It is not known for certain when Ferrara was founded. It was first mentioned in a 8th-century document as part of the Ravenna Exarchate. From the beginning of the 13th to the end of the 16th Century, Ferrara was ruled by the Este family who were responsible for the construction of many of the monuments we admire today. They were also patrons of art, literature and music, and artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Titian and Raphael, as well as Petrarch and Antoine Brumel enjoyed their support. Alfonso I (1486-1534) is worth mentioning not only because he commissioned a series of works to Titian but also as the third husband of the notorious Lucrezia Borgia. The House of Este came to an end in 1598, and Ferrara was enlisted among Papal states, saw Austrian occupation in the 19th century, and finally became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Ferrara is a charming and peaceful town, small enough to be explored on foot. Bikes are immensely popular. The town is so packed with architectural monuments that it was put on the UNESCO list of world heritage.

The city walls built in the late 15th - early 16th Century are more than 9 km long, with walking paths on top. Many hotels offer rented bikes for a tour of the walls. The peaceful  countryside with the nearby Po river are also an attraction for bikers.

The Castello Estense is an imposing defensive structure with a moat, a functioning drawbridge and towers. It was connected by a covered passageway to today's Palazzo Municipale. Built initially as a fortress and later transformed into a luxury residence, it contains terraces, balconies and a Renaissance courtyard. The Hall of Games has an interesting mural depicting different sports. The dungeons are also open to visitors. You can climb to the top of the Lion's Tower which offers a beautiful panoramic view to the whole city.