5 things, or maybe 6, to see in Ferrara when spring arrives

The Castle and the Orange Garden

Inevitably you have to start with the Castello Estense, a mansion rich in culture and pageantry and, for a long time, the official residence of the Este family. The Castle is beautiful all year round (believe us) but in spring the orange trees in the "grove" that fills the terrace of the Palace bloom. We recommend a guided tour to discover the rooms, the frescoes and the marvelous Orange Garden: an example of Ariosto's memory that perfectly testifies how the art of the garden reaches a degree of extreme perfection in the Este era. And as you stroll with the audio guide in your ears, you can imagine Dosso Dossi intent on frescoing part of the piano nobile in the northern wing or look up and try to spot The Four Seasons in the Saletta dei Giochi. Also pop into the Castle dungeons, where the young lovers Ugo and Parisina were imprisoned: you wouldn't want to miss the tale of court intrigue, would you?

The most beautiful street in Europe, Palazzo Diamanti and a crazy exhibition

We suggest you then walk down one of the most beautiful streets in Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este: on foot, or by bike, amazement is assured. The cobblestones will lead you straight to Palazzo dei Diamanti, excellence of Renaissance architecture and Ferrara's pride. You can't fail to photograph the diamond-shaped stone blocks (the characteristic bugne) that cover the facade: they lend themselves to group photo-taking and are perfect as geometric backdrops for a portrait. Having taken the photo, you really must go inside: in fact, during these spring months the Diamanti are hosting the exhibitions Escher and Mirbanilia Estensi.

The colors and scents of the Botanical Garden

A few steps further on you will find yourself at the Botanical Garden: a little piece of paradise in the city. Established by the University of Ferrara in 1771, it was originally located in the gardens on Via Paradiso, next to the old building that was the University's headquarters. Only in 1925 was it moved to the 16th-century Palazzo Turchi-Di Bagno, where you will find it now. A meandering path among trees, plants and flowers will lead you into the fantastic plant world. Stop to observe the delicacy, the details, the extraordinary range of colors in this garden: it is truly stunning in spring. And don't neglect the turtles or they will be offended!

An entire square just for you

Another unmissable stop: Piazza Ariostea, another work by architect Biagio Rossetti. It is a gathering place for Ferrara residents in all seasons, but in spring the grass is green and lush, and the square's distinctive oval shape and lowered plane lend themselves well to outdoor activities: sitting on a bench to enjoy an ice cream, taking a bike or roller-skate ride, or more simply lying on the grass and enjoying the sun. Why is it called "Ariostea?" Look up above the 16th-century column designed by Ercole Grandi that stands in the center of the square: up there you will recognize the statue of the author of Orlando Furioso. And if by chance the fresh air should awaken your appetite, there is no shortage of food and wine suggestions in Ferrara! We recommend an all-Emilian tasting under the arcades of Via Palestro, right next to the square: you will not regret it.

A green oasis in the middle of the city

A few steps from the square you will find our Monumental Charterhouse: an open-air museum that is part of the Renaissance extension of the city. A place to enjoy a stroll but where you will also find interesting initiatives and events.

At this point, crash into Via delle Erbe and be amazed by a small oasis of greenery hidden in the middle of the city. Via delle Erbe is a bucolic landscape that connects Piazza Ariostea and the city walls. If you like to take a book on a trip with you, we recommend picking up Il giardino dei Finzi-Contini or Cinque storie ferraresi by Giorgio Bassani, just to absorb more of the atmosphere of this city through the unimpeachable lyricism of one of its most beloved writers.

A Japanese cherry tree

There is another thing you should not miss if you come to Ferrara just in spring: the blossoming of the cherry tree at the Monastery of St. Anthony in Polesine. Right in the courtyard of the Monastery, which stands in the oldest part of the city, you will find a Japanese cherry tree: until 2011 a majestic tree had its roots here, which was replaced at the end of its life cycle. The cherry tree you will find may be younger, but its beautiful oval-shaped leaves and distinctive pink color will leave you speechless.