; few towns of Italy as small have so many, though most are comparatively small in size. Among them may be noted those in the north quarter (especially the four at the intersection of its two main streets), which was added by Ercole I in 1492–1505, from the plans of Biagio Rossetti, and hence called the Addizione Erculea. Among the finest palaces is Palazzo dei Diamanti, so named for the diamond points into which the facade's stone blocks are cut. It houses the National Picture Gallery, with a large collection of the school of Ferrara, which first rose to prominence in the latter half of the 15th century, with Cosimo Tura, Francesco Cossa and Ercole dei Roberti. Noted masters of the 16th century School of Ferrara (Painting) include Lorenzo Costa and Dosso Dossi, the most eminent of all, Girolamo da Carpi and Benvenuto Tisio (il Garofalo). The Archivio Storico Comunale contains a relevant amount of historical documents, starting from 15th century. The Archivio Storico Diocesano is more ancient, mentioned in documents in 955, and contains precious documents collected across the centuries by the clergy. Many libraries also enrich this town, which possesses a cultural heritage of extraordinary importance. The Monastero del Corpus Domini contains tombs of the Estes, including Alfonso I, Alfonso II, Ercole I, Ercole II, as well as Lucrezia Borgia, Eleonora d'Aragona, and a dozen others.

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Last update: 30 Dec 2024 @ 20:56

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  • Hotel Carlton 2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Hotel Carlton Hotel Carlton is situated in the centre of Ferrara, near to Estense Castle, to Cathedral, the Theatre, the Palazzo dei Diamanti, the University of Ferrara, the Hospital Sant Anna. Hotel Carlton has a business area composed of a conference room and two meeting rooms as well as 58 rooms at its location in Ferrara. READ MORE

  • Hotel Touring2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Hotel TouringHotel Touring is located in the historical down town Ferrara near the Estense Castle facing the age-old public garden of viale Cavour. Hotel Touring offers 53 rooms and eight fully-furnished small apartments located in the adjacent buildings in Ferrara.READ MORE

Featured Businesses

  • Locanda Borgonuovo Hotel 2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Locanda Borgonuovo Hotel Locanda Borgonuovo Hotel offering four rooms is situated in the historical and cultural center of the town, a few yards from the Medieval Castle, the Cathedral and the Theatres in Ferrara. At Locanda Borgonuovo Hotel the cosy garden is a perfect place where guests can have their home made breakfasts before going out sightseeing in Ferrara.READ MORE

  • Hotel Orologio

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Hotel OrologioVisit Hotel Orologio in FerraraREAD MORE

  • The Antica Corte Hotel Residence2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    The Antica Corte Hotel ResidenceThe Antica Corte Hotel Residence is located in an elegant Fifteen Century building in the hearth of Ferrara and offers pet friendly, group and child friendly comfortable rooms and apartments with an excellent Italian or English breakfast. Palazzo dei Diamanti Palace, the Estensi Castle, the Cathedral and numerous places of business for academics, doctors, lawyers and artists such as the University of Ferrara is nearby The Antica Corte Hotel Residence in Ferrrara. READ MORE

  • Hotel San Paolo 2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Hotel San Paolo Hotel San Paolo offers easy access for the disabled guests and allow small pets at their location in Ferrara. Hotel San Paolo is located near the Castle Estense (XIV century), Cathedral (XII century), Palazzo dei Diamanti, Palazzo Schifanoia and many other wonders of the medieval and renaissance period in Ferrara.READ MORE

  • Agriturismo RandB Corte dei Gioghi 2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Agriturismo RandB Corte dei Gioghi The silence and tranquillity coupled by its privileged location make Agriturismo RandB Corte dei Gioghi an ideal solution for a relaxing holiday to discover Ferrara. Each room at Agriturismo RandB Corte dei Gioghi is nicely decorated with authentic furniture from the late IXX century and they all have an ensuite bathroom and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for visitors to Ferrara. READ MORE

  • Carlton Casalbergo2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Carlton CasalbergoCarlton Casalbergo (hotel-home), with its extreme flexibility, is the new residential complex in Ferrara. Respecting the Guests total freedom of movement, the Carlton Casalbergo offers, for mid-length periods, one, two and three roomed apartments in Ferrara. READ MORE

