Ferrara Things to Do

When visiting Ferrara, there are several landmarks that immediately stand out as must-visit locales. Most notably, the Castello Estense or Este Castle that sits in the middle of the town. As the historical center of Ferrara that once housed its most influential family – the Este clan – throughout the Renaissance, one cannot miss out on visiting this historic landmark when planning a trip to Ferrara.

However, this is not the only thing to do in the city, as there are a variety of other historical sites and plenty of festivals to enjoy in Ferrara.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS  

Ferrara hosts numerous exciting festivals throughout the year. On the 23rd of April, Ferrara holds the Feast of Saint George, where the town honors its patron saint, the eponymous Saint George – the very same saint who, according to legend, slew a fearsome dragon. The townsfolk of Ferrara celebrate this day by hosting a procession in the streets where people wear Renaissance costumes, wave flags, and play music. There is also a candle ceremony held in the Cathedral of San Giorgio. Most notably, however, the town hosts a race called the Palio di Ferrara. The Palio races are a tradition that dates back to the thirteenth century, and the winner is awarded a traditional cloth known as a palio.

Around the same time, Ferrara hosts an event called Vulandra. This festival is celebrated across the country and is held on the 25th of April, marking the day that World War II ended in Italy. This particular celebration is characterized by kite-flying. In Ferrara, the citizens gather in the Giorgio Bassani Park located right outside the city walls on the northern side of the town. Here, the skies become filled with kites of all shapes and colors, and special events are held for children as well as for more professional kite-fliers.

One of Ferrara’s more remarkable festivals is the Ferrara Buskers Festival. This celebration occurs towards the end of August and is held in the town center. Here, street musicians of all types gather from across the nation and Europe to show off in an improvised, spontaneous showcase of skill. And it is not just musicians that the festival attracts. Also present are street performers, such as gymnasts, acrobats, and tumblers, as well as actors and improv artists. This is one of Ferrara’s most popular festivals, with an estimated 800,000 people attending every year, and it is considered one of the absolute best times to visit the city.

Shortly after the Buskers Festival at the beginning of September, though, the town plays host to the Ferrara Balloons Festival. Much like the kites flown during Vulandra, the sky becomes filled with color as countless hot air balloons lift off into the sky. Also held in the Giorgio Bassani Park, it is an exciting and beautiful festival.

Finally, around the beginning of October, Ferrara hosts a more subtle but no less interesting event; the International Festival of Journalism, or Internazionale a Ferrara. Organized by the weekly magazine Internazionale, this event attracts journalists, artists, writers, and other creative spirits from across the globe to discuss and share in all kinds of artistic and intellectual pursuits. Workshops and panels are also held to help aspiring artists, writers, and journalists get their start.

Gastronomic events in the province are organized year-round to promote the delicious products of the area, from the local truffles that grow in the territory along the Po River once used in the Este Court to traditional wheat-based products of Italian cuisine.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES  

Ferrara hosts numerous exciting festivals throughout the year. On the 23rd of April, Ferrara holds the Feast of Saint George, where the town honors its patron saint, the eponymous Saint George – the very same saint who, according to legend, slew a fearsome dragon. The townsfolk of Ferrara celebrate this day by hosting a procession in the streets where people wear Renaissance costumes, wave flags, and play music. There is also a candle ceremony held in the Cathedral of San Giorgio. Most notably, however, the town hosts a race called the Palio di Ferrara. The Palio races are a tradition that dates back to the thirteenth century, and the winner is awarded a traditional cloth known as a palio.

Around the same time, Ferrara hosts an event called Vulandra. This festival is celebrated across the country and is held on the 25th of April, marking the day that World War II ended in Italy. This particular celebration is characterized by kite-flying. In Ferrara, the citizens gather in the Giorgio Bassani Park located right outside the city walls on the northern side of the town. Here, the skies become filled with kites of all shapes and colors, and special events are held for children as well as for more professional kite-fliers.

One of Ferrara’s more remarkable festivals is the Ferrara Buskers Festival. This celebration occurs towards the end of August and is held in the town center. Here, street musicians of all types gather from across the nation and Europe to show off in an improvised, spontaneous showcase of skill. And it is not just musicians that the festival attracts. Also present are street performers, such as gymnasts, acrobats, and tumblers, as well as actors and improv artists. This is one of Ferrara’s most popular festivals, with an estimated 800,000 people attending every year, and it is considered one of the absolute best times to visit the city.

