Ferrara is a city in northeastern Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region with a total area of 160 km2. It is the capital of the eponymous province. The city is located on the territory of a large plain in the valley of the Po River, 50 km from the Adriatic Sea. More than 132 thousand people live there today.
Ferrara is a magnificent city of art and one of the Renaissance capitals, the historical centre of which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage The Russian-Italian scientific and cultural centre “Hermitage – Italy” has been operating there since 2007.
The brightest chapter in the history of Ferrara is connected with the dukes of d'Este, who had been ruling the city for three centuries.
Ferrara is an interesting example of urban planning, in which half of the city is medieval and the other part is renaissance. The vast majority of locals use bicycles what creates the atmosphere of a small friendly town.
History
The history of Ferrara begins in the V century, when refugees settled there in the era of Barbarian invasions. A fortress was set at this place later. Centuries later Ferrara, among 22 other cities, would be gifted to the Pope. The first mention of Ferrara was found in the documents published on this occasion in 753. Church authorities ceded the city to Tuscan aristocrats at the end of the X century.
At that time the city achieves noticeable prosperity turning into one of the most important and largest cities in Northern Italy along with Venice, Florence and Milan.
In the XIII century the d'Este family came to power in the city during which Ferrara turned into one of the cultural and scientific centers of Italy. The foundation of the university in 1391 was the beginning of a new era of cultural development and fame, which made the House of Este one of the most important in Europe.
In the end of the XIV century after the fall of power of the dukes of d'Este Ferrara lost its independence and became part of the Papal State, which marked the beginning of a long period of decay. After the Napoleonic Wars the city was occupied by the Austrians and in 1860 became part of a united Italy, when it eventually became a modern city, which it is today. Ferrara never lost touch with its deep historical roots.
Architecture of the city
Geographically Ferrara was a large island surrounded by two arms of the river Po delta. Since the Middle Ages the entire city was surrounded by a thick wall, so Ferrara was also a well-defended fortress. Inspired by the humanistic concept of an “ideal city”, one of the representatives of the d'Este dynasty, Duke Ercole I, decided to reconstruct Ferrara.
This task was delegated to the architect Biagio Rossetti, who was distinguished by a breadth of views and a love of innovation. He thoroughly studied the old layout of the city and came to an interesting decision: not to demolish the old buildings or rebuild from nothing as many architects did, but to build a new city on top of the old one. Thus he simultaneously embodied the concept of the Renaissance city with its straight streets and open spaces and emphasized the integrity and self-sufficiency of the medieval city. Modernity destroyed or argued with history in no case but on the contrary emphasized and preserved it. The planning system was based on the system of roads in ancient Rome: two main perpendicular streets, which are parallel to the other secondary streets. In the south the Giovecca ditch was filled up and a wide road with the same name was built along it. So two parts of the city were united.
The main innovation of the architect was a different use of spaces. He did not obey all the laws of regular urban planning, which involved open squares and wide streets. Instead of it, when the medieval part of the city was left untouched, Biagio played on the extremes: he alternated main roads with narrow streets, bright squares with dark dead ends, large dukes’ houses with low houses of ordinary residents.
Ferrara was the first city that was built according to a single plan. The project completion marked the birth of modern urban development and influenced its further development.
Main sightseeing
The main sightseeing of Ferrara is located in the old city, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The historical centre has largely preserved its medieval appearance and layout in the Renaissance style. All the most famous monuments of architecture and culture of Ferrara have the seal of the d'Este family.
Castello Estense
The main and most recognizable symbol of Ferrara. This powerful stronghold was built in the 14th century on the site of a small fortress. The reason for the construction was the uprising of citizens. The castle stands out with its impressive proportions, towers, drawbridges and a moat. Subsequently its protective role was transformed into a representative one. Thus, the castle became a magnificent ducal residence and was decorated with roof terraces at the top of the towers, marble balconies, a Renaissance courtyard (at that time fully painted with frescoes) and luxurious apartments. Currently all the premises of the castle are open to the public (art exhibitions are held in some rooms). In October 2007 the Russian-Italian scientific and cultural centre Hermitage-Italy was opened in the castle itself. The main activity of the centre is scientific work on the study of collections and the development of Russian-Italian cultural connections.
Ferrara Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. George - the main monument of the church architecture of Ferrara - is located in the city centre opposite the city hall. It is dedicated to the heavenly patron of Ferrara - St. Martyr George. On the day of his death, April 23rd, Ferrara celebrates City Day. The current cathedral bears the imprint of all the historical eras lived by the city. Its three-part oldest part is created in the style of Lombard romance of pink marble, with a noticeable addition of Gothic elements. The facade of the cathedral is characterized by the fusion of elements of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The bell tower is made in the style of the classic Renaissance. The devastating fire of the XVII century irretrievably destroyed almost all the interior decoration of the cathedral. Only the fresco “The Last Judgment”, written by the famous artist Sebastiano Filippi (Sebastiano Filippi), a prominent representative of the Ferrara school of painting, has survived. The new interior was created in the style of Italian Baroque.
