Castrum bizantino di Ferrara, Medieval fortress in Ferrara, Italy
The Castrum bizantino di Ferrara is a medieval fortress on the left bank of the Po di Volano river, protected by defensive walls and a moat. Narrow streets wind through the site in a horseshoe pattern, with the Casa del Capitano at their center.
The fortress was built in the 6th century to protect a key ferry crossing between the Po river islands and northern territories. Its strategic position later drew the Bishop's seat from Voghenza, which became the foundation for modern Ferrara.
The Casa del Capitano from the 12th century shows where military commanders lived and worked. The preserved rooms and courtyard reveal the daily rhythm of those who managed the settlement.
The site sits directly by the river, so the ground can be muddy during wet months. It is best explored on foot, allowing time to understand the layout of the old fortification.
The fortress was so strategically important that it drew the entire settlement away from its original location at Voghenza. This shift of the power center shows how military positions shaped the development of entire cities.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
