Surrounded by a nine-kilometre medieval wall, the historical municipality is also home the most ancient horse race in the world: the Palio di Ferrara.
The palio originated in 1259, as a folk tradition which celebrated the victory of the Lord of the town, Azzo VII Novello d'Este, over the infamous tyrant, Ezzelino da Romano.
The event was officially recognised by the community in 1279, and rapidly evolved into a symbol of the glorious Renaissance in which a sleepy port on a branch of the Po became a significant district under the Este family’s rule.
Nowadays, the palio is held on the last Sunday of May in honour of the day, in 1471, when Borso d’Este returned bearing the new title Duke of Ferrara appointed to him by Pope Paul II.
For the occasion, contenders represent the eight contrade, or town’s quarters, and their colours: San Benedetto (blue and white), Santa Maria in Vado (purple and yellow), San Paolo (black and white), Santo Spirito (yellow and green), San Giacomo (yellow and blue), San Giorgio (yellow and red), San Giovanni (red and blue) and San Luca (red and green).
A month-long celebration, featuring a historical procession of around 1,000 people in 15th-century attire and flag-throwing competitions, culminates in four races which take place in Piazza Ariostea.
The Palio di San Romano is the race run by putti, or boys, while the Palio di San Paolo is the race run by putte, or girls.
The other two races are the Palio di San Maurelio, featuring donkeys, and the Palio di San Giorgio, featuring horses.
Contestants vie for the palio, a valuable length of fabric adorned with intricate stitching dedicated to the patron saint of Ferrara, San Giorgio.
The winner of each race earns the right to keep the precious cloth in their neighbourhood’s church until the race rolls around a year later.
Set against the backdrop of some of Europe’s most stunning architecture, the Palio of Ferrara has become an everlasting reminder of this town’s rich history, thanks to the devotion of local residents who have ensured that this tradition has survived over seven centuries.
