ITINERARY

Patron's Day as a true local

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April 23 is the celebration of St. George, the patron saint of Ferrara. Written sources speak of celebrations dedicated to the saint since the Middle Ages, including the traditional horse race that today is the most important race in the city's historic Palio. The first church of St. George, on the so-called 'punta,' then drawn by the bifurcation of two branches of the great Po River, was responsible for the first urban settlement of a fishing community, next to which the city of Ferrara was born on the left bank of the river.

“Did our municipality in the Year 1682 build from brick foundations the bridge over the PO di Volana in S. Giorgio...and placed there at the four corners as many marble statues of SS. Giorgio, Maurelio, Rocco and Filippo Neri." (A. Frizzi)

Even today, of course, the Patron Saint's Day is a special occasion to discover a festive Ferrara, with its local traditions; while for the horse races, it is necessary to wait for the Palio day, towards the end of May. The opportunity becomes even more tempting if you think of taking advantage of the subsequent April 25th holiday to stay in the city until Sunday; this way, you can also add the unique atmosphere of the San Giorgio Fair to the list of 'Must-sees in Ferrara'. But to experience the Patron Saint's Day in the most authentic way, just like a Ferrarese would, we thought of giving you some advice, of proposing a special one-day itinerary that you can break up as you please.

First of all, on the feast day, breakfast at the bar is a must: typically Ferrara ricciola, for those who like to start the day with savory, puff pastry, bread or even mixed; those who prefer dessert can try cannoncino alla crema, or, in some pastry shops you can also find a taste of Tenerina, the typical chocolate cake, or small portions of Tagliatella cake. After coffee or cappuccino, we walk from the downtown cafes to the Fairgrounds.

torta tenerina tipica di Ferrara

torta tagliatella tipica di Ferrara

The heart of the celebrations unfolds between the Basilica of San Giorgio and the Delizia dei Bagni Ducali on Viale Alfonso I d'Este, embraced by a stretch of the city walls. Moving from the center, it is possible to walk along Via Mazzini from Piazza Trento e Trieste, where you can admire the metaphysical Listone. Via Mazzini is one of the main arteries of the historic center and longitudinally cut through what was the city's Jewish ghetto; right along the street, it is possible to admire the city's Synagogue.

A stop to visit the Church of Saints Joseph, Tecla, and Rita of Cascia from the early seventeenth century, intended for the Order of the Discalced Augustinians, thus characterized by welcoming simplicity. A left turn on Via Porta San Pietro, and straight ahead on Via Quartieri until the corner with the beautiful Via Beatrice II d'Este; here, we encounter a magical place, a traditional stop for the Patron Saint's Day: the Monastery of Sant' Antonio in Polesine with its blossoming Japanese cherry tree. April 23rd, in the late spring, is the best time to enjoy the white and pink spectacle staged by the magnificent tree that leaves citizens in awe every year. A highly Instagrammable location, just a few steps from the National Archaeological Museum of Ferrara.


monastero di sant antonio in polesine di Ferrara

The long market on Patron Saint's Day unfolds just beyond the Prospettiva della Ghiara and occupies a significant portion of Viale Afonso I d'Este. There's no shortage of stands offering traditional culinary specialties, nor those proposing handy and futuristic tools to simplify household chores, from vegetable cutters to vacuum cleaners, presented with emphasis by the vendors. A stroll among the stalls, some shopping, a supply of typical products, and small culinary treats for on-the-go.

Handling the cooking for a traditional lunch is the San Giorgio District, at the beginning of Via Ferrariola, on the side closed to traffic, right behind the Basilica. Reservations are recommended here - through the social channels of Borgo San Giorgio - to savor tasty local specialties: pumpkin cappellacci with either ragù or butter and sage, of course, but also traditional macaroni pie, cappelletti, stuffed pinzini, and mixed grill; a vegetarian dish is also available to satisfy all tastes.

cappellacci di zucca tipici ferraresi

pasticcio ferrarese

In the afternoon, the entertainment continues courtesy of the San Giorgio District with: side events to the city's historical Palio - scheduled for the end of May -, the historical reenactments by the individual Districts are perfect opportunities to admire the magnificent handmade costumes and the interpretative quality of the performers.

To entertain the little ones, as well as the adults in the mood for some fun, as befits any respectable fair, there's certainly no shortage of the Luna Park: more than 40 attractions, from the traditional Caterpillar Apple ride to the adrenaline-pumping The Monster, and plenty of typical treats like cotton candy and crepes. The atmosphere will take us back in time, making us yearn for a carousel ride to feel like children again!

Ferrara Luna Park

Celebrating Patron Saint's Day like a true local definitely ends with an aperitif downtown; the typical Sguazzone is highly recommended, a refreshing large glass of white wine and sparkling water, with a slice of lemon and ice. Dinner? In the center, you'll be spoilt for choice with restaurants and traditional trattorias, but we've put together a sort of guide that you can read at this LINK.

vie centro storico di ferrara

Patron's Day is also drawing to a close, but the luckiest Ferrara residents know they can enjoy the entire bridge, between the 23rd and 25th. We hope we have led you right through the most local customs on this special day-we look forward to seeing you again next year!