5 historical features you shouldn’t miss in Ferrara

Ferrara is one of Italy’s lesser known but very significant cities. A city which historically was as important as Florence and Venice, recognized by Unesco as The City of the Renaissance. A visit to Ferrara is a Journey of discovery into the world of medieval and renaissance architecture and art. The Estense Castle The Castello Estense is the most important monument in Ferrara and lies in the heart of the historical center. Built as a fortress in 1385 with the most innovative defense mechanisms of the time. It has undergone many changes through the eras and is now the perfect fusion of a medieval fortress and a renaissance palace. The castle is a museum dedicated to it’s historical significance and to the family who commissioned it’s structure. This is one of the few castles to still maintain the original moat and drawbridge. This austere building is surrounded by the hub and life of the city, with bars, shops and restaurants on all sides. The Jewish Cemetery This ancient and secluded cemetery is located in a very green and unbuilt area of the city. Once called “the garden of the Jews”, it remains within the original walls. It appears rather unkempt, but that is part of it’s mystical atmosphere. The original tombs were destroyed during the Inquisition so the ones that remain date back to the 19th century. Surrounded by overgrown vegetation and crooked tombstones, it is a sanctuary of peace and meditation. The Walls of Ferrara The fortifications of the city date back to the Middle Ages and have been well maintained to this day. Nine kilometers long, they provide a fascinating itinerary  into this piece of military architecture. The various ramparts and passageways illustrate the different defensive techniques which developed over the centuries.The walls can be visited on foot or by bike and what was once used to defend the city is now an oasis of serenity for both tourists and locals. Via Delle Volte Another part of Ferrara which remains in the Middle Ages is the charming cobbled street called Via delle Volte. A walk along the street of arches and covered passages is like stepping back into Medieval times. The hanging passageways were used by tradesmen to transport their wares from the river to the city center. The street is two kilometers long and houses some of the oldest buildings in Ferrara. Lined with characteristic bars and restaurants to relax and fully savor this ancient ambience. The Diamond of Ferrara Not quite in the center of town and along cobbled street, lies the magnificent and luminous Palazzo dei Diamanti, one of the most exceptional and significant examples of Renaissance architecture. Made up of 8500 diamond-shaped marble blocks, positioned to capture the light and create a mesmerizing visual effect. Legend has it that e real diamond is hidden in one of these marble pyramids. The palace was built to attract positive energy from the Universe. Today it houses an important art gallery with numerous international exhibitions. Anna Moggia is Owner of Boutique Hotel Zenana. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.