Ferrara, Italy

From Encyclopediak

Ferrara, Fer rah rah, a city of northern Italy in the Province of Emilia, 26 m. ne. of Bologna and not far from the banks of the Po. Though still the capital of its district, Ferrara has little of the glory that it possessed when it was the seat of the dukes of Este, and when their magnificent court vied with any of Italy. The old Castello in the middle of the city, once the residence of the dukes, is now occupied as a city bureau. The great cathedral remains, though sunken into decay, and there are numerous other churches and galleries of famous paintings. The home of Ariosto and the cell in which Tasso was imprisoned are objects of great interest. The city still carries on a trade in grain, fruit, cattle and wine, and manufactures soap, wax, glass, stoves and utensils of brass. At one time Ferrara was famous for its school of painting, and in 1438 it was the meeting place of the Council of Ferrara-Florence. In the 16th century the city was the refuge of Calvin, Marot and others. A free university, established there in 1391, enrolls 490 students. Population, 33,000.