Welcome to the Ferrara Tour page, here you can discover the beautiful city of Ferrara.
Palazzo dei Diamanti
The building, planned by Biagio Rossetti, is located in the middle of the Addizione Erculea, on the crossroads known as the Quadrivio degli Angeli
Owned by Sigismondo D’Este, brother of the Duke Ercole I, it was started in 1493, its name stems from the 8000 diamond-shapes stones (diamante) that cover the two façades.
Biagio Rossetti placed on the corner of the building an important decoration: splendid sculpted candelabras by Gabriele Frisoni and a small marble balcony, so to induce the visitor to view the building in perspective rather than from the front.
The palace is the seat of the National Gallery that contains artworks by Cosmè Tura; Bastianino, Dosso dossi, and of the Gallery of Modern Contemporary Art, where every year a major art exhibition take place.
Via delle Volte
Over 2 kms long this is one of the longest still existing medieval streets in Europe. It was the main artery of the medieval city. In this street all commercial activities took place, all along there are still the volte (arches). Many believe the arches joined the merchant’s home to their workplace, others that they were built that way to solve the problem of over-population. The street was also supporting the commercial activity along via Ripagrande ( a parallel street) that was on the bank of the river Po. In those days Ferrara lay on the north side of the river.
Castello Estense
The building of the castle started in 1385 and was commissioned from the architect bartolino da Novara. Initially used as a military fortress, it became an expansion of the Este residence in the
15th century. A passage was built to connect the castle to the Palace that was in front of the cathedral. Under Ercole II the castle became a permanent residence for the family. In 1598, when Ferrara passed under the rule of the papacy, it became the residence of the Cardinals who represented the Pope.
The visit can start in the courtyard, then the Gothic Halls. Of greta interest are the prisons of Giulio d’Este and Ugo and Parisina. On the first floor the Duchess Hall, the Orange Tree Roof Garden and the Ducal Chapel are to be found. In the Ducal apartment various rooms are frescoed by Bastianino. It is possible to climb up the Lion’s Tower where you can admire a beautiful panorama of the city.
Cathedral
The cathedral dates from 1135. The the upper part of the façade is in gothic style and the lower part is Romanesque. The scenes from the New testament and of Saint George, above the main portal, are by the sculptor Nicholaus.. In the small loggia stands a Madonna with Child by Cristoforo da Firenze.
Of relevance on the right is the statue of Alberto V, who in 1391 founded the University
The brickwork apse is the work of Biagio Rossetti, and the belltower, in pink and white marble is an unfinished work. On the side of the cathedral facing Piazza Trento e Trieste there is the Loggia of the Merchants, occupied by shops since medieval times.
The interior has been reduced from 5 to 3 naves . The church contains many masterpieces by B.Tisi da Garofalo, Guercino e F. Francia.. In the vault of the apse one can admire The Last Judgement by Bastianino, a fresco clearly inspired by the work of Michelangelo.
City Walls
Ferrara is surrounded by its walls, along which it is possible to run or cycle. Built between 1492 and the beginning of the 16th century they have 2 city gates, 11 bastions, and 2 large towers. In between medieval and Renaissance time the walls provided as effective protection from attacks.
Distinguishing features include the Porta degli Angeli (also known as Casa del Boia) and the Torrione san Giovanni, perfectly preserved example of Renaissance military architecture: Nowadays it is an internationally renowned Jazz Club. The city walls are the Ferrarese people’s favourite spot to go running or walking, or simply to meet up with friends.
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Ripagrande Hotel - via Ripagrande, 21 44100 - Ferrara (Italy)
