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Palio di Ferrara | 5 places to visit in Borgo San Giorgio

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Palio di Ferrara | 5 places to visit in Borgo San Giorgio

After the celebrations for the city's patron saint, Saint George, the time has come for the contrada that bears his name to pay homage to the Duke of Ferrara: the Homage to the Duke of Borgo San Giorgio is scheduled for Sunday 30 April at 11 a.m. A double date for the first of May, when the Tribute of the Rione Santo Spirito will also take place. However, one thing at a time and to each his own!

There will be something for Duke Borso to rejoice in the homage dedicated to him by the yellow-red contrada: the Commedianti dell'Idra will perform 'Lo Signore della boscaglia' by Giuliano da Ferrara for him. An entire forest in Piazza castello will be animated by the Guitti, the wandering theatricals. With them will be an unexpected guest, a mysterious character, to celebrate the arrival of the month of May, the most eagerly awaited in the world of the historic city Palio. A feast of dances and colours, to the rhythm of the drums and the sound of the clarions, which for some will represent a baptism: small new contradaioli, musicians and flag-wavers, will be presented to the Corte Ducale and the public.

Borgo san giorgio

Yellow and red are the colours of the San Giorgio district of the south-eastern suburban core. The district includes the territories of the oldest urban settlement in the Ferrara area, on the fork between the Po di Volano and Primaro rivers. From the 16th century onwards, various reclamation works, commissioned by the Este princes and monks, allowed the district to become a full-fledged part of the city. A district full of history, all worth visiting.

The Hydra insignia completes the yellow and red coat of arms. The seven-headed serpent that plagued the marshes was killed by Hercules, a hero with divine qualities, with the use of fire. There was no point in cutting off its heads because they quickly grew back. Although the Hydra is a symbol of the multiplicity of evil, Duke Borso and Hercules chose it because it promoted the reclamation works: from the evil of the marsh, to the città nova!

Ferrara Contrada San Giorgio

THE BENEDICTINE COMPLEX OF SAN BARTOLO NEL BORGO 'DELLA MISERICORDIA'

The complex of the Church of San Bartolo is located in the hamlet of Aguscello, still known locally as 'Borgo della Misericordia'. One of the oldest and most significant monasteries in the area, the complex was founded at the behest of Countess Adda, wife of Ottone I, the man who appointed Count Palatine Alberto Azzo II, favouring the Este seigniory in Ferrara. The complex still lives suspended in time, in a green area that seems to be kilometres away from the city and yet is on its doorstep. An oasis of beauty now owned by the AUSL (local health authority), which runs a day centre for extended treatments inside.

Ferrara San Bartolo Chiesa

BASILICA DI SAN GIORGIO

The Basilica di San Giorgio, a stone's throw from the contrada headquarters, was the city's first cathedral, the oldest, an Episcopal seat until 1135. The bell tower of the complex is attributed to architect Biagio Rossetti for its stylistic details; a plaque on the side, still visible, bears the date 1485, the presumed year of completion. The history of the basilica is very much linked to that of the city itself: a not-to-be-missed stop to discover the history of Ferrara in order.

Ferrara Basilica San Giorgio

Villa fulvia

Villa Fulvia is a city district named after the 14th-century villa around which it was built. From being a wooded area, around 1530 the area was purchased by Lucrezia Roverella who wanted to retreat to the solitude of a corner of the countryside, far from the mundane life that she did not particularly enjoy. Not so much the frequent visits of her daughter Eleonora Bevilaqua, but those of many old acquaintances and friends made her regret her purchase: her little paradise was too close to the city! So Lucrezia bequeathed the land to her daughter who in turn passed it on to other buyers until Dr Beltrame named the villa after his daughter Fulvia. Today, Villa Fulvia is a residential area with a green vocation that promises beautiful walks.

Ferrara Villa Fulvia

VIA BOSCHETTO BY BIKE

As you may have guessed by now, Borgo San Giorgio is a strip of countryside intertwined with the city. Just a few, very short rides from the centre you are transported into the relaxing agricultural atmosphere, amidst ancient perfumes, scenic canals and the typical colours of our countryside. Via Boschetto, an internal lane little frequented by cars, cuts through a good slice of the countryside, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere with a nice bike ride. We recommend taking Via Boschetto from Via Marvelli, using a convenient subway, to avoid the only busy area along the road; from there on it is all relaxation and beautiful views.

Ferrara Via Boschetto

City walls: DEI BALUARDI DELLA MONTAGNA E DI DI SAN TOMMASO

As we continue our journey by bicycle, returning to the city after the bucolic atmosphere of via Boschetto, we cannot fail to admire the sottomura of Borgo San Giorgio, from the Baluardo di San Tommaso, supporting the Baluardo della Montagna (the so-called Montagnone by the people of Ferrara), immediately following in its majesty. A few steps northwards from the bastion, also in the sottomura, is the Doccile di San Tommaso from the 18th century. The doccile was used as a sewer drain until the 20th century, towards the Naviglio di Baura. The entire circuit of the ancient walls, let us remember, is a UNESCO heritage site!

Ferrara Sottomura San Tommaso

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