Ferrara is a bit of a hidden gem in northern Italy. In fact, very few people who I speak to about Italy have heard about it. But, this UNESCO World Heritage city is one of the best ways to experience the Renaissance flavours of Italy. You’ll see the majestic palaces of the Este family, the artistic heritage of the country, and the harmonious streets which harbour more Italian food than you could dream of. What’s so great about a day trip to Ferrara is that it is quick and easy, but also that there are far fewer tourists than you would expect.
So, if you’re planning a day trip to Ferrara and have no idea where to get started, this handy guide is for you. Enjoy!
A Day Trip to Ferrara | Your Quick Guide
Table of Contents
History of Ferrara
Ferrara is in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy and its history actually dates back to the 6th Century. Between then and modern times, the city has been ravaged by earthquakes and wars, but has also built some of the most splendid examples of Renaissance architecture. This includes the famous landmarks such as the Cathedral of San Giorgio Martire and the Palazzo deli Diamanti.
Today though, the city is best known as one of the best places to indulge in Italian architecture. In fact, it is heavily pedestrianised which makes it ideal for exploring by either walking or cycling.
Getting to Ferrara
To get to Ferrara you just need to catch a train. Regular readers of my blog will know that I am a big fan of Italian trains. They’re incredibly well-connected, comfortable and are a steal when compared to the UK prices.
Ferrara is pretty much equidistant from Bologna and Padua, the latter of which is a perfect base to also explore Venice (but without the price tag). FR Trains (the intercity ones) run regularly and take around half an hour. They also cost around €20 or so. You can either book your tickets online or can purchase on the day at the station.
Morning: Arrival and Castello Estense
Start your day with a short train ride from either Bologna or Padua. I’d advise arriving for around 09:00 – 09:30, just before any tours arrive. The train station is actually a bit out of the way, so catch a bus (lines 1, 6 or 9) towards Ferrara’s historic centre. This should take you around 5 minutes once on board.
Aim towards possibly the most famous site in the city; Castello Estense. This is an iconic red-brick fortress. It features impressive, looming towers and a deep moat. It has to be one of the most incredible buildings in this part of Italy and is worth a visit to Ferrara itself.
If you are not too interested in the castle’s history, you can simply cross the moat and see the courtyard. I think that this gives you somewhat of an idea for the place, but you really need to go inside to learn about the city’s incredible history. Tickets cost €12 for adults and €10 for reduced-rate visitors, and this includes access to all of the main rooms and halls. The rooftop terrace is particularly good for panoramic views over the city.
Late Morning: Piazza Savonarola & Cathedral
From the castle, it is only a short walk to Piazza Savonarola, where the Renaissance architecture comes into its own. In fact, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported back in time. The main building to see here is, of course, the Ferrara Cattedrale di San Giorgio – Cathedral of Saint George). It is, quite simply, a masterpiece and is one of the highlights for your day trip to Ferrara.
Inside the cathedral, you’ll find beautiful art of the ceiling, walls and domes, all from different Renaissance artists. To learn more about it, you can then head into the Cathedral Museum next door. It goes through the history of the Cathedral and the other religious buildings in Ferrara. It also talks about the city’s role in the Renaissance and how it prospered.
From here, I would personally walk down the nearby Via delle Volte. It is characterised by Renaissance archways and cobblestones, and is just quintessentially Italian. There isn’t anything particular down here, but it is quite fun to explore and to walk about, all the whilst imagining what life was like back then.
Lunch: Taste Ferrara’s Flavors
If there is one thing you can guarantee in Italy, it is that you’ll get a fantastic lunch. Ferrara’s cuisine again has deeply-connected roots to the Renaissance and it celebrates these flavours. One dish I love here is the capellacci di zucca, which is this tasty pumpkin-filled pasta served with a buttery sage sauce. Another top-hit is the pasticcio ferrarese, which is a delicious meat and macaroni pie. Yes, that is as delicious as it sounds.
One of the joys about Ferrara is that, whilst it attracts some tourists, there actually aren’t that many. It has nothing on nearby cities like Venice or Bologna in terms of footfall, and many of the restaurants here are family run and incredibly authentic. We decided to stop off at one down an alley by the main square where we liked the menu. It served stunningly good food.
Afternoon: Palaces and Peaceful Paths
After a hearty lunch, I would say it is time to go for a walk or to rent a bike. Ferrara is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Italy and is perfect for exploring. One of my favourite routes though is along the Renaissance Walls. I had no idea that you were able to do this before we explored, but it is genuinely one of the perfect ways to see the city. Don’t worry though – it is not as scary as it sounds! It is just a well-preserved loop around the city that follows the walls and embankments.
However you choose to explore, there are a few must-see places. We decided to see the Palazzo dei Diamanti, which is actually not too far from Castello Estense. It is known for its immaculate diamond-shaped marble blocks in the wall, and houses the National Gallery of Art. If there is one thing which screams Renaissance Italy, it is the masterpieces which this period left behind. I personally love exploring an art gallery during a lazier afternoon, and this one is ideal.
Alternatively, if you want to head out into the sun, check out Parco Massari. This is the largest public park within the city walls and has an impressive collection of trees from all over the world. It is ideal for a stroll in the afternoon sun, or to relax in whilst enjoying Italian street food. Another option is the Botanical Gardens, which are just opposite Palazzo dei Diamanti.
Evening: A Slow Farewell
To end your trip in true Italian-style, head to Piazza Ariostea. This is a beautiful circular Piazza and is surrounded by trees and bars. It is very local and quiet; not many tourists come out to this part. I really enjoyed sitting at a bar here, drinking my Aperol spritz, before doing a short loop around the Piazza to take in the views.
Top Tip: If you didn’t do so already, order a slice of torta tenerina, a signature dish in the city which is effectively a dense chocolate cake.
For alternative options, you could head to Al Brindsi by the Cathedral. This is one of the oldest establishments in the city and, allegedly, Copernicus himself stayed here. Another option is to enjoy a show at the Teatro Comunale (which has an interior worth visiting for itself, to be honest!). The shows run throughout the year in the evening, so you may need to stay the night in Ferrara to do so.
Final Thoughts | A Day Trip to Ferrara
Ferrara to me is a more authentic Italy to the side we tourists see when we flock to Florence, Bologna or Venice. You can really see, hear, and taste the different elements which tell the Renaissance stories here, which is a rare thing to find in such a visited country. A day trip to Ferrara should be a must for anyone spending a Day in Padua or an extended amount of time here/ Bologna. However, it is one of those places where I just hope isn’t discovered fully by tourists. It is a hidden gem and, to be honest, I’d quite like it to stay that way.
