"Worth a look" Ferrara by iandsmith

Ferrara Travel Guide: 322 reviews and 828 photos

D'Este

Italy is the land of la famiglia and, depending on where you are, it's a sure bet that some family was dominant for a notable period of time. In Ferrara you can't avoid the D'Este family, nor would you want to, as they offer some of the best relics around, especially the castle for which Ferrara has become justly famous. Situated in a province where there is a proliferation of these centres, Ferrara manages to hold its own.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Easy to get around, good information centre
In a nutshell:A relaxed historical centre.

Last visit to Ferrara: Mar 2004
Intro Written May 19, 2004
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Reviews (14)

Palazzo Magnanini Favorites (14)

From 1505 to 1509 this palace was built on the Corso della Giovecca. Peeking through the main entrance you can still see... more travel advice

Close up Favorites (14)

This is a detail from a sarcophogus just inside the doorway of the duomo and reflects the Romanesque nature of the... more travel advice

Splendid detail of the Duomo facade - Ferrara

Signs of greatness Favorites (14)

One of the great facades of Italian churches, the Duomo in Ferrara is done in Romanesque-Gothic style and dates from the... more travel advice

Going off with a bang Favorites (14)

This splendid example of a medieval cannon is just sitting in the Piazza del Municipo for all to look and and clamber... more travel advice

Comments (9)

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zadunajska8 Apr 5, 2012 at 2:15 PM

Ferrara looks really interesting. I've come across the d'Este family quite a lot in history that I've read so it would be interesting to see this part of Italy.
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ludogatto Nov 27, 2006 at 1:11 AM

Ferrara is my second town cause it's my partner birthtown....Ferrara is like Amsterdam for bikes: tons of bikes!
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diocletianvs Nov 22, 2006 at 12:04 PM

Este castle dominates this place but it is the Diamond Palace that is a real jewel here. (Did you visit the cemetery by any chance? Lovely place.) Great page Ian!
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matcrazy1 Feb 18, 2005 at 12:30 PM

Interesting tips and very good pictures!
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keeweechic Jun 8, 2004 at 9:24 PM

Gosh the d'Este family were quite a family.... !! , wouldn't want to get off side with them but a very interesting read. Beautiful Duomo.
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Paul2001 Jun 5, 2004 at 6:48 PM

I thought Ferrara was quite charming but I spent too little time there. Excellent page.
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unravelau Jun 4, 2004 at 12:39 AM

Every little township has its history and you are the one to suss it out and tell us about it. Great page Ian and thanks for sharing lunch and more of your photography the other day.....wonderful thank you.
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deecat May 25, 2004 at 12:53 PM

I, too, was taken aback by the writing on the monument in the park. But, I did really enjoy Ferrara, its history, architecture, and, especially, the BIKES. You're humorous as usual, Ian, and oh, so fun to read.
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freya_heaven May 21, 2004 at 1:22 PM

Wonderful Page, The colours of the buildings in Ferrara are beautiful, I especially like Your intro Photo. Well Done! (~_~)