  • Piazza Nova Guest House2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Piazza Nova Guest HousePiazza Nova Guest House has warm and comfortable apartments of different sizes and small pets are welcome at their location in Ferrara. All the apartments have fully equipped kitchens and private bathrooms at Piazza Nova Guest House in Ferrara. READ MORE

  • The Dependance Carlton2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    The Dependance CarltonThe Dependance Carlton, adjacent to the Carlton Hotel located in Ferrara, houses our Guests in a completely restored antique building. Especially designed for medium to long stays, The Carlton Dependance has various types of apartments with 2 - 4 beds at its location in Ferrara. READ MORE

  • The Annunziata Hotel2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    The Annunziata HotelAnnunziata Hotel with only 24 rooms and 6 suite lies in front of the Este Castle in Ferrara. Annunziata Hotel offers facilities for meetings and briefings in Ferrara. For those who are looking for something more exclusive there are 6 beautiful suite/apartments rooms at Prisciani ArtSuite, just 100 steps away from the Hotel in Ferrara.READ MORE

  • Delizia Estense Bed and Breakfast2009-11-18

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Delizia Estense Bed and BreakfastLa Delizia Estense Bed and Breakfast residence is situated in the heart of Ferrara's medieval quarter next to the 14th Century Palazzo Schifanoia and offers 6 mini apartments. La Delizia Estense offers its guests longer stay as well as overnight bed and breakfast options in Ferrara.READ MORE

  • The Lucrezia Borgia Hotel 2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    The Lucrezia Borgia Hotel The Lucrezia Borgia Hotel's 53 rooms have all modern comforts to satisfy all guests needs, small pets allowed and disabled access rooms available for guests visiting Ferrara. The Lucrezia Borgia Hotel offers 3 conferences rooms for meeting in Ferrara. READ MORE

  • Carlton Casalbergo2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Carlton CasalbergoCarlton Casalbergo (hotel-home), with its extreme flexibility, is the new residential complex in Ferrara. The Carlton Casalbergo offers, for mid-length periods, one, two and three roomed apartments in Ferrara.READ MORE

  • Corte Estense Hotel 2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Corte Estense Hotel This 4 star hotel, Corte Estense Hotel, is found directly in the historical centre of Ferrara, only a few meters from the Estense Castle and cathedral. The rooms at Corte Estense Hotel is available in single, double, French-like and triple versions for guests to Ferrara. READ MORE

  • Hotel Europa2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Hotel EuropaSituated in the Medieval heart of the town of Ferrara, Hotel Europa is close to Estense Castle, Diamanti Palace, Ferrara Musica Theatre, Ferrara University and the main Hospital St Anna. The Hotel Europa offers apartments situated inside the hotel building, suites and rooms as well as rooms equipped for disabled people visiting Ferrara. The on site catering service of Caffè Europa offers services for every special occasion.READ MORE

  • Hotel de la Ville2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Hotel de la VilleThe Hotel de la Ville is a modern, functional hotel offering 85 rooms that are spacious and well furnished at its location in Ferrara. The spacious conference rooms at Hotel de la Ville makes it the ideal place for meetings, congresses and conferences in Ferrara. READ MORE

  • Hotel Ferrara 2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Hotel Ferrara Hotel Ferrara have 10 exclusive annexed apartment suites and 52 rooms at its 4 star location in Ferrara. Guests at the Hotel Ferrara enjoy splendid views over the Castle Ferrara and over the Estense castle square in Ferrara. READ MORE

  • Ripagrande Hotel 2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Ripagrande Hotel A beautiful XV century palace, located in Ferrara, has been transformed into an elegant 4-star hotel offering forty rooms, of which 20 are Junior Suites, furnished mainly in a pleasant classic style and endowed with the most modern of comforts. Ripagrande Hotel is furthermore equipped for small and medium sized meetings and may propose guided sightseeing tours around Ferrara. READ MORE

  • Privacy

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    PrivacyVisit Privacy in FerraraREAD MORE

  • Hotel De Prati2009-11-17

    Located in Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Hotel De PratiJust a few short steps from the Estense Castle, the Diamond Palace and the City Theatre, you will find the Hotel de Prati where the tradition and atmosphere of the old inn has been restored in Ferrara. Hotel de Prati offers fifteen comfortable rooms, a suite with a terrace and interior decorated with antique furniture so as to restore the fascination of a bygone era in Ferrara. READ MORE