Europe Explored » old town center https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Ferrara – the city of the cyclists, Italy https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/24/ferrara-the-city-of-the-cyclists-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/24/ferrara-the-city-of-the-cyclists-italy/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:06:31 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=981 The city of Ferrara can be found along the banks of the Po River, only 50 kilometers from where the river meets the sea. It is a historical town which today is home to more than 135,000 residents. In the small but well-preserved old town centre, you will find the Castello Estense. While the old […]

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The city of Ferrara can be found along the banks of the Po River, only 50 kilometers from where the river meets the sea. It is a historical town which today is home to more than 135,000 residents. In the small but well-preserved old town centre, you will find the Castello Estense. While the old town center may not be as large as some of the other cities in Italy, it is said that you could spend days exploring all there is to see and do in the old town.

Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy by Chris Yunker

The castle is surrounded by a moat that is filled with water fed from the Po River. The castle dates back to the 14th century and features a number of towers, medieval walls and of course a draw bridge. In the basement of the Castle there is an old prison which is open to the public. While many parts of the castle today are open to the public, since the building still serves as the political seat of the city, there are parts that are non-accessible.

Not too far away from the fort is the city’s cathedral. It is here that you will find the Museo della Cattedrale which houses many beautiful tapestries, various manuscripts as well as the 1408 sculpture of Madonna. Since the city has been the home for many famous artists, there are many fine collections to view in the museum.

In 1492, the Duke of Ferrara planned an extension to the city which can be found along the northern edges of the town. The initial goal of the Duke was to create a very tasteful district in the city dedicated to the Renaissance. In this extension, you will find a number of fine attractions as well as the Palazzo dei Diamanti which is a museum today that houses many works from local artists.

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Castell’Arquato – Roman military settlement in Italy https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/23/castell-arquato-roman-military-settlement-in-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/23/castell-arquato-roman-military-settlement-in-italy/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:45:26 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=979 In the northern part of Italy, built upon a gentle hill is where you will find the town of Castell’Arquato. In the old town center, the highest point in the town, there is a castle that affords some of the finest views of the surrounding countryside. Not too far from the castle is the charming […]

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In the northern part of Italy, built upon a gentle hill is where you will find the town of Castell’Arquato. In the old town center, the highest point in the town, there is a castle that affords some of the finest views of the surrounding countryside. Not too far from the castle is the charming Romanesque church of Santa Maria which dates back to the 12th century. The church too offers some of the most awe inspiring views.

Castell'Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy by mat’s eye

The main street in Castell’Arquato is known as Via Dante and anyone visiting the town will have to make their way up the street if they plan on reaching the castle. On your way up, you will pass a number of nice restaurants and shops. After you have climbed halfway up the hill, you will come to the Palazzo del Duca whose fountain was built back in 1292. Near the Palazzo you will find a tower from the 16th century that dominates the skyline.

Once you get to the top and before you can ever make it to the castle, you will come to the Palazzo Pretorio and Piazza Municipio which dates back to the late 1200s. During the months of July and August, the Enoteca Communale offers music and free wine tasting on Thursday nights.

Castell'Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy - 2
Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy by Benjamin Claverie

The Rocca Viscontea di Castell’Arquato is the castle in the center of the town. It is a masterpiece to say the least. You can wander through the courtyards and even visit the fortress museum. However, if you want to see the surrounding countryside around Castell’Arquato, you will need to pay a small fee to climb the stairs to the top of the castle’s tower. But before you leave the town, make sure to stop and rest in the park just outside of the castle before making your way back down to the lower parts of Castell’Arquato.

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