Black Forest mountain region, Germany & Black Forest Cake

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Black Forest  mountain region, Germany

The Black Forest (German: Schwarzwald, pronounced [ˈʃvaʁt͡svalt]) is a large forested mountain range in the state ofBaden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany. It is bounded by the Rhine valley to the west and south. Its highest peak is the Feldberg with an elevation of 1,493 metres (4,898 ft). The region is roughly oblong in shape with a length of 160 km (99 mi) and breadth of up to 60 km (37 mi).

Tourist attractions

The most heavily frequented tourist destinations and resorts in the Black Forest are the Titisee and the Schluchsee. Both lakes offer opportunities for water sports like diving and windsurfing. From Freiburg these lakes may be reached on the B 31through the Höllental, via the Hirschsprung monument located at the narrowest point in the valley, and the Oswald Chapelbelow the Ravenna Gorge.

One oft-visited town is Baden-Baden with its thermal baths and festival hall. Other thermal baths are found in the spa resorts of Badenweiler, Bad Herrenalb, Bad Wildbad, Bad Krozingen, Bad Liebenzell and Bad Bellingen.

Other popular tourist destinations are the old imperial town of Gengenbach, the former county towns of Wolfach, Schiltachand Haslach im Kinzigtal (both on the German Timber-Frame Road) and the flower and wine village of Sasbachwalden at the foot of the Hornisgrinde. Picturesque old towns may be visited in Altensteig, Dornstetten, Freiburg im Breisgau, Gernsbach,Villingen and Zell am Harmersbach. Baiersbronn is a centre of gastronomic excellence, Freudenstadt is built around the largest market place in Germany. Gersbach's floral displays have won awards as the German Golden Village of 2004 and theEuropean Golden Village of 2007.

Noted for their fine interiors are the former monastery of St. Blasien as well as the abbeys of Sankt Trudpert, St. Peter andSt. Märgen. Alpirsbach Abbey and the ruined Hirsau Abbey were built of red sandstone in the Hirsau style. Another idyllic rural edifice is Wittichen Abbey near Schenkenzell.

The Murg valley, the Kinzig valley, the Triberg Waterfalls and the Open Air Museum at Vogtsbauernhof are also very popular.

Lookout mountains include the Feldberg, the Belchen, the Kandel and the Schauinsland in the Southern Black Forest; and the Hornisgrinde, the Schliffkopf, the Hohloh, the Merkur and the Teufelsmühle in the Northern Black Forest.

There are well known winter sports areas around the Feldberg, near Todtnau with its FIS downhill ski run of Fahler Loch and in Hinterzarten, a centre and talent forge for German ski jumpers. In the Northern Black Forest the winter sports areas are concentrated along the Black Forest High Road and on the ridge between the Murg and Enz rivers around Kaltenbronn.

The height differences in the mountains are used in many places for hang gliding and paragliding.

PLAN YOUR BLACK FOREST VACATION

A wood so dense that the sun couldn't penetrate the thick pine trees—that's how the Black Forest—Schwarzwald in German—got its name. Stretching west to the Rhine River and south into the Alpine foothills in Switzerland, this southwest corner of Baden-Württemberg (in the larger region known as Swabia) has one of Germany's most beautiful natural landscapes.

EXCELLENT EATS Enjoy extraordinary regional specialties like Black Forest cake, Schwarzwald ham, and incredible brews from the Alpirsbach Brewery before feasting on Baiersbronn's gourmet offerings.

FREIBURG MÜNSTER One of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Germany, the Cathedral of Freiburg survived the war unscathed. The view from the bell tower is stunning.

STUNNING SCENERY From the country's largest waterfall in Triberg to the glacially carved Titisee Lake, the landscape in the Black Forest National Park is unparalleled.

HEALING WATERS The region is home to more than 30 spas with a wide range of treatments, including a 3½-hour session at the Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden, the ultimate place for relaxation.

LIBATIONS AT KAISERSTUHL With a diversity of wine like nowhere else in Germany, the sunny border region is especially pretty when the grapes are being harvested.

WHEN TO GO

The Black Forest is one of the most visited mountain regions in Europe and despite its name, one of the sunniest places in Germany.

Black Forest Cake

Prep Time: 35 minutes 

Cook Time: 35 minutes 

Servings: 10

A filling of cherries and kirsch-flavored whipped cream is standard in this classic German cake. To poach the cherries, in a small saucepan over medium heat, bring 1 3/4 cups water and 1/3 cup granulated sugar to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup fresh pitted Bing or other dark sweet cherries, reduce the heat to low and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Let the cherries cool, then drain; discard the syrup. Frozen or jarred cherries may also be used. Cook the frozen cherries as directed above. Jarred cherries have already been poached

Ingredients:

For the cake:

·         1/2 cup cake flour

·         1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder

·         6 eggs, at room temperature

·         1 tsp. vanilla extract

·         3/4 cup granulated sugar

·         8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature 

For the sugar syrup:

·         1/4 cup granulated sugar

·         1/4 cup water

For the filling and frosting:

·         2 1/2 cups heavy cream

·         2 Tbs. confectioners' sugar

·         1 tsp. kirsch

·         Poached cherries (see note above)

·         Semisweet (plain) chocolate curls

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a 9-by-3-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. 

To make the cake, sift together the flour and cocoa powder onto a sheet of waxed paper; set aside. 

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs, vanilla and granulated sugar on high speed until tripled in volume, about 5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Sift the flour mixture over the egg mixture in 2 additions and carefully fold in with a large rubber spatula. Fold a large dollop into the melted butter, then fold back into the egg mixture. 

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until the cake is puffed, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely.

To make the sugar syrup, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

To make the filling and frosting, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream and confectioners' sugar until medium-stiff peaks form. In a small bowl, combine the kirsch and the sugar syrup.

Run a table knife around the edge of the pan and unmold the cake onto a work surface. Turn the cake right side up, leaving the parchment paper in place. Cut the cake horizontally into 3 equal layers. Put the top layer, cut side up, on a serving plate. Brush with some of the syrup, then spread with about one-fourth of the whipped cream. Strew the cherries over the cream (reserve 1 cherry for garnish), leaving a 1/2-inch border of cream around the edge. Position the middle cake layer on the cream. Brush with some of the syrup and spread with another one-fourth of the cream. Position the third cake layer, cut side down, on the cream and peel off the parchment paper. Brush with the remaining syrup. Spread the remaining whipped cream on the top and sides of the cake. 

Press the chocolate curls onto the top of the cake. Put the reserved cherry in the middle. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 8 to 10.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Collection Series, Cake, by Fran Gage (Simon & Schuster, 2003).

Homemade Mayonnaise recipe & Mahon– the capital of Balearic Island of Menorca(Spain)

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Homemade Mayonnaise recipe

YIELD

Makes about 3/4 cup

INGREDIENTS

1 large egg yolk*

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste

3/4 cup canola oil, divided

PREPARATION

Combine egg yolk, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl. Whisk until blended and bright yellow, about 30 seconds.

Using 1/4 teaspoon measure and whisking constantly, add 1/4 cup oil to yolk mixture, a few drops at a time, about 4 minutes. Gradually add remaining 1/2 cup oil in very slow thin stream, whisking constantly, until mayonnaise is thick, about 8 minutes (mayonnaise will be lighter in color). Cover and chill. do ahead Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

Variation:

To make aioli, add 1 minced garlic clove to the egg mixture, and substitute extravirgin olive oil for the canola oil.

Raw egg is not recommended for infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. To avoid the risk of salmonella infection, you can use pasteurized egg yolk instead.

