Streets squares and districts to visit Ferrara

In the heart of the medieval quarter, this long narrow street has become one of the symbols of Ferrara. In the past, most of the city's commercial activities took place here. Its name comes from the volte, the transverse arches that connected the merchants' houses on the south side of the street to the depots on the north side. According to another interpretation, the arches were used to reclaim living space in a densely populated neighbourhood. Some are now arranged in small terraces. This picturesque street deserves to be walked from end to end.

The origins of the Jewish community in Ferrara date back to the 15th century, when the d'Este family welcomed Jews from Rome, Spain and Germany. In 1627 the Pontifical Government established the ghetto which was located between Via Mazzini, Via Vignatagliata and Via Vittoria. Five gates blocked access from sunset to sunrise; they were knocked down by the new kingdom of Italy in 1859. Today, the ghetto is a quiet neighbourhood, with pebble-paved streets lined with small houses, some of which have Spanish-style balconies.