Just as I hoped it would, my Sunday in Ferrara felt like walking through a canvas by the Italian metaphysical painter, Giorgio de Chirico. The golds and burnt umbers. The chiaroscuro. The shadowy figures in colonnades. They were all there.
The day was warm. By midday the streets were all but empty. And for an hour or two Ferrara was mine.
Teatro Communale, Ferrara
Castello Estense is a Ferrara icon
Cattedrale di San Giorgio
Looking towards Piazza Trento e Trieste and the south face of Cathedral of San Giorgio
Ferrara is so flat. I loved seeing so many locals of all ages riding their bicycles everywhere
Destination Umbria 
Debra Kolkka February 27, 2012
We stayed the night once in Ferrara, but I have seen nothing of this town in daylight. I love the way that every Italian town, village or city has its own character and style. It makes travelling here very interesting.
janinevasta February 27, 2012
Italy’s all I’d need for a life time of travel I think! Precisely because every place is so rich and varied as you say.
chestercoextbutterfly February 28, 2012
We visited Ferrara on our last trip to Italy at the recommendation of an italian friend. We saw many of these places too. Did you happen to visit the Palazzo dei Diamanti where the paintings of impressionist Giovanni Boldini are on display. This was one of the highlights for us.The building is lovely but the paintings are even better! We also came across a lovely public park in Frerrara where we could watch the town’s children having a great time.
janinevasta February 28, 2012
Ferrara is a bit of a hidden gem, isn’t it? I’m happy you took away such lovely memories. You know I went to the Palazzo dei Diamanti in the afternoon but it had closed! One for next time. I think I may have found the park you refer to though.
paninigirl February 28, 2012
Your photos are lovely. I’ve yet to visit Ferrara but I have it on my agenda for a day trip in May. Can’t wait!
janinevasta February 28, 2012
Thank you! Ferrara and Bologna are an interesting contrast to Lucca and Florence. Darker and more mysterious somehow. You will have a great time I’m sure. And not long to go either!
Helen February 28, 2012
Lovely photos once again Janine. Makes me long for those bright, warm spring days you get in Italy. A coupleof hours sight-seeing & window shopping followed by a fabulous long lunch al aperto – sigh! Time to plan another trip I think…
janinevasta February 29, 2012
O Helen thank you. I love what you’re saying here… I could do with precisely that sort of trip right now myself! Where shall we meet??? 😉
jann February 28, 2012
Lovely post, Janine! It’s certainly clear where de Chirico got his inspiration! Could anyone but an Italian have painted those canvases? I’ve never been to Ferrara, but it’s high time, I think.
janinevasta February 29, 2012
Grazie Jann! Are you a De Chirico fan too? I was pleased (though not surprised somehow) to read his father was Sicilian. Something in those shadows I think…I would to hear love your take on Ferrara when you go.
Carla Coulson March 1, 2012
Janine how fabulous to have the streets to yourself (almost) I so miss my bicycle riding in Florence, not the same in Paris!!
Carla x
janinevasta March 2, 2012
Of course! Florence is just as flat as Ferrara so perfect for bicycles. And such a chic way to get around town. Another huge tick for Firenze. So nice to hear from you Carla! Jx
Lisa | Renovating Italy March 3, 2012
Janine love those columns and the light and shade! I am all for biking where it’s flat, and lovely that you were all alone to savor it! ciao lisa
janinevasta March 4, 2012
Yes I agree Lisa. Flat is definitely a better look! I’m so glad you liked moody Ferrara. Jx
thebrightoldoak April 20, 2012
I’ve spent years in Ferrara as I went to Uni there. Even lived there for a short time. Definitely my favourite place to stay.
janinevasta April 20, 2012
Then you must know it well. I loved Ferrara for its shadows. I wondered that day what it might be like to live there. Would it be too small? I’m glad you were happy there.
thebrightoldoak April 20, 2012
Yes, it is small in comparison to Bologna, but has the same historic/cultural vibes. I don’t think it would be too small though. The centre is not that big but the city is bigger. It’s such a treasure! I’m glad you loved it.