Planning a trip to Ferrara

Getting There -- Ferrara is on the main train line between Bologna and Venice, with service to and from both cities twice an hour (30–45 min. from Bologna; 1–1[bf]1/2 hrs. from Venice). Ravenna is an hour away, with hourly departures all day. From the train station it’s an easy 20-minute walk to the Duomo, but you can also take the frequent no. 1 or 9 bus to Piazza Travaglio (1.30€; buy your ticket at the bus office inside the train station or at a tobacco shop; www.tper.it). You may also rent a bike at the station and get around the way most locals do (see below).

If you have a car and are coming from Bologna, take A13 north. From Venice, take A4 southwest to Padua and continue on A13 south to Ferrara. A convenient spot to park close to the historic center is Parcheggio Darsena, 47 Via Nino Bonnet, where daytime rates are .80€ an hour up to a maximum of 3.20€ for the day and free for overnight.

Getting Around -- Ferrara is known in Italy as a città della bicicletta, because just about everyone in town, regardless of age, gets around on two wheels. The flat streets and squares lend themselves to easy pedaling, and the medieval walls are topped with trees, lawns, and a wide path that’s ideal for cycling. Views of the city and surrounding farmlands are terrific, and if you want to go farther afield, well-marked bike paths lead into the Po Delta. Many hotels offer guests free use of bikes, or you can rent them from the lot outside the train station (2.50€ an hour, 10€ a day).

VISITOR INFORMATION

The helpful tourist office is inside the Castello Estense, Piazza del Castello (www.ferraraterraeacqua.it; tel. 0532/299-303). It’s open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm and 2 to 6pm, Sunday 9:30am to 1pm and 2 to 5pm.