Heritage For Humanity
 It is not by chance that Ferrara hosts a fair representing the 100 so-called cities of art of Italy. Behind its protective walls, the city has a consistently human urban fabric which features structures well-maintained over the centuries. It truly deserves its place in UNESCO's master catalog.
Motor vehicles are quite out of place is this environment; accordingly most of the centre is devolved to pedestrians and cyclists. A bike ride outside the walls conveys a concept of harmonious urban environment, an archaic concept in many parts of the world.
 One can walk or bike along the landfilled protective walls for nearly 5 kilometers, passing monuments, vegetable gardens and the Monastery which, after Napoleon's abolition of the orders, was turned into the municipal cemetery.
The Cathedral is in both its marble scupltures and its ability to elegantly bridge romanic and gothic styles. The two collonades that crown the edifice are quite suggestive. Indoors, many paintings are on exposed.
The palazzo Ducale (XIIIth century), today hosting the city hall, has a number of rooms open to the public, including the appartments of the duchesses of d'Este.
 The d'Este family moved into Ferrara's XIVth century massive castle as a means of protection, mainly from their own administered populations! Many sections are open, uncluding the Camerino dei Baccanali, the game rooms, kitchens and the jail.
Palazzo Ludovico il Moro, with its precious marble decor and the wonderful main staircase onto the courtyard is also the home of the archeological museum with pieces spanning the IVth century B.C. to the IIIrd century A.D.
 Notable monuments are almost too numerous to handle. Consider the massive bush-hammered facade of Palazzo dei Diamanti, houings contemporary art shows in a structure embelished by XVIth century frescoes, Casa Romei or the fabulous Teatro comunale in pure XIXth century Empire style... The only real conclusion one reaches is the desire to return to see what one missed!
|
