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Este Castle

Este Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

Medieval Ferrara and the Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour

1. Medieval Ferrara and the Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour

Begin your fantastic walking tour in the courtyard of the Castello Estense. Learn about the rich history of the area and its landmarks from your professional local guide. Pass by the Frescobaldi Music Conservatory before making a stop at the mid-15th century S. Anna hospital cloister. Glimpse into the garden of the early 16th century Palazzo Roverella, before heading to the 18th century oval Theatre Square where the statue of the Ferrarese friar Savonarola lies. Walk between the archbishop's palace and the former Ducal Palace to the cathedral and town hall which features a beautiful brick laid square. Finish your exciting tour by visiting the medieval business lanes and the historic Jewish ghetto before ending in front of the intricate 15th century Italian Synagogue.

Ferrara: City Highlights Walking Tour in Italian

2. Ferrara: City Highlights Walking Tour in Italian

Let's start from the Estense Castle, symbol of the city, from which we can admire Corso Ercole I d'Este, the road that connects the Castle to the north gate of the walls, crossing the Renaissance Addition commissioned from Ercole I d'Este and realized by the Ferrarese architect Biagio Rossetti. A dive into the beauty of Ferrara's Renaissance palaces and churches amidst the colors of the Unesco World Heritage city, you will arrive to the original Palazzo dei Diamanti in the heart of the Addizione Erculea, an urban expansion planned at the end of the 15th century. From the "historic crossroads" we continue towards the romantic Massari Park, characterized by the centuries-old cedars of Lebanon and the rich vegetation facing the University Botanical Garden. A few steps away, the nearby monumental complex of S.Cristoforo alla Certosa, transformed over time into a Monumental Cemetery, opens into the square in front, where the elegant arcades create a suggestive effect of recollection. Internal visit to the beautiful Renaissance church, an ancient temple of the Carthusian monks called to Ferrara by Duke Borso d'Este in the mid-15th century. The nearby historic Piazza Ariostea reminds us of the great poet with its statue towering over the central column and invites us, to end the visit, under the loggia that flanks the green area. It will be a journey through the beauty that arises from the harmonious and varied presence of monuments and views that never make it boring or obvious.

Ferrara: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour

3. Ferrara: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour

A private tour to discover the historical and artistic Ferrara. With this private guided tour you will admire Renaissance marvels, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the majesty Estense Castle and much more.

Ferrara: Private City Highlights Guided Bike Tour

4. Ferrara: Private City Highlights Guided Bike Tour

The tour will start at the staris inside the ancient court yard of the Estense Ducal Palace - Piazza Municipio 2 - and move to the Cathedral, the Castle, the Theatre's Rotonda Foschini, the Renaissance Palazzo dei Diamanti, followed by the shady 15th c. city Walls, the Carthusian monastery, the Palio square Piazza Ariostea and finally take you to the former Jewish ghetto back to the Medieval town. On the monumental corso Ercole d'Este you will enjoy the inner roofed square of the former Palazzo Borsa, the terracotta fassade of Palazzo Gulinelli and Palazzo Giulio. You will pass the imaginary "Garden of the Finzi Continis" and the University Botanic Garden, enter the peaceful green of via della Certosa and ride through a city farm.

Ferrara: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide

5. Ferrara: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide

Join this walking tour of Ferrara, one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy, to discover the beauty of its historical center, feel its magical atmosphere and see its artistic richness. You will follow your guide through the narrow alleyways of the Jewish District and reach Via delle Volte, a charming medieval cobblestone street surrounded by arches and porticoes and explore the heart of the city. Then, visit the Estense Castle, the residence of the ruling family of the city, the Este, built to protect the Duke from public revolts and that stands still in the center of the city. As you visit the beautiful fortress, you will learn about the history of Ferrara, listen to interesting commentaries and descriptions and see how the Este family influenced the architectural style of the town. You will also have the opportunity stop in piazza Trento e Trieste, the main square of the city, where used to be the main seats of the economic, political and religious powers, a real gem! This guided tour will be the perfect way to get to know Ferrara and view the best it has to offer, with the unique insights of our licensed guide.

Other Sightseeing Options in Este Castle

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What people are saying about Este Castle

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 36 reviews

The guide was a very knowledgeable lady who made the visit of the city really interesting. Preferable early afternoon or morning. We have spent the evening due to lack of other availability and we were already tired but very beautiful and interesting. Thanks

We toured the city with a very knowledgeable guide. Discovering even less touristy places by revealing their history. The guide is always helpful and she was. Highly recommended

A wonderful introduction to the city. Well informed, interesting stories and great tips. Definitely worth doing!

Elisabetta was a very knowledgable and amenable guide

This was a wonderful tour - we highly recommend it.