Ferrara is a wonderful Renaissance city in Emilia-Romagna on the banks of the river Po. Its history can be seen in both the sumptuous palazzos and the narrow medieval streets. The entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city centre is the best place to start your visit. It is lively and has its own special atmosphere among the shops and cafes. Enthusiasts of figurative art should not miss the great exhibitions staged at the Palazzo dei Diamanti, where works by Dali, Miro, Monet, Chagall, and many others have been hosted.
Other sights include the facade of the Cathedral, the Renaissance frescoes of Palazzo Schifanoia, and the imposing Este Castle. The castle, built in 1385, dominates the centre of the city and can be visited — don't miss the dungeons where the unfortunate lovers Ugo and Parisina were imprisoned before their execution. The Jewish Ghetto, with its fine museums, and the Addizione Erculea — the Renaissance expansion that earned Ferrara its UNESCO listing — reward a second day.
Ferrara is also one of Italy's great cycling cities. The centre is pretty small and easily explored on foot, but you will notice that the people of Ferrara love to cycle. The surrounding countryside is flat and perfect for bicycle excursions.