The Este family didn’t assume absolute power until 1242 when the city was becoming a growing medieval centre with its own laws and its own mint. It was only under the Estes was it to become an internationally known capital with great value for arts, economics, ideology & religion. The court flourished and for 2 centuries equalled Florence and Venice, or great European courts in France or Spain.
The last Duke had no legitimate descendants, so the dynasty became extinct in 1597 and the Church took over. Ferrara became the seat of a powerful princip-ality and cultural centre but declined both commercially and politically under the Papacy. Revolutionary uprisings came much later.
Palazzo del Comune/Town Hall 1245 and Palazzo della Ragione/Court 1325 are medieval structures, safe once medieval walls could hold growth. Plans were extensively restored, and the uni founded in 1391 is now housed in a later building whose library holds valuable manuscripts, including works by the poets L Ariosto & T Tasso.
From 1400-1600 Ferrara was home to prominent people in literature and the arts. Its historic centre is the perfect example of the ideal city from a humanist view. Each step offers the magic air of a glorious, preserved past: the Este dynasty for 3 centuries, transformed a rural centre into a masterpiece. This town was hospitable, environmentally aware and sustainable present. Artists Michelangelo, Piero della Francesca, Mantegna attended the Este Court and worked there. With great support from artists, the Estes created the first studiolo, their art collection becoming a model for both the Medici family and Papacy.
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In time the encircling medieval walls were extended to accommodate urban growth, and today the walls still encircle the city. The Municipality has identified the whole of the historic city inside the walls as an area of cultural interest and protection that’s been there since 1975.
The creation of coordinated management between urban & rural spaces led to effective control of the area and infrastructure development, more awareness of heritage values and the definition of policies for the adaptive re-use of historic properties that were damaged. Note the cooperation of public institutions at different levels of government: national, regional, provincial and municipal. It’s protected under national cultural heritage legislation: Legislative Decree.
Estense Castle
Estense Castle & moat, built 1385 by the Estes, remained their bastion until 1598. Urban planning schemes were created in 14th-C16th, making Ferrara the first Renaissance city to be developed using a complex urban plan. Thus the network of streets and walls were linked with palaces, churches and gardens, a scheme that gave precedence to a united urban layout. Ferrara, an archbishopric, gained other impressive churches: San Francesco, Corpus Domini, Santa Maria in Vado and San Cristoforo
Estense Castle & moat, built 1385 by the Estes, remained their bastion until 1598. Urban planning schemes were created in 14th-C16th, making Ferrara the first Renaissance city to be developed using a complex urban plan. Thus the network of streets and walls were linked with palaces, churches and gardens, a scheme that gave precedence to a united urban layout. Ferrara, an archbishopric, gained other impressive churches: San Francesco, Corpus Domini, Santa Maria in Vado and San Cristoforo
City walls
In Ferrara
The last Duke had no legitimate descendants, so the dynasty became extinct in 1597 and the Church took over. Ferrara became the seat of a powerful princip-ality and cultural centre but declined both commercially and politically under the Papacy. Revolutionary uprisings came much later.
Palazzo del Comune/Town Hall 1245 and Palazzo della Ragione/Court 1325 are medieval structures, safe once medieval walls could hold growth. Plans were extensively restored, and the uni founded in 1391 is now housed in a later building whose library holds valuable manuscripts, including works by the poets L Ariosto & T Tasso.
From 1400-1600 Ferrara was home to prominent people in literature and the arts. Its historic centre is the perfect example of the ideal city from a humanist view. Each step offers the magic air of a glorious, preserved past: the Este dynasty for 3 centuries, transformed a rural centre into a masterpiece. This town was hospitable, environmentally aware and sustainable present. Artists Michelangelo, Piero della Francesca, Mantegna attended the Este Court and worked there. With great support from artists, the Estes created the first studiolo, their art collection becoming a model for both the Medici family and Papacy.
The major treasure is the series of palaces of the later 15th-C16th. These palazzi include Diamanti, housing a municipal art gallery; Schifanoia Civic Museum; and Ludovico il Moro National Archaeological Museum with objects from an ancient Etruscan port. Piero della Francesca, Jacopo Bellini and Andrea Mantegna decorated the palaces of the House of Este. Neighbourhoods were built from 1492 by Biagio Rossetti. This project’s completion marked modern town-planning and influenced its development.
Archaeological Museum
Trip Advisor
National Museum of Ferrara School,
amazing art donated by the Estes
Trip Advisor
Emilia-Romagna comprises Ferrara’s urban centre and agricultural lands into the large, ancient Po River Valley. The city extended to defensive walls that had enclosed the historic urban centre of C12th Ferrara. From 14th-C16th, the ruling Estes did extensive land recovery & building projects. Distinctive Renaissance changes made included: drainage of huge swamplands, establishment of estates, creation of new waterways and streets a la the urban development plans and building noble residences. Ducal residences were the political sign of glory, designed to widely mirror the image of the Court. In the key Renaissance years, the Este’s brilliant court drew star artists, poets and scholars of humanism.
`narrow cobbled streets and artisan workshops
Winalist
The creation of coordinated management between urban & rural spaces led to effective control of the area and infrastructure development, more awareness of heritage values and the definition of policies for the adaptive re-use of historic properties that were damaged. Note the cooperation of public institutions at different levels of government: national, regional, provincial and municipal. It’s protected under national cultural heritage legislation: Legislative Decree.
One end of Piazza Trento e Trieste
Wiki
The Medieval built piazza is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails. With grand historic buildings behind, an impressive cathedral and one of Italy’s oldest universities, it’s long been the central city’s heart. Linked by rail with Bologna, Padua, Venice, Ravenna and Comacchio, Ferrara is the centre of a flourishing agricultural area.
Ferrara was involved in WWI with many workers, motivated by the promise of new arable land at the end of the conflict. Massive losses prevented this and the betrayal led to a wide adherence to Fascism. After WW2 there was a great expansion of industrial activity and the creation of a large industrial zone. The city’s principal products are chemicals, sugar, alcohol, shoes and hemp.
Ferrara was involved in WWI with many workers, motivated by the promise of new arable land at the end of the conflict. Massive losses prevented this and the betrayal led to a wide adherence to Fascism. After WW2 there was a great expansion of industrial activity and the creation of a large industrial zone. The city’s principal products are chemicals, sugar, alcohol, shoes and hemp.
Ferrara’s cultural treasures were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and expanded in 1999 beyond the walls. There was damage from the 2012 earth quakes to the city walls, Estense Castle, medieval cathedral and other historic buildings.
Ferrara is a vibrant city (pop:131,200) rich in art exhibitions & a top concert season. Thanks to World Heritage Convention
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22 comments:
Hello Hels, What a fantastic history the city of Ferrara has! I have just been reading about Estense Castle, with its numerous rooms and complicated history, so that today one room will have frescoes from the Renaissance, while another will have a ceiling celebrating fascist Italy. Apparently the castle underwent a bad restoration in the early 1900s, then a good one in the early 2000's. The earthquake damage has been repaired, according to the article. I would love to see this castle. The architecture is amazing, even if it has been shorn of most of its more portable art treasures from the Este era.
--Jim
Interesting to note how literature and art were thriving in those days.
What a beautiful city with a rich history. I love the photos of this medieval city and especially the photo showing the narrow cobbled streets. I have a friend with the last name of Ferrara. I wonder if his family came from this city,
Interesting about Ferrara in Italy, and the museum is looking great too, Hels.
Parnassus
Prof Margaret Manion was a famous Australian art historian at Melbourne Uni, specialising in medieval and early Renaissance illuminated manuscripts and church art. So I followed her path around Rome, Venice, Florence and later Sicily, but I knew NOTHING about Ferrara.
The city is still quite small, but the secular and religious architecture are stunning, and the art is still carefully preserved.
I can really feel your admiration for Ferrara. Your attention to its history, art, and urban beauty makes it sound like a city that’s both grand and full of character.
Pradeep Nair
As rulers of a relatively small city-state, the Este dynastry invited artists and writers to their castle, seeing them as their important areas of patronage. This was to gain prestige that might challenge larger powers like Florence, Milan and Rome. And in 1391, I can see that the Estes were stressing the importance of tertiary education as well.
gluten Free
My husband is Czech, but his surname is the German word for country trails. In Germany we found many many country towns that included his surname.
The majority of Italian surnames apparently come from the ancestor's first name or his job or his town. Mind you in English we also have surnames like Potter, Cook, Johnson, Preston or Hamilton.
And I love that the Ferrara artisans still have their workshops in the narrow medieval lanes.
Margaret
The Museums of the City of Ferrara have always taken on the responsibility of creating a fascinating journey through art, culture and history from the Middle Ages on. From the original buildings, the city has had the treasures collected and protected, the architecture updated and awareness of heritage values greatly increased.
Melody
Ferrara has a grandness and a character that are very special, but if you haven't visited, you may be surprised how impressive the art and architecture are. For example, the moat around the castle came as a surprise to me.
The Jewish ghetto is located between the Via Provenzali and the Via Malagodi. In Cento there was a very active Jewish Community since the early C14th, which led to an important commercial trade (mainly hemp). The only monumental building worth mentioning is the elegant Palazzo Modena in Neoclassical style (1820). Unfortunately the synagogue was destroyed, but like a beautiful baroque Aron in polychrome marble, the ghetto houses are inside the synagogue of Ferrara.
The Jewish Ghetto
many thanks for the information. Because I had been focusing on medieval and early renaissance Ferrara, noone mentioned the establishment of a ghetto. Is it correct that there were three synagogues, all in the same building in Via Mazzini, which is where the community’s facilities still are.
Why was the decree put out by Cardinal Cennini in 1624?
I've seen where Ferrara is on the map, but knew nothing about it. Your post makes me want to go back to Italy to explore some more. Thanks for sharing this interesting story and the photos too. Happy Valentine's Day to you.
Bom dia minha querida amiga Helen. A única coisa que eu já ouvi falar de Ferrara, só o seu mármore que é conhecido mundialmente. Obrigado pela excelente aula de história. Sobre as mudanças climáticas, o Brasil é um dos países mais ameaçado por elas. Um excelente domingo. Grande abraço do seu amigo brasileiro.
Erika
Ferrara is halfway between Venice and Ravenna, both cities I am familiar with. So I don't understand why I had never been to Ferrara. It is well worth you going back to Italy explore exciting places you know little about.
But read up the history and best sites before leaving home.
Luiz
climate change is a disaster everywhere *nod*. We have the southern half of the country in drought and disastrous bushfires, while the northern half is drowning in flooding and cyclones. These disasters happened in the past, but now the situation seems much much worse.
What a beautiful city, and not one that is widely advertised, it seems.
A town with an interesting history also one I have never heard of
jabblog
I assume that the enclosed wall, built originally for protection against outsiders, has now defined the space available. Town planning is a concept I had never heard of in renaissance times, but it became more and more critical in a limited space. Tourism yes, bigger residential population probably not.
Jo-Anne
You will enjoying reading "Ferrara in Italy Full of Unique History and Traditions" by Meg Pierhttps://www.peopleareculture.com/ferrara-in-italy/ :)
Never been to Europe.
peppylady
If you have no relatives offering you yummy dinners and free accommodation anywhere in Europe, Italy sounds like an excellent nation to start your first tour.
But do it while you are still middle aged and healthy :)
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