Audio Guide of The Vaulted Street

Via delle Volte is open to the public every day and is free to access 24 hours a day, as it is an open-air site. To get there, it is located next to Ferrara’s medieval walls, a 10-minute walk from Estense Castle. More location details at Ferrara Tourism.

No, access is completely free. Via delle Volte is a public open-air space that forms part of Ferrara’s historic defensive system. You can freely explore its arches and passageways at no cost.

The visit can last between 30 and 45 minutes, ideal for walking along the 400 meters of medieval arcades while observing the architectural details and reading the information panels. If you also take photos and walk toward the adjacent walls, allow about 1 hour.

Built in the 15th century under the Dukes of Este, these vaults formed part of the city’s defensive walls and warehouses. Their unique architecture combined military functionality with the urban planning advances of the Italian Renaissance.

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal thanks to the mild temperatures. Early in the morning or at sunset, you will enjoy the lighting between the arches best. Check events at Ferrara Terra e Acqua.

The ground is cobbled and has gentle uneven levels, so it may present difficulties for wheelchairs. Assistance is recommended on some stretches. The area near Porta degli Angeli has better access.

Within 500 meters you will find: Estense Castle (7 min), Saint George’s Cathedral (10 min), and the Diamond Palace Museum (15 min). See the tourist map at Ferrara Terra e Acqua.

Wear comfortable shoes because of the uneven pavement, bring water in summer, and carry a flashlight to explore the less well-lit arches. On Fridays there is a market nearby (Piazza Travaglio) where you can buy local products.