Ferrara
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 118: The thermometer in Ferrara reads a modest 18.45°C, but to my gnome-skin, it feels like a slightly chillier 17.73°C. I’m not made of flesh and blood, you know; I’m ceramic! Scattered clouds are playing peek-a-boo with the sun, making it a game of “now you see me, now you don’t.” A gentle breeze at 1.34 m/s is tickling my pointy hat. I’m not complaining though, it’s a nice contrast to the humidity standing at 53%. It’s a good hair day for humans, but for a gnome, it’s a good beard day!
Locking Love, Gnome-ing Italy
Now, allow me to share an observation that struck me as quite peculiar. You see, between these two cities lies the grand Po River, the longest river in Italy. As I crossed the bridge, I noticed several “love locks” attached to its railings. These locks, a symbol of unbreakable love, were inscribed with names and dates, each telling a tale of its own. As I mused on this sight, I was reminded of the famous Italian saying, “Amore non ha prezzo“, which translates to “Love has no price”.
On this journey, my little ceramic feet have covered a total distance of 3335.4 kilometers in 118 days. I’ve marveled at the beauty of cities like Arco, Verona, Legnago, and now, Ferrara. Each city has its own charm, its own story to tell, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of those stories.
As the famous Italian song goes, “Nel blu, dipinto di blu“. Translated, it means “In the blue, painted blue”. Perhaps it’s a reflection of my current state of mind – content, peaceful, and deeply fascinated by the world around me.
As we say in Italy, “Il viaggio continua” – the journey continues!
Until my next stop, keep wandering, keep wondering!
Wandering Ferrara’s Streets
Gnome-Sized Canvas Capers
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Ferrara.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Ferrara: Moats, Poets & Love Boats!
Firstly, it is home to the magnificent Castello Estense, a moated medieval castle at the center of the city. This castle isn’t just a feast for the eyes, its history is equally enthralling. It was originally built as a fortress, but later transformed into a luxurious residence by the noble Este family.
Secondly, Ferrara has a deep connection with Italy’s famed poets. Did you know that Torquato Tasso, one of Italy’s greatest Renaissance poets, was confined here? He wrote his masterpiece, the epic poem “Gerusalemme Liberata” (Jerusalem Delivered), while undergoing a seven-year confinement in St. Anna’s Hospital.
In the words of Tasso himself, “Non è cosa più grande né più nobile dell’amore” (There is nothing greater or more noble than love). This city truly embodies this sentiment, and the love for culture, history, and art is palpable in every corner of Ferrara.
Horseplay in Ferrara: Banner Battles!
In the heart of Ferrara, a city with a rich tapestry of culture and history, lies a fascinating tradition known as the “Palio di San Giorgio”. This is the oldest recorded Palio in the world, dating back to 1259. The event is a vibrant horse race where the eight districts of Ferrara compete for the prized “Palio” (banner). But it’s not just about the race. The spectacle includes a grand parade featuring hundreds of participants dressed in medieval attire, with flag throwers, drummers, and jesters adding to the merriment. As the locals would say, “Il Palio è vita, l’opposto della vita quotidiana!” (“The Palio is life, the opposite of everyday life!”). This tradition encapsulates the spirit of Ferrara, a city that revels in its past while looking optimistically to the future.
Gnome’s Guide to Ferrara Fun
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 