Governed by the powerful Este family in the 13th century, which invested heavily in the arts and culture, Ferrara became a boom town of the renaissance. With its renowned art school, green spaces and gardens and impressive buildings, Ferrara was a hub for renaissance artists and intellectuals during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Ferrara's immaculately preserved medieval quarter and the larger renaissance area are lined with historic buildings and museums. Must-sees for visitors include the Palazzo Schifanoia, a grand palace once owned by the Este family, the city walls, the Museo Della Cattedrale, home to the most comprehensive art collection in town and the three monasteries.
There are two tourist offices in Ferrera. One is located inside the Castello Etense and the other at Atrio Stazione Ferroviaria. Tourists can buy a Card Musei, a ticket pass for all of Ferrara's museums, from one of the town's museums or the main tourist offices.
