Piazza Cattedrale
Piazza Cattedrale
4.3
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.3
245 reviews
Excellent
111
Very good
109
Average
20
Poor
5
Terrible
0
Asiyah Noemi K
Pula, Croatia5,372 contributions
Oct 2019
Piazza Cattedrale is probably the most recognizable place in Ferrara alongside Estense Castle. The reason is that this beautiful square is located between the beautiful Cathedral building ( a gem of Romanesque and Gothic architecture ) and the Palazzo Municipale. The atmosphere is always beautiful and breathtaking with its monumentality. The breath of history can be felt at every turn. The Este family ruled Ferrara from 1208 to 1598, constructing many of the monuments we see today. Under the Estes, Ferrara became a center of the arts. Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, and Petrarch, among others, spent time under their patronage. Today the piazza is the center of activity with all cllasic shops and restaurants.
Written December 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,430 contributions
May 2019
This is the central piazza and is a paved, largely pedestrian zone so it is absolutely delightful to walk or cycle around. The main features are:
• The Cathedral which normally takes centre-stage, was undergoing restoration when we were there in May and was under wraps so you couldn’t see anything of it from the front. The restoration work is expected to take a couple of years.
• Opposite the cathedral is the Palazzo Municipale, which is also impressive. The large tower and crenelated roofline make it look much like a small castle. Built in 1245, it was originally the ducal residence of the powerful ruling Este family until they moved down the road to the castle in the 16th century. Apparently there is an elevated passageway linking the palazzo to the castle although I couldn't spot anything. The figure on horseback above the large archway is Niccolo III D’Este, looking very regal. His son Borso is just to the left, seated on top of the column. The archway leads through to the courtyard which you can wander around.
• Along the side of the Cathedral, look out for the Merchants’ Loggia, a row of shops under ancient (and it has to be said somewhat wonky looking) wooden porticoes. Built right into the side of the cathedral, the shops have been here since medieval times.
• From this side you can also see the pretty pink and white striped campanile tower
• On weekends they often have a market here. We were there on a Saturday and there was a reasonably large market along the side of the cathedral with ceramics, trinket jewellery, souvenirs etc
• The Cathedral which normally takes centre-stage, was undergoing restoration when we were there in May and was under wraps so you couldn’t see anything of it from the front. The restoration work is expected to take a couple of years.
• Opposite the cathedral is the Palazzo Municipale, which is also impressive. The large tower and crenelated roofline make it look much like a small castle. Built in 1245, it was originally the ducal residence of the powerful ruling Este family until they moved down the road to the castle in the 16th century. Apparently there is an elevated passageway linking the palazzo to the castle although I couldn't spot anything. The figure on horseback above the large archway is Niccolo III D’Este, looking very regal. His son Borso is just to the left, seated on top of the column. The archway leads through to the courtyard which you can wander around.
• Along the side of the Cathedral, look out for the Merchants’ Loggia, a row of shops under ancient (and it has to be said somewhat wonky looking) wooden porticoes. Built right into the side of the cathedral, the shops have been here since medieval times.
• From this side you can also see the pretty pink and white striped campanile tower
• On weekends they often have a market here. We were there on a Saturday and there was a reasonably large market along the side of the cathedral with ceramics, trinket jewellery, souvenirs etc
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stéphane L
Paris, France524 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
very impressive cathedral and little shops around the cathedral that reminded us some Eastern Europe places like in Cracow. Stunning views in all directions as often the case in Italian Plazzas...
Written March 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobeTrip78
Cambrils, Spain1,258 contributions
Sep 2018 • Business
It's in the old city centre, nice place to walk around. It's very clean and at night has.an special atmosphere of italian mistery.
Written September 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ogi0
Sofia, Bulgaria23,022 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
An interesting, very busy square in front of Ferrara Cathedral. Every first Sunday of the month there is a big street market.
Written May 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manning W
Barcelona, Spain254 contributions
Sep 2016 • Business
The large square, especially at night, provides a fascinating view of street life in Ferrara, full of students, strolling or biking by. It is in the center near the castle and surrounded by Italian restaurants and bars.
Written September 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nirvan Ah
Kangaroo Island, Australia257 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
Ferrara's antiquities are all in the town centre - the Cathedral which is as spectacular as any in the Region, the square, the castle with moat. It is a 1.5R bus ride from the train station - too hot to walk in July.
Written July 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john b
Valparaiso, IN826 contributions
Oct 2019
On the side of the Church...added 200 years later? During Fridays and Sat. they set up sellers in the Piazza...wonderful to walk around, mainly food here. Other Piazza's have clothing, jewelry and other hand made items and art.
We sat at a bar across from this and had spritz's the two days we were there. Spritz's are a big deal in this part of the country ( maybe everywhere?). Campari or Aperol...with fizz and a slice of orange...Great. Relax and watch the wold go by.
We loved Ferrara. Very laid back, beautiful old Buildings, great food and Wonderful people.
We sat at a bar across from this and had spritz's the two days we were there. Spritz's are a big deal in this part of the country ( maybe everywhere?). Campari or Aperol...with fizz and a slice of orange...Great. Relax and watch the wold go by.
We loved Ferrara. Very laid back, beautiful old Buildings, great food and Wonderful people.
Written October 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane K
Venice, FL4,639 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
We walked through the piazza every day during our three day stay in Ferrara. The cathedral itself is still in progress of being restored from the earthquake.
Written June 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manswa
Stockport, UK3,889 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Beautiful piazza with superb architecture, dominated by the cathedral,which is currently under restoration having been badly damaged in an earthquake in 2012. However, the piazza still has much to offer with its many shops and is a lovely place to sit, enjoy a drink, and watch the world go by.
Written June 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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