Submitted by Sam Ferguson on the 2024 Winter HIST program in Italy…
One of the most remarkable things about Ferrara, the last stop on our trip, was the historic walls that surrounded the city. Ferrara was an important center of power for the Este family in Renaissance Italy, and in order to defend this city from outsiders the Estes built a monumental set of walls around the city. Although the Estes were ultimately removed from Ferrara in the late 16th century, the walls have been maintained in good condition into the modern day. Today the walls no longer serve a defensive purpose, instead existing as a beautiful nature trail that goes around the whole of Ferrara. Walking on these walls was a truly spectacular experience, as the trail combined beautiful views with impressive markers of the city’s amazing history.
One particularly interesting spot on the walls was at the site of an old tower which had been used by the Estes to defend Ferrara against invaders. In the 1990s, this historic tower was converted into the prestigious Jazz Club Ferrara, which has hosted Miles Davis and other famous musicians. Although our class did not go there, my friend and I were very interested in checking out this unique and historic space, and we ultimately decided to visit the Jazz Club on our last night of the trip. When we entered the building, we were immediately impressed by its amazing atmosphere, which blended the rich history of the tower with the lively and cozy aesthetic of the Jazz Club. We loved the bustling crowds, the smooth music, and the absolutely stunning interior, and all of these beautiful characteristics combined to create a simply beautiful. This space combined old and new in a way that made it a wonderful reflection of my time in Italy. Like so many other amazing sites we visited, Ferrara’s Jazz Club and walls both show how Italy’s rich history contributes to the country’s beauty in the present day. (Submitted on January 29, 2024)
