Have you ever visited a town that takes you back thousands of years?
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Ferrara is one of the best-preserved places in medieval Italy. About 50km north of our apartment in Bologna, we had fallen into enchanting quarters with ancient arches, city walls, and old cobblestone roads that wind and rarely go straight. This city will really transport you.


I fell in love with the small balconies of local apartments on our walk through the neighbourhoods of Ferrara. The windows look out to enchanting street life down below.

While Bologna is famed for it’s old porticos, Ferrara is graced with beautiful, old arches. Via Delle Volte is the oldest street in Ferrara (and possibly in Europe). Locals have been walking under this ancient arch and along these old cobblestones since 1152. Ferrara is also home to the oldest wine bar in the world.

The cathedral was built in 1135 and stands as one of the symbols of the city.

In Ferrara we met this lovely shopkeeper working away. He leaves his door open for passersby like us to come in.

Ferrara truly takes you back in time and for that it is not like any other town I’ve explored in Italy. I highly recommend experiencing this part of Emilia Romagna and taking the path less travelled to Ferrara.
Where to Stay
Ai Frutti di Una Volta is a quaint little B&B run by a lovely couple Marco & Roberta who make you feel so welcome. When you stay with them in their home, you’re treated to farm-to-table breakfast and their own locally grown fruit tarts and desserts. I stayed only one night but I left feeling like family.
I was a guest of Emilia Romagna Tourism Board but, as always, all opinions are my own.
Such a beautiful area of Italy!
Thanks Andrea! I would love to settle there permanently one day!
It amazes me structures like these are still so well preserved!