- Info
About Ferrara
HISTORY IN SHORT
The first documented settlements in the area of the present-day Province of Ferrara date from the 6th century BC. The ruins of the Etruscan town of Spina with its necropolis with over 4,000 tombs, give evidence of a population centre that in Antiquity must have played a major role. There is uncertainty among scholars about the proposed Roman origin of Ferrara in its current location (Tacitus and Boccaccio refer to a "Forum Alieni"), with some archeologic evidence suggesting that the town could have been originated from two small Byzantine settlements. Under the House of Este (1264-1598) Ferrara grew into an international cultural centre
The golden age of the House of Este began with the foundation of the local university in 1391; thence the family's power augmented to such an extent that the Este Court acted within the most important European power circles, renowned for its architecture, music, literature and visual arts. The architecture of Ferrara greatly benefited from the genius of Biagio Rossetti, who transformed Ferrara from a medieval citadel into a true Renaissance masterpiece, with its expansion project of the town being considered one of the most important examples of Renaissance urban planning and contributing to the selection of Ferrara as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today Ferrara is a University town, with more than 20,000 students in 2018, and a renowned profile as a research and training center in Italy.
ARRIVING IN FERRARA
By Plane: The nearest airport is the "Guglielmo Marconi" Airport in Bologna, connected with the most important European cities. The timetable of incoming and outgoing flights is available at the website of Bologna airport. From Bologna Airport to Ferrara you can take a BUS: there is a special bus, Ferrara Bus & Fly, connecting the airport with Ferrara at the cost of 15€ per person. It stops in three points of the city. You can also take the TRAIN: a) You can take the "Aerobus" or a taxi to go from the airport to Bologna's railway station ("Bologna Centrale"); b) You can then take the train from "Bologna Centrale" to Ferrara (see Trenitalia or Italo websites).
By Train: The main connections with Ferrara's railway station are Bologna and Venice. The train schedule is available at the website of Trenitalia or Italo.
By Car: Highway. You take the Autostrada A13 BO-PD (Bologna-Padova): Ferrara Nord or Ferrara Sud exits.
MOVING IN FERRARA
By Foot: You can visit the city center on foot.
By Bike: Ferrara is well known as the city of bicycles and you can visit the most part of the city by bike. If you like, you can rent one from a local rental. For more information refer to Ferrara in Bici website. There is also a bike sharing service, information can be found at Ferrara in Bici website in the dedicated page. The Ferrara in Bici website is in Italian, however, there is a link that enables the translation by Google at the top of the page.
By Bus: Bus tickets are sold in tobacco shops, bars or, at a higher price, aboard of buses. Bus paths and timetables are available at the Tper website (in Italian), or you can use Google Maps.
The bus number 2 leaves from the railway station and stops in the city center. Other buses, such as number 1, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 21, leave from the railway station and stop just before or after Castello Estense (the Castle of Ferrara) in the city center. NOTE: on Friday, line 11 is diverted due to the market. Take one of the alternative lines. Lines number 1 and 9 are more convenient, going through Corso Giovecca up to the old S. Anna Hospital (Via Mortara stop)
By Taxi: There is a 24H radio taxi service. You can book a taxi by dealing the number (+39) 0532 900900.
As June is high season in Ferrara, we highly recommend you to plan ahead and make reservation (see Accommodation) on or before February 2019.
