Best things to do in Ferrara

Ferrara Unmissables

Ferrara’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the urban planning of the Renaissance Addizione Erculea. This selection highlights the Este family's architectural legacy, from the diamond-patterned facade of Palazzo dei Diamanti to the frescoes of Palazzo Schifanoia. The list also explores the city's deep Jewish heritage at the National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah, alongside medieval landmarks like the Ferrara Cathedral and the fortified Palazzo Municipale.

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Ferrara Cathedral

Ferrara Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and minor basilica in Ferrara, Northern Italy.

Maria Eloisa L. Vieira / CC-BY-SA

Palazzo dei Diamanti

Palazzo dei Diamanti is a Renaissance palace located on Corso Ercole I d'Este 21 in Ferrara, region of Emilia Romagna, Italy.

Laura Dolcetti / CC BY-SA 4.0

Palazzo Costabili detto di Ludovico il Moro

A Renaissance palace housing the National Archaeological Museum. It contains a significant collection of Attic vases and Etruscan artifacts discovered in the ancient port of Spina.

Diego Baglieri / CC BY-SA 4.0

Palazzo Schifanoia

Palazzo Schifanoia is a Renaissance palace in Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna built for the Este family.

Daderot. / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Monumento a Ludovico Ariosto

A large Renaissance square characterized by its sunken central area, which hosts the annual Palio di Ferrara. A central column supports a statue of the poet Ludovico Ariosto.

Cimitero Ebraico

A secluded, wooded cemetery located within the city walls on Via delle Vigne. It is the final resting place of author Giorgio Bassani and reflects the city's historic Jewish community.

Lungoleno / CC BY-SA 4.0

National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah

The Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah is a public history museum in Ferrara, Italy.

Andrea.Montibeller / CC BY-SA 4.0

Palazzo Municipale

The original residence of the Este family, featuring a 13th-century facade and the Scalone d'Onore. The entrance is marked by the Volto del Cavallo, flanked by bronze statues.

Rapallo80 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Sant'Antonio in Polesine

Sant'Antonio in Polesine is a Catholic monastic complex of the Order of Saint Benedict nuns located in Ferrara, Italy and dedicated to…

Paolo Monti / CC BY-SA 4.0

Ferrara Charterhouse

Ferrara Charterhouse, of which the present Church of San Cristoforo alla Certosa was previously the monastic church, is a former…

Nicola Quirico / CC BY-SA 4.0

Parco Massari

The largest public park within Ferrara's walls, designed in 1780. It is known for its centuries-old cedars of Lebanon and its layout as a formal English-style garden.

Sailko / CC BY-SA 4.0

Casa dei Romei

A 15th-century residence that bridges medieval and Renaissance styles. The museum features well-preserved frescoes, ornate wooden ceilings, and a courtyard with terracotta decorations.