Mahon Spain – the capital of Balearic Island of Menorca

The Balearic Islands are among the most popular tourist destinations for visitors looking for beach holidays in Spain, as the area is home to some of the best beaches in Europe, with white sands and blue seas.

The lovely city of Mahon is the capital of Menorca and is the first port of call on the island for most visitors to this Balearic Island, before travelling to the main holiday resorts dotted around some of the best coastline anywhere in the Mediterranean sea.

Travel and tourism on Menorca is synonymous with quality beaches, clean seas, quaint hotels, and charming holiday resorts. The city offers a an excellent selection of accommodation including an array ofhotels in Mahon, apartments, hostels and converted mansions.

Mahon has one of the largest natural harbours in the world and is a lovely place to spend a day and evening dining in one of the many good quality eateries that are located around the port area. Delicious local cuisine, a fun and buzzing nightlife along with a pleasant family atmosphere make for a great day out here. A popular stop over in the harbour area is the  Xoriguer gin distillery, where you can help yourself to free samples of gin, various liqueurs and other spirits before buying.

Mahon is a vibrant tourist friendly city and best explored on foot as apart from the harbour and main shopping areas, there are plenty of accident monuments to visit. Like many major cities in the Mediterranean, Mahon has been governed by an array of powers, all of whom have left their mark in some form or other.

A stroll around the picturesque city if Mahon Spain – Menorca

Mao (Mahon) the gorgeous capital of Menorca is hosting the second natural harbour in the world, in terms of water depth, after Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Mahon Spain is the kind of town with narrow and small shady streets, each with their own story, a maze that takes you to a wonderland: fascinating palaces, Catalan elements and Art Nouveau style, old monasteries and churches full of history, colourful markets, gorgeous cake shops and welcoming people.

For tourists, everything seems to be amazing and many of them come back in this place absolutely incredible, considered by its inhabitants, the gate of communication with the outside world and also the safest harbour in the Mediterranean.

The Menorca Museum  is built on the foundation of a former monastery, being the place where you can learn about the history of these places. The Museu de Menorca is an excellent museum housing a large selection of prehistoric artefacts, beginning with objects left by the Neolithic pastoralists who settled here about 4000 BC, there’s also an extensive range of material from the Talayotic period.

Iglesia de Santa Maria is the main church of the city, enjoying a beautiful architecture.  The Town Hall of the eighteenth century and the British Clock Tower also deserve a visit.

Immediately to the left of the Plaza de España is the Placa Carme, home to a Carmelite church whose cloisters have been adapted to house a variety of shops including fruit and vegetable stalls plus a large supermarket in the basement.

The Plaça Espanya , offers views right across the port and bay and is home to the  Mahon’s fish market, in operation since 1927.

The charming church of Sant Francesc has a Baroque facade which appears as a cliff face of pale golden stone set above the rounded, Romanesque-style arches of its doorway. This lovely church was built during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, following the construction of the town by Barbarossa in 1535. Although the nave is quite poorly lit, it’s still possible to pick out the pinkish tint in much of the stone and the unusual spiral decoration of the pillars.

To the north of the nave is the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, with its amazing array of vines and roses, it is an exquisite example of the Churrigueresque style. The chapel is accredited to Don Francesc Herrara, who trained in Rome and designed many cultural works around both Menorca and Mallorca.

The beaches around Mahon are mostly isolated and peaceful, located along the steep cliffs: Punta de Mongofre, Es Canutells, Sa Mesquida and Illa d’en Colom are just a few of them.

Starting from Placa de Esplanade located right in city center of Mahon  Spain you can relax doing shopping in one of the stylish boutique shops, finding the fruit and vegetable market, near a monastery, where you will see a wonderful view over the harbour.

You also have access to a wide selection of restaurants, bars and cafes where you can try the cuisine of Menorca, based mainly on fresh fish. Therewith, in Placa de Esplanade, every Tuesday and Saturday, between the hours of 9-14: 00, there is an outdoor market where you will find all sorts of souvenirs, shoes, clothes and accessories, at good prices.

Mahon has a place in culinary history as the eighteenth-century birthplace of mayonnaise ( mahonesa ). There are many legends regarding this now world famous food, some of the most well know say it was invented by the chef of a French commander, a housekeeper who tried to disguise the taste of some rancid meat and a peasant women dressing the salad of a French General, take your pick.

Mahon`s culinary offerings these days are based on Spanish, Catalan and Italian dishes, all of which are in abundance via a large selection of restaurants, tapas bars and cafeterias located all along the quay around the harbour as well as the central part of the city.

The city organises some amazing festivals and fiestas, which see the whole town come to life, with street acts, dancing and music, and where delicious foods are shared and enjoyed on the streets by locals and visitors alike.

Spending your holidays on the Balearic Islands can have a number of benefits – the area attracts visitors from all over the world looking for sea, sand and warm temperatures.

With a Mediterranean climate, these islands experience a warm temperature all year round, making them the perfect choice for a weekend getaway or for a longer vacation period with your family.

Edam, Cheese and the City, North Holland & Hot melting Edam bruschetta Recipe

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Edam, Cheese and the City

Edam is a city in the northwest Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. Combined with Volendam, Edam forms the municipality of Edam-Volendam. Approximately 7,380 people live in Edam. The entire municipality of Edam-Volendam has 28,492 inhabitants. The name Edam originates from a dam on the little river E or IJe where the first settlement was located and which was therefore called IJedam.

Edam is famous as the original source of the cheese with the same name.

The most obvious association with the name ‘Edam’ is its cheese. For centuries the well-known round Edam cheeses have been sent from this town to all corners of the world. The cheese market, once again restored to its place of honor, is enacted weekly during the summer months. And nearby cheese warehouses keep alive the memory of a colourful past.

Edam is a city with a rich history. It began in the 12th century, when farmers and fishermen settled along the little Ye river. With that ‘Yedam’ was a fact. This primitive settlement developed into an increasingly prosperous town well into the 17th century. Shipbuilding played an important role in this growth. Once Edam had 33 ship-yards building many famous ships. A good example is the ‘Halve Maan’, the ship that the Englishman Henry Hudson sailed in 1609 when attempting to discover a northern route to the East Indies. A futile attempt in fact, because he ended up on the island of Manhattan!

Beside shipbuilding, commerce was a major contributor to the thriving development of Edam. Together with Amsterdam, Hoorn and Enkhuizen, Edam was one of the most important commercial towns in Holland. Today Edam is a town with authentic 17th century architecture, convincing proof of its rich past. When walking along the old streets and quiet canals, one can easily imagine how it was in a Dutch town centuries ago. Well preserved gables, squares, bridges and monuments capture and hold the attention of the visitor. A stroll takes one past the tea-houses on the ‘Schepenmakersdijk’, the leaning Carillon tower (1561), the historic museum with the floating cellar, the Dam, the Town hall of Edam to the Great Church. This is one of the largest churches in the Netherlands. It has an extraordinary collection of richly coloured stained glass windows dating from the 17th century.

Edam has more: cosy shopping streets and nice terraces where one can enjoy a drink or a snack. There is the ‘Strandbad’ camping on the edge of the IJsselmeer, countless watersport fans from far and near have found their way to this camping site and public swimming area, just outside the centre of Edam. We could easily continue summing up the attractions Edam has to offer, but prefer to invite you personally to come to Edam and discover for yourself the quiet and beauty of this little IJsselmeer town.

 Hot melting Edam bruschetta Recipe

Serves:2

Prep time:5 mins

Cooking time:5 mins

Total time:10 mins

Skill level:Easy peasy

Costs:Cheap as chips

This posh version of an old favourite Welsh Rarebit uses Edam cheese, chorizo and olive tapenade for a tasty twist.

