The city of Ferrara is a refined journey in the elegance of its architecture and of its works of art, a great expression of the medieval and renaissance period.
From the centre of Piazza della Repubblica, one may to walk in the direction of the Estense Castle built in 1385, surrounded by the water of the moats, a clear symbol of the power of this family who left permanent signs everywhere in the city. The City Hall, connected to the castle through a covered path, is dated back to about 1200 and has been the ducal residence of the Estensi.
The palace overlooks on the Cathedral Square built from the twelfth century with an outstanding façade begun in Romanesque style whose upper part has been later built in a Gothic style; the result is a superb synthesis of styles. In the Cathedral Museum it is possible to admire finds and sculptures mostly coming from the Cathedral, such as the ancient panels of the Organo, and the thirteenth century panels from the Porta dei Mesi of the Cathedral together with tapestries and paintings which complete the museum itinerary. Beside, we can visit the Loggia dei Mercanti, with all the ancient workshops which have been here since the Middle Ages. Several are the palaces which enrich the urban street, such as for example Palazzo Schifanoia, wanted by Alberto V d’Este in 1385 and later enlarged, which now holds the Museum of Ancient Art, in which you can admire collections of different kinds. Palazzo Costabili, which legend ascribes to Ludovico il Moro, is now the centre of the National Archeological Museum. It exhibits, among other things, finds from the Etruscan city of Spina. Its façade rusticated with white and pink marble, Palazzo dei Diamanti, commissioned by Sigismondo d’Este, holds the National Art Gallery.
Even the surrounding countryside has different places of great interest. Francolino is one of the first centres you come across, with the wonderful Delizia of the Estensi. It is a landing place for those who sail the river Po. It is important to remember the Delizia of Belriguardo in Voghiera, the first residence build beyond the city walls, called the Versailles of the Estensi. Moving from the beautiful town of Codigoro, it is impossible not to visit the Abbey of Pomposa, one of the most influential monastic complex of all Europe between the 11th and 12th century, the most important spirituality centre of the world during the Middle Ages. Today it is possible to visit the Church of Santa Maria, the Bell Tower, the Aula Capitolare and the Dormitory, now home to the Museo Pomposiano; the Refectory and the Palazzo della Ragione.
After that you may want to visit Valleys of Comacchio, among the most famous Lagoon complexes existing in Italy and Europe. They extend in the province of Ferrara and partially into the province of Ravenna, between Comacchio and the river Reno, and they reach the sea through the Magnavacca, Logonovo, Bellocchio and Gobbino canals.
From Comacchio you may go to Spina, a Greek-Etruscan city developed in the 7th and 6th centuries BC, and exchange point at the Po Delta. Not so far from the city there is a necropolis with more than 4000 tombs, whose finds are exhibited in the Archeological Museum of Ferrara. Changing landscape again, you cannot miss to visit Argenta, a medieval town located along the Reno left bank, now an active agricultural and commercial centre.
On the Ferrara Mountains, you can visit the Stellata village with the Fortress of Stellata and the town of Cento, separated by Pieve di Cento through the river Reno. This town is called in this way perhaps because of the one hundred fishermen's cabins or more probably after of an ancient land repartition. The Jewish district, created in the 14th century, when a Jewish community arrived in Cento, is typical of this place. They promoted a flourishing commercial activity in hemp. You musn't miss a visit to the Fortress, wanted by the Bologna bishops, in the second half of the 14th century, with its splendid internal rooms.