|
 Ferrara
is still relatively undiscovered, especially by North Americans, but
it's richly blessed, with much of its legacy intact. Among the historic
treasures are a great cathedral and the Este Castle, along with enough
ducal palaces to make for a fast-paced day of sightseeing. Its palaces,
for the most part, have long been robbed of their lavish furnishings,
but the faded frescoes, the paintings that weren't carted off, and the
palatial rooms are reminders of the vicissitudes of power. Modern
Ferrara is one of the most health-conscious places in all Italy.
Bicycles outnumber the automobiles on the road, and more than half the
citizens get exercise by jogging. In fact, it's almost surreal: Enclosed
in medieval walls under a bright sky, everywhere you look, you'll find
the people of Ferrara engaged in all sorts of self-powered locomotion.
Beware of octogenarian cyclists whizzing by you with shopping bags
flapping in the wind . |
