Golden Day 111: Ferrara with Gabriele Monti of Emilia Delizia

It was great to discover Emilia Delizia, a website that offers travelers a wide range of experiences to discover the delights of Emilia Romagna–from Gourmet Food Tours and Pasta Making Classes to tours of the Ferrari and Lamborghini car factories. Gabriele Monti is a writer and tour guide on the website team, who loves to welcome visitors to his homeland.

 I’m grateful he’s joined in to give his advice for a Golden Day in Ferrara:

Located on the Po River, the city of Ferrara is abundant with ancient churches, royal castles and medieval fortresses. The unique combination of modern environment and antique buildings has created a thriving cultural and historical centre, where tourists can enjoy a memorable vacation: from classical Ferrarese Salama da Sugo  to fine art exhibitions. Start out at the Ducal Palace Castello Estense (Via Largo Castello, 1,0532 299233), that was the fortress of the noble Este family from the 14th to 16th centuries. The castle is surrounded by a moat; two of its floors – the ground and the first floor – are divided into large chambers with painted ceilings, dungeons where prisoners were held, and areas such as the ducal kitchens and chapels. Besides the galleries, the fortress has four towers, built to defend its residents from different viewpoints. A panoramic view of the city of Ferrara can be reached from the Lion Tower.

Photo Credit: Citta D’Arte Emilia Romagna

Another beautiful place is the Palazzo dei Diamanti. The distinctive Renaissance architecture of this building resembles diamonds with pinkish, pyramid-shaped stones. Built in the beginning of the 16th century, now the palace serves as a National Art Gallery, displaying works from its permanent collection on the ground floor, mainly from the 14th to 18th centuries, including Mantegna’s Cristo con l’animula della Madonna and hosting international art exhibitions, featuring such masters as Matisse. Indulge in the local cuisine at Antica Trattoria Volano,  (Viale Volano 20, 0532.761421), a fifteen minute walk from the city centre, where you can enjoy such delicious Ferrarese specialties such as cappellacci di zucca, in a cozy atmosphere.  If you’d like to experience Ferrara’s splendid natural surroundings, go to the Po River Delta Park, alternatively known as the European Capital of Birdwatching. It’s an ideal spot for water sports activities, from self-drive boat rentals to organized excursions and fishing tours, with gourmet meals and guided tours that introduce travelers to the history and culture of Emilia Romagna.

Photo Credit: FerraraFoto

Birdwatching is a major attraction in the park–you can see the Great Crested Grebe, the Collared Pratincole, Cormorants and even pink flamingoes. A great place to stay is the welcoming Alchimia B&B (Via Borgo Dei Leoni, 122, 05321864656), a medieval building, with spacious guest rooms that have been designed in modern style. Grazie mille Gabriele–I’m looking forward to returning to this beautiful spot!

Photo Credit: FerraraFoto