Winter in Ferrara: 5 Cozy Places to Warm Up

Winter in Ferrara: 5 Cozy Places to Warm Up Among Museums, Palaces, and Hidden Gems

When temperatures drop and days slow down, Ferrara reveals a quieter, more intimate side. It’s the perfect season to explore the city at a leisurely pace, seeking out warmth, beauty, and stories that linger. Here are five ideal stops to rediscover Ferrara during the colder months, through art, culture, and authentic flavors.

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^{ph. Palazzina Marfisa by Luca Gavagna}

Palazzo Schifanoia: Wonder in Every Season

Start your day in the enchanting Salone dei Mesi, where the seasons dance in an eternal cycle of color and symbolism. Palazzo Schifanoia is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Estense imagination and discover a collection that spans centuries of Ferrarese history. Until 28 June 2026, don’t miss the exhibition Le Muse Astrologiche by sculptor Maurizio Bonora. And even in winter light, the Renaissance garden holds a quiet, timeless charm.

Marfisa d’Este and the Estense Castle: Shelters of Story

As you head toward the city center, two iconic sites welcome those in search of shelter and intrigue. The Palazzina of Marfisa d’Este, an intimate residence of one of the Renaissance’s most remarkable women, and the Estense Castle, with its frescoed rooms and the Torre dei Leoni offering panoramic views of Ferrara under crisp, clear skies. Together, these landmarks reveal the dynamic relationship between courtly life and the urban fabric.

A Taste of Tradition

If there’s a season when Ferrara’s cuisine tells its story best, it’s winter. Traditional dishes become an authentic way to understand the territory: pumpkin-filled cappellacci, maccheroni pie, and salama da sugo. A meal in a historic trattoria or a family-run restaurant is a comforting break wrapped in flavor and warmth.

Palazzo dei Diamanti and Spazio Antonioni: Art and Introspection

No winter itinerary is complete without a visit to Palazzo dei Diamanti. On the upper floor, the National Art Gallery houses masterpieces from the Ferrarese school. On the ground floor, you can visit great international exhibitions. After a stop at the elegant Caffè dei Diamanti, take a short stroll to Spazio Antonioni and dive into the visual world of the iconic filmmaker born in Ferrara.

Biblioteca Ariostea: Beauty in Silence

Tucked in the heart of the medieval city, the Ariostea Library is a place where time seems to pause. Although the monumental tomb of Ludovico Ariosto is currently closed for restoration, the library itself is still worth a visit. Admire the frescoes, wooden bookcases, and the unique 18th-century anatomical theatre, a peaceful and meaningful stop while wandering through the historic center and the nearby Jewish Ghetto.