Shortly after the Buskers Festival at the beginning of September, though, the town plays host to the Ferrara Balloons Festival. Much like the kites flown during Vulandra, the sky becomes filled with color as countless hot air balloons lift off into the sky. Also held in the Giorgio Bassani Park, it is an exciting and beautiful festival.

Finally, around the beginning of October, Ferrara hosts a more subtle but no less interesting event; the International Festival of Journalism, or Internazionale a Ferrara. Organized by the weekly magazine Internazionale, this event attracts journalists, artists, writers, and other creative spirits from across the globe to discuss and share in all kinds of artistic and intellectual pursuits. Workshops and panels are also held to help aspiring artists, writers, and journalists get their start.

Gastronomic events in the province are organized year-round to promote the delicious products of the area, from the local truffles that grow in the territory along the Po River once used in the Este Court to traditional wheat-based products of Italian cuisine.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES  

Ferrara has no shortage of things to see if you prefer indoor activities. The city is home to a multitude of museums, including the National Archaeology Museum, the Jewish Museum, the World War II Resistance Museum, and Palazzo dei Diamanti, which hosts a spectacular art gallery highlighting some of the most influential Renaissance artists and creators of the region, as well as art from the Middles Ages to the eighteenth century.

One of the most popular places to visit in Ferrara, though, is the twelfth century Cathedral of San Giorgio. This beautiful landmark is known far and wide for its stunning architecture and interior design. Artwork from some of the most famous Renaissance artists in the region is featured within its walls. Connected to the cathedral is its very own museum that divulges the history of the cathedral, as well as some of the other religious buildings in town and their relation to Ferrara throughout history.

Other places to visit in Ferrara include the Church of San Cristoforo alla Certosa, the Monastery of Sant’Antonio, the Church of San Domenico, and the Church of San Francesco.

SHOPPING ACTIVITIES  

Ferrara is not particularly well-known for its shopping, but there are plenty of opportunities to pick up souvenirs and keepsakes from local shops and boutiques, and one specific establishment stands out among all the rest. Centro Commerciale Il Castello is a sprawling shopping mall offering anything one might need or want. If shopping is a key interest, then this bustling hub of commerce is a must.

FAMILY & KIDS  

Children visiting Ferrara will be thrilled to enjoy the city’s numerous parks and outdoor areas. The Giorgio Bassani Park is a particularly favored area for people to be active and enjoy nature, as is the Parco Masari, where the locals of the town often bring their children on a bright, sunny day.

For any budding scientists visiting the town, another fun and educational place to visit is the Ferrara Botanical Gardens, which boasts an astonishing 1,300 species in the greenhouses, and 700 outdoor species of various plants, trees and flora for visitors to observe and learn about. Here, children and families can learn about the medicinal, therapeutic, or even dangerous properties of exotic and local plant life, as well as enjoy a relaxing tour through numerous environments, including a Japanese-style rock garden.

Another interesting stop for families is the Museum of Natural History, which focuses on zoology and entomology. The exhibits feature minerals, fossils, and rocks with an emphasis on understanding the environment.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES  

Of course, no trip to Ferrara is complete without a visit to the town’s centerpiece: the Castello Estense. Here is where much of the magic of the town happens.

Travelers are encouraged to take a look into the past within the castle’s halls and gain a sense of what life was like back during the Renaissance, where the Ferraresi lived under the rule of the Este clan. One can view preserved apartments from the era, as well as such marvels as the Chamber of Dawn, the Ducal Chapel and the dungeons. Guided tours are offered through the castle to help travelers get a better sense of the history and culture of the city and the events that shaped it.

The Este Castle intermittently hosts more extravagant events within its halls. Exclusive events are often held monthly, treating visitors to a special night of music, theater, or other forms of entertainment. Those who visit the town should make a point of catching these special events.

Ferrara simply astounds with its powerful past and rich Renaissance architecture. Travelers with all types of interests will enjoy exploring the historic streets of the city center, admiring the architecture, and enjoying the beauty of this charming town.

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