Palazzo Municipale
The formidable and impregnable-looking Palazzo Municipale was erected in 1245 and served as the first residence of the Dukes of d'Este. Representatives of the ruling dynasty lived in the palace until the XVI century, later the city hall was located in the building (today the offices of the Ferrara City Hall are located here). For several centuries the palazzo was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded. Some of the interior of the palace preserved the atmosphere of old times.
Via delle Volte
Via delle Volte Street about 2 km long as if by a time machine plunges into the Middle Ages. Ancient houses, standing on both sides close to each other, are connected by low arched vaults and passages. The name of the street appeared thanks to this feature. Buildings belonging to the XIII - XIV centuries belonged to local merchants, some served as brothels and gambling houses, later there was a Jewish ghetto.
Palazzo dei Diamanti
Built by Biagio Rossetti it is recognized as a true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. When creating it the features of perspective and the play of light and shade effects were taken into account. The palazzo got its name due to the decoration of the facade, decorated with marble blocks, expertly cut in the form of precious stones. In the 30s of the XIX century the palace became the property of the city. Today it houses the Gallery of Modern Art, as well as the National Pinacoteca (Pinacoteca Nazionale), which stores the works of masters of the XIV - XVIII centuries. For example, the paintings of such famous painters as: Gentile da Fabriano, Cosimo Tura, Andrea Mantegna, Vittore Carpaccio.
University of Ferrara
One of the oldest universities in Europe, which history can be traced back to the XIV century. About 18000 students study at eight faculties, more than 1000 of which are foreigners. The university is considered one of the most prestigious educational institutions, especially in the field of physics. It is a member of the European University Association (EUA). The Italian CIVR committee (Comitato di Indirizzo per la Valutazione della Ricerca), according to a 2007 public report, ranked the University of Ferrara as the best Italian university in applied research.
River Po Delta
The Po Delta Park is considered a gem in the heart of the Adriatic coast of Emilia Romagna, where the natural environment is one of the richest and most interesting places in Italy. It covers an area of 59118 hectares and extends for about 60 kilometers along the coast. In 1999 the World Heritage site was expanded to include the Po Delta Park and Delitzie - the ancient residences of the Dukes of d'Este: a complex of about thirty villas used by representatives of the d'Este family as places for rest and hunting. According to UNESCO, the Po delta is a valuable natural ecosystem: drainage of swamps and land reclamation works that were carried out during the Renaissance in order to exploit fertile lands led to the emergence of “an amazing cultural anthropogenic landscape that largely retained its original appearance.”
Festivals and tourneys
Palio di Ferrara
Ferrara is a location for one of the oldest tourneys in the world - Palio di Ferrara. On the last Sunday of May the streets of the city almost die out, citizens gather on Piazza Ariostea to once again plunge into the maelstrom of modern passions inherited from medieval ancestors. Having become one of the most important traditions of the city over time Palio di Ferrara dates back to the XIII century, when everyone could take part in donkey and horse riding competitions in the hope of winning and receiving a prestigious colourful banner (palio). Arrivals were held in the presence of the most respected people of the city. Each Palio had its own route. Winning was important, because thereby the winner could glorify his area - the contrada (counter).
The current Ferrara is divided into eight contrads: the areas of San Spirito, San Paolo, Santa Maria in Vado, San Benedetto, the suburbs of San Luca, San Giovanni, San Giorgio, San Giacomo. Each administrative unit has its own patron saint and special heraldic symbols. The banner of each district is painted in two primary colors. The costumes of participants in modern races and arrivals have the same “contrada” bicolor.
Now the action takes place not on a city street but on Piazza Ariostea. Visitors and guests of Palio stay on the edges of an oblong space reminiscent of a modern hippodrome, in the centre of which the main tribune of judges is situated in the foothills of a triumphal colony. The arbiters of these competitions are the most respected residents of the city dressed in the clothes of the temporary Ducal Court of the 15th century. If we take into account the musicians, the standard-bearers, knights, carrying guard service, the total number of historical characters in the centre of the square is about 1000 people. The citizens of Ferrara are proud that they managed to maintain the full historical authenticity of what is happening. Palio remains one of the most important events of the year.
Street Musicians Festival
Every year at the end of August the International Festival of Street Musicians takes place in Ferrara. During the festival Ferrara turns into a city of music, as musicians from all over the world meet here. Walking along the medieval narrow streets you can hear the sounds of any musical direction. At the Street Music Festival "virtuosos" are welcomed who play original instruments - saws, washing boards, bells, tea boxes, crystal glasses. Thanks to the unexpected opportunities of music open up to the public.