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Palio di Ferrara | 5 places to visit in Rione Santo Spirito

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Palio di Ferrara | 5 places to visit in Rione Santo Spirito

The historical Palio is just around the corner and we have reached the last round of the Homage to the Duke. Here at last is the turn of the Rione Santo Spirito, the contrada of the Granata Svampante.

It will be held on Monday 1 May, an international holiday, at 11 a.m. in Piazza Castello.

Rione Santo Spirito is one of the eight contrade (districts) that each year participate in and endeavour to complete the historical re-enactment of the Palio of Ferrara. It stands in the heart of the city's Renaissance extension, the Addizione Erculea, designed by architect Biagio Rossetti at the behest of Duke Ercole I d'Este.

The contrada is represented by the 'Granata Svampante', the personal symbol of Alfonso I d'Este, standing for the latter's aptitude for battle and armoury in general.

However, the contrada motto is attributed to the famous poet Ludovico Ariosto Loco et tempore and reminds us that 'daring deeds' are the result of actions conceived and carried out 'in due time and place'.

To lead the Homage, a performance by Dames, Knights, Flag-wavers and Musicians, Dancers, Jugglers and Fire-eaters.

Rione Santo Spirito

The Rione di Santo Spirito occupies the north-eastern quarter of the city within the walls, i.e. the portion that arose following the famous expansion promoted at the end of the 15th century by Ercole I d'Este. There is no lack of points of interest in the area comprised by the district: it is marked by several monumental structures.

The contrada headquarters, at Via Mortara 98, includes a cloister where initiatives and events are held on various occasions throughout the year.

Yellow and green are the colours, while the coat of arms depicts a spherical device from which three tongues of fire emerge: the 'granata svampante', Alfonso d'Este's personal insignia. The grenade symbolises the military and engineering skills of the Duke.

The insignia of the contrada also features the rampant lion, testifying to the village of the same name incorporated into the city with the Addizione Erculea.

Ferrara Rione Santo Spirito

Porta degli angeli 

Known as 'Casa del Boia' (House of the Executioner) by the people of Ferrara, the Porta degli Angeli (Gate of Angels) is one of the ancient entry points to the city. The only entrance to the north of the city walls, it represents one of the ends of Corso Ercole I d'Este. Its function has changed over time and today it is a resting place along the route of the walls and often hosts interesting initiatives and exhibitions.

Ferrara Porta degi Angeli

Corso ercole I d'este and quadrivio degli angeli

Leaving from the Porta degli Angeli, one of the most beautiful avenues in Europe opens up. Corso Ercole I d'Este is the fulcrum of the Renaissance expansion of the city, the Addizione Erculea.

Along the Corso, which ends in front of the Estense Castle, is one of Italy's most famous crossroads: the Quadrivio degli Angeli. Four splendid palaces for four corners: Palazzo dei Diamanti, Palazzo Prosperi-Sacrati, Palazzo Pallavicini and Palazzo Turchi di Bagno.

Ferrara Palazzo Diamanti

Ferrara

corso giovecca and the prospettiva

Corso Giovecca runs between the medieval city and the Addizione Erculea. Along the street you can admire period buildings and places that trace the stages of the city's evolution. The ends of Corso Giovecca offer two unmissable views: on one side the imposing Castello Estense that opens onto Corso Ercole I d'Este, and on the other the 'Prospettiva' that opens the gaze towards the monumental steps of Piazzale Medaglie d'Oro. Nicknamed 'Il Carosello' (The Carousel) by the people of Ferrara due to its resemblance to the logo of the famous television programme, the perspective is an 18th-century structure that serves to frame the Corso.Ferrara Prospettiva Giovecca

piazza ariostea

An ideal place to stop for an aperitif or enjoy some time outdoors in a central but quiet setting. The square was created with the intention of becoming a meeting point within the expansion of the city: it was originally called 'Piazza Nuova' before being officially dedicated to the great Ferrarese poet Ludovico Ariosto in 1833. During the month of May, the Piazza hosts the competitions of the Palio di Ferrara, a tradition that moved to this location in 1933 on the occasion of the celebration of the IV Ariosto Centenary.

Ferrara Piazza Ariostea

certosa monumentale and church of san cristoforo

Not too far from Piazza Ariostea is a true open-air museum where history, both local and national, intersects with the most striking works of funerary art: Certosa Monumentale. Among its cloisters and porticoes, one can symbolically encounter personalities such as Michelangelo Antonioni, Giovanni Boldini, Alda Costa, Giuseppe Savonuzzi, Antonio Foschini and many others.

Inside the monumental complex is the Temple of San Cristoforo, one of the most emblematic architectural works of the Ferrara Renaissance in which you can admire fine works of art such as masterpieces by the Carraccis and Bastianino.

Ferrara Certosa Monu,entale

Ferrara Certosa San Cristoforo

Gallery