ITINERARY

Hidden Ferrara: the Middle Ages

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Medieval Ferrara - a hidden city to discover

Walking through the centre of Ferrara, one can sense that it is a place full of history, where different periods follow one another until they merge into a unique harmony.

However, it is practically impossible to discern all the signs of the past that are hidden in the city streets, except through archaeological expertise. So we propose an itinerary to discover the medieval city hidden from the eyes of passers-by, through 5 video insights that will make you discover the city with new point o view.

Medieval Ferrara - the tower in the tower

The first stage of the medieval itinerary to discover hidden Ferrara passes through a central point that you will learn to look at with new eyes.

Inside the Estense Castle, the Torre dei Leoni (Lions' Tower) conceals the traces of the old gate of the same name that used to enter the city.

Medieval Ferrara - The vanished quarter

Where Piazza Castello stands today, there was once the first quarter of the city's medieval expansion.

The quarter was demolished at the behest of Nicholas II, who had the imposing fortress built there, which we can still admire today.

During the last few decades, the district has subsequently been subjected to excavations that have uncovered how it was articulated.

Medieval Ferrara - a city made of wood

A few steps from the Castle, skirting Piazza Trento e Trieste and going straight ahead, an excavation between Via Porta Reno, Via d'Aspergolo and Via Ragno has made it possible to study the ancient wooden structures that made up the medieval city. Not simple cottages, but true complex and refined architecture.

Medieval Ferrara - a boat in the city

Continuing through Corso Porta Reno you will come across Piazza Travaglio, where you can admire Porta Paola, an ancient city gate currently housing the Documentation Centre on the walls.

Right here, in the city centre, a boat dating back to 1400 was found. In fact, the course of the river, around which the first city centre developed, once passed through here.

Medieval Ferrara - the island that no longer exists

We continue our itinerary to the monastery of Sant'Antonio in Polesine, the last stop on our tour. This is the only monastery in the city to have enjoyed continuous life from its foundation to the present day.

Of great importance to the Este family, the monastery was initially built on an island at the confluence of the two branches of the Po in Ferrara.