Ingredients

2 large, thick slices country bread

2tbsp green olive tapenade

100g (3½ oz) Edam cheese (sliced)

8 thin slices of chorizo

Small handful watercress leaves

Olive oil, for drizzling

Top tips: Use the filling ingredients to make a tasty enclosed toasty or panini.

Don't like olives? Spread thick caramelised onion chutney on the bread and simply top with Edam.

Roast baby vine tomatoes with a drizzling of olive oil and serve on top of melting Edam bruschetta.

Swap chorizo for slices of wafer thin ham.

Method

Pre-heat grill. Toast one side of the bread slices until golden. Place un-toasted side up on a baking sheet and spread with olive tapenade.

Top each with slices of Edam and chorizo and finish with a little more tapenade.

Place under the grill until melted and bubbling hot.

Top with peppery watercress leaves, drizzle with a little olive oil and serve straight away.

Tamarind Balls Recipe & Trinidad and Tobago Tourism

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Tamarind Balls : Recipe

Have you ever had tamarind ball.  The season for tamarind or tambran (as we call it) is coming to an end once more. As usual there are a lots of it on my tree. Tamarind ball is a traditional snack and is especially loved by children because of its sweet-sour-peppery taste. This conglomeration of sweet and sour goodness is surely up my alley, because you all know I have more of a sour, spicy, tooth than a sweet on.

TOTAL TIME:5 min

Prep:5 min

YIELD:4 servings

LEVEL:Easy

INGREDIENTS

>  1 1/4 cups sugar

>1 (7-ounce) package tamarind paste*

>  1 tablespoon Thai-style hot sauce (recommended: Sriracha)

>Pinch salt

  * Can be found at specialty Asian markets.

DIRECTIONS

Put 1/4 cup sugar in a shallow plate. In a bowl, combine the tamarind, hot sauce, salt, and remaining sugar. Using your hands, mix the ingredients together. Divide the tamarind mixture into bite-size portions, and shape into balls. Add the tamarind balls to the sugar, and roll to coat evenly.

Trinidad and Tobago Tourism

Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines. Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, hosts a boisterous carnival featuring calypso and soca music. Numerous bird species inhabit sanctuaries such as the Asa Wright Nature Centre. The smaller island of Tobago is known for its beaches and the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which shelters hummingbirds.

Whether you are seeking adventure, culture or nightlife, Trinidad and Tobago is waiting to amaze you.  From the cosmopolitan streets of Port-of-Spain to the tranquil beaches of Tobago, there is something here for everyone.  Whether you are an international visitor seeking a relaxing vacation or a resident looking for a weekend getaway, there are resources on the internet to help you plan the perfect trip.  Please see the Quick Links section on the left of the screen for some helpful websites, or visit the About T&T section of this site by following the link at the top left of the screen.

Things to do

Trinidad and Tobago is a diverse, multicultural country where just about everything is celebrated.  Our world-famous Carnival is the highlight for many, but there are festivals, concerts and special events going on all year long.  Our diverse landscape — including pristine beaches, untouched rainforests and vibrant cities — also provides the setting for a wide range of activities.  Follow the links below for more information on the many things to do in Trinidad and Tobago.

  1.    BIRD-WATCHING :Both Trinidad and Tobago are major bird-watching destinations; Trinidad itself has more resident species than any other Caribbean island.

2.    CULTURE SHARING: A melding of many cultures means lively festivals year-round and a fabulous mix of cuisines.

3.    MUSIC: The steel pan was invented in Trinidad, and excellent bands play all over the island.

4.CARNIVAL :Trinidad's Carnival is the Caribbean's biggest and best party, but nightlife is hopping the rest of the year, too. 

Places to visit

Trinidad and Tobago is home to a breathtaking range of natural, cultural, historic and architectural sites. 

Places to stay

Trinidad and Tobago has accommodation to suit every traveller, no matter what your budget or the type of vacation you are looking for.  The Tourism Development Company Limited inspects and approves tourist accommodation to ensure it meets minimum standards.  

Where can I find more information?

For more information on planning your Trinidad and Tobago vacation, please visit the websites below, or contact the Tourism Development Company Limited.

Tourism Development Company Limited
Level 1 Maritime Centre
29 Tenth Street
Barataria
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 675-7034-7
Fax. (868) 675-7772
E-mail: info@tdc.co.tt
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Coppia Ferrarese Bread Recipe & Best of Ferrara, Italy Tourism

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Coppia Ferrarese Bread Recipe 

Coppia Ferrarese is a type of sourdough bread made with flour, lard, olive oil, and malt, and has a twisted shape.It was first made around the 12th century in Ferrara, Italy, and has PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status under European Law.

According to the legend, the host of a dinner to honorthe Duke of Ferrara, had these interwoven breads with typical horns served to allude to some of the duke’s personal adventures.

Note: The leaven should be prepared at least 48 hours in advance.

INGREDIENTS FOR COPPIA FERRARESE

(serves 8-10):

For Leaven:

o    200 g all-purpose flour

o    1 tsp olive oil

o    1 tsp honey

o    Lukewarm water

For Dough:

o    1 kg flour (Type 0)

o    350 ml water

o    60 gms pork fat

o    40 ml extra-virgin olive oil

o    100 g leaven

o    1 tsp salt

o    1 tbsp barley malt

METHOD FOR COPPIA FERRARESE:

Leaven:

o    Take 200 g of flour in a bowl.

o    Add some lukewarm water, a teaspoon of oil and a teaspoon of honey to the flour.

o    Mix until smooth mixture is formed without lumps.

o    Shape the flour mixture into a ball.

o    Place the flour ball into a bowl.

o    Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel.

o    Leave the flour to rest for 48 hours, to ferment.

o    Add a few teaspoons of lukewarm water, knead again, and cover with a damp kitchen towel once more.

o    The leaven should be refreshed every week.

For Bread:

o    Place all the ingredients for the dough into a heavy duty mixer.

o    Turn the mixer on and knead for 15 to 20 minutes.

o    Transfer the dough to a worktop or flat surface.

o    Divide the dough into balls with a diameter of approximately 5 cm.

Note: In Ferrara, special rolling pins and other accessories are used to roll and shape the bread.

o    To shape the manually, roll out each ball on floured surface into strips approximately 30 cm in length.

o    Use the palm of your hand to press the dough like the one for strudel, while rolling it into cone-shaped horns.

o    Braid couples of such rolls together to obtain the characteristic shape of the couples (four cone-shaped horns interwoven in the middle).

o    When shaped, transfer the couples on a wooden board.

o    Cover the couples with a wet kitchen towel.

o    Let the couplesrest for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hrs.

o    Preheat the oven to 375°F.

o    Bake the couples till golden brown.

o    Remove the Coppia Ferrarese from the oven, and slide onto a wire rack to cool.

o    Coppia Ferrarese is ready to be served.

Best of Ferrara, Italy Tourism 

Where it is

Situated on the great plain of Emilia, Ferrara stands a few kilometres south of the Po River, and about 50km from the sea.

Why visit

Ferrara is a splendid city of art, to be enjoyed by walking its streets, its character - this magnificent Renaissance capital - revealed on every corner. Through its glorious past you can understand the roots of its present.

The Este family governed here for three centuries and gave the city the appearance it has today: a uniquely planned city, harmoniously fusing Mediaeval and Renaissance, Europe's first modern city. It is precisely these characteristics that secured its UNESCO World Heritage status.

It's a peaceful city to wander on foot or by bike, every step re-living the magical atmospheres of the past.

Where to visit and what to see

The best times to visit are in spring and autumn. May, in particular, is a month of celebrations linked to the famous Palio of St George; in March and September there are prestigious exhibitions in the Palazzo Diamanti, a jewel of Ferrara's Renaissance; during the last week of August street musicians from around the world come together for the Ferrara Buskers Festival, filling the late summer evenings with music.

Visit the many museums. Far from being simple repositories for works of art, Ferrara's collections stand out because of the way they cross-reference with the reality outside, whether that be legacies of the past or reminders of the present.
Finds from the legendary city of Spina, vestiges of the Greek and Etruscan worlds, are displayed in the rooms of Palazzo Costabili. Great paintings of the 15th & 16th Centuries are in Palazzo dei Diamanti, and in Palazzo Massari there is the art of Boldini, de Pisis, and their contemporaries. (Palazzo Massari is temporarily closed).

Sights include Palazzo Schifanoia with its splendid Hall of the Months, frescoed in the 15th Century by the painters of the Ferrarese School; the Estense Castle, former residence of the Este dukes; the harmonious Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral and its museum with precious artworks, including an organ screen showing the Annunciation and Saint George killing the dragon by Cosmè Tura (1469), the master of the Ferrarese school. On the left side of the cathedral as you face the piazza, the Loggia dei Merciai has held shops since the mediaeval period.

Going deeper into the mediaeval part of town you can discover jewels of religious art like the Monastery of Sant’Antonio in Polesine with its Giotto-esque frescoes, or the Church of Santa Maria in Vado, a pilgrimage site since a Eucharistic Miracle that took place in the 12th Century.

Don't miss

You shouldn't leave without having walked around the atmospheric mediaeval streets and taken a bike ride round its Renaissance city walls, which remain nearly complete.

On the table

The "coppia", Ferrara's famous elaborately shaped and tasty bread (it boasts IGP certification of origin); “cappellacci”, pasta filled with pumpkin and parmesan cheese are very popular, as is the “pasticcio di maccheroni”, a true culmination of the court traditions; the “salama da sugo” is an unusual mixture of pork products. Finally, there's “pampepato”, a spicy cake covered in a layer of chocolate.

Ferrara features on the "Via delle Corti Estensi” and “Via del Grande Fiume” (Este Court and Great River Po Trail) parts of the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori (Food and Wine Routes) gastronomic trail. At nightfall the mediaeval streets around the cathedral come alive for the customary aperitiv; on one of them you will find the oldest osteria in the world, mentioned in Ariosto as well as the Guinness Book of Records.

To keep fit

The city walls are the locals' preferred 'park' for jogging: you can run along an almost uninterrupted 9 km of earthwork between the green of the lime and plane trees and the red brick of the wall.

For those who prefer cycling, the best is the circuit around the bottom of the walls, and this can be extended onto the “Destra Po” cycle track by crossing the Urban Park to the north of the city.

Main events

The Palio di San Giorgio (the oldest in the world) on the last Sunday of May: more than a thousand participants in Renaissance costumes parade to Piazza Ariostea, where they compete in various games between eight contrade - teams representing parts of the city. Ferrara Buskers Festival in the last week of August is a rendezvous for street artists who fill the streets with music and colour. The Ferrara Balloons Festival at the end of September is the biggest tourist balloon festival in Europe.

Nearby

Most of all it's worth visiting the network of Estense Delizie (country retreats), scattered all round their former territory.

For those who love the sea, there are the Comacchio Lidi, seven beach towns that boast wide beaches and a huge choice of entertainment.

A paradise for naturalists, biologists, scientists and birdwatchers, the Po Delta Park  is one of the most important wetland areas in Europe, a vast green area surrounded by ancient woodland, pinewoods and reserves, studded with architectural gems inherited from the golden age of the Este family.

For more information

Local Staff: Ferrara

Information Offices

FERRARA LARGO CASTELLO
Largo Castello,
44100 Ferrara (FE)
Tel. ++39 0532-209370
Fax ++39 0532-212266
infotur@comune.fe.it
Opening: Open troughout the year

More about services and schedule of the info centres in the Local website