The city of Ferrara, jewel of Emilia-Romagna, brings with it a history full of charm. From its medieval roots to its glorious Renaissance under the Casa d’Este, Ferrara has always had a lot to tell. Currently the UNESCO heritage city is an essential place to visit and a pleasant place to live. Find out all about its history and, above all, why is it called that.
Where does the name Ferrara come from?
Ferrara is a city which, according to the most accredited hypotheses, did not exist during the Roman era, being born between the 7th and 8th centuries. This is the reason why his name is not directly traceable in none of the Roman toponyms of the area.
However, several have been made hypothesis about the name which still carries the city today. Among the best-known legends there is the biblical derivation or even the homage to a Trojan girl named Ferrara, whose face was also carved on the door of the cathedral.
The etymology that derives from is more likely Farraria, or land where spelled is grown. Returning, however, to the facts, the first name of the city was Ferrariola (for Forum Alieni) and then in the 7th century the Castle of Ferrari.
Brief history of Ferrara
After the barbaric destruction of the nearby city of Voghenza, the center of Ferrara was created. Originally Byzantine, the city came under Lombard influence and, subsequently, under ecclesiastical control. Later the Este family, that is the nobles of Ferraragoverned the city from the 13th to the 16th century and transformed it into one of the most refined courts of the Italian Renaissanceattracting artists and intellectuals from all over the world.
With the Devolution of Ferrara to the Papacy in 1598, the city lost its independence, but not its cultural spirit which still makes it unique today. The city has certainly gone through periods of decline and rebirth, but its historical and artistic heritage has been preserved, allowing it, in 1995, to be included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Why is Ferrara famous?
Ferrara is famous for several reasons, mainly related to its rich history, its Renaissance architecture and its cultural tradition. If you are in the area you cannot miss:
Il Estense Castlesymbol of the city, with its towers and moat still full of water St. George’s Cathedrala Romanesque masterpiece with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements Diamond Palaceso called for the diamond-shaped ashlarwork that decorates the facade city wallswhich currently measure approximately nine kilometers of the original thirteen.Piazza delle Erbe, the main square of the historic center with ancient buildings, the cathedral and the loggia.
Furthermore, Ferrara is famous for having been an important cultural center during the Renaissance, as demonstrated by the stays of Ludovico Ariosto and Torquato Tasso, who lived and worked at the Este court. His university, founded in 1391, is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Italy. Finally, the city continues to keep its cultural heritage alive with events and festivals of maximum interest.
Living in Ferrara
Choosing to live in Ferrara means immersing yourself in an environment where history, culture and quality of life blend harmoniously. In particular, Ferrara is known for being one of the most bike friendly cities in Italy. Furthermore, the size of the city is such that it can reach any destination in a short time, without giving up the convenience of all urban services.
Ferrara is also one campus: the city university is particularly attractive for students and offers various degree courses. Finally, Ferrara cuisine, with dishes such as the Ferrarese couple (a type of PGI bread), pumpkin cappellacci and salama da sugo, reflects the Emilian culinary tradition, famous throughout the world for its authenticity.