- Ferrara is a UNESCO-listed Renaissance city built by the Este dukes
- Locals get around by bike, and you can cycle the full circuit of the walls
- It is about 30 minutes from Bologna by train
- Comacchio and the Po Delta are within an hour's drive
- Airports
- Bologna (BLQ), Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October
- Type
- Province
Ferrara was the seat of the Este family, dukes who turned it into one of the great courts of Renaissance Italy. Their moated castle still stands at the centre, and the city's late 15th-century extension, the Addizione Erculea, was one of the first examples of modern town planning. Today the historic centre and the Po Delta form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For UK visitors, Ferrara is a relaxed, uncrowded city, ideal for a day trip from Bologna or a slower stay. It is flat and car-free in much of the centre, so bikes are everywhere. It is part of Emilia-Romagna, and close to the lagoons and beaches of the Adriatic. For the rest of the country, see our Italy guide.
Things to do in Ferrara
- Castello Estense – the moated castle with towers, drawbridges, dungeons and frescoed ducal apartments.
- The city walls – around 9 kilometres of ramparts, with a tree-lined path on top that is perfect for cycling or walking.
- Palazzo dei Diamanti – named after its facade of diamond-shaped stones, home to an art gallery and major exhibitions.
- Ferrara Cathedral – a Romanesque and Gothic cathedral with a striking facade, next to Piazza Trento e Trieste.
- Via delle Volte and the medieval quarter – a street of covered arches and a glimpse of the older city.
- The Jewish quarter and MEIS – the historic ghetto and the National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah.
- Palazzo Schifanoia – a palace known for its Hall of the Months fresco cycle.
- Comacchio and the Po Delta – a lagoon town of canals and bridges, with eel traditions, wetlands and beaches at the Lidi di Comacchio. The Pomposa Abbey is nearby.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Around the castle | Central and close to the main sights |
| Medieval quarter | Atmospheric streets near the cathedral |
| Addizione Erculea | Quieter Renaissance streets with wide avenues |
| Comacchio | Lagoon town for exploring the Po Delta |
| Lidi di Comacchio | Beach resorts for summer holidays |
Getting there
Bologna airport is the closest with UK flights, roughly 45 minutes to an hour away by road or by train via Bologna Centrale. Trains from Bologna to Ferrara take about 30 minutes, and Venice is around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes away by train. Bikes can be hired near the station and around the centre.
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn are ideal for cycling and sightseeing. In late August the Ferrara Buskers Festival fills the streets with performers. Summer is hot and humid, while winter often brings fog, which gives the castle an atmospheric look.
Hire a bike for at least half a day. Riding the walls is the best way to appreciate the size and shape of the city.
Top attractions in Ferrara
LandmarkColosseum
Rome's great amphitheatre, where up to 50,000 spectators once watched gladiator fights, is the city's most iconic sight.
LandmarkFlorence Duomo
Florence's cathedral, crowned by Brunelleschi's record-breaking dome, is the symbol of the city, with the bell tower…
NatureMount Etna
Europe's tallest active volcano, with lava fields, craters and sweeping views over eastern Sicily.
NaturePath of the Gods
A spectacular cliff-top trail high above the Amalfi Coast, with views over Positano and out to Capri, that is free to…
LandmarkPompeii
The Roman town buried by Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii is the most complete ancient city in the world and an unforgettable…
ViewpointSeceda
A grassy ridge above Val Gardena that drops away in a dramatic wall of jagged peaks, reached by cable car from Ortisei.
Ferrara on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Ferrara worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of Italy's best-preserved Renaissance cities and far quieter than Florence or Venice.
Can I visit Ferrara as a day trip from Bologna?
Yes. Trains take about 30 minutes, and a day is enough for the main sights.
What food is Ferrara known for?
Cappellacci di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta), salama da sugo (a cured pork sausage), and the coppia ferrarese, a twisted bread.
Is Ferrara good for cycling?
Very. It is flat, much of the centre limits cars, and cycling is part of everyday life.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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