
Porta degli Angeli
Gateway to Ferrara's 10k historic walls, offering scenic walks, cycles, and panoramic city views. Explore the 16th-century guard tower on weekends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Guard tower open for visits

Porta degli Angeli
Best Time
Guard tower open for visits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to Ferrara's 10k historic walls, offering scenic walks, cycles, and panoramic city views. Explore the 16th-century guard tower on weekends.
"An excellent starting point for a nature walk in Ferrara, whether you choose the path above or below the historic walls."

🚶♀️ Walk the Walls
The 10k wall circuit is a must-do! Great for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing jog. :athletic_shoe:
🏰 Visit the Tower
Check weekend hours for the guard tower; it's a unique historical peek. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ferrara's Historic Walls
Porta degli Angeli
Walk, cycle, or jog the 10k circular route along Ferrara's well-preserved medieval walls.
Guard Tower (Executioner's House)
Porta degli Angeli
Explore the former 16th-century guard tower, offering insights into the city's defensive past.
Panoramic City Views
On top of the walls
Enjoy stunning vistas of Ferrara's urban parks and cityscapes from this elevated vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access the Historic Walls
Historical Gateway
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Walls
The 10k wall circuit is a must-do! Great for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing jog. :athletic_shoe:
🏰 Visit the Tower
Check weekend hours for the guard tower; it's a unique historical peek. :clock1:
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Convenient free parking is available close to Porta degli Angeli. :car:
📸 Great Photo Spot
Offers beautiful views of the city and parks, perfect for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Walls
The 10k wall circuit is a must-do! Great for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing jog. :athletic_shoe:
🏰 Visit the Tower
Check weekend hours for the guard tower; it's a unique historical peek. :clock1:
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Convenient free parking is available close to Porta degli Angeli. :car:
📸 Great Photo Spot
Offers beautiful views of the city and parks, perfect for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Porta degli Angeli as an excellent starting point for exploring Ferrara's extensive historic walls, perfect for walks, cycles, and jogs. The free parking and panoramic views are highlights, though some note the guard tower has limited opening hours.
"Porta degli Angeli is one of the entry point to the old wall that protected the city of Ferrara you can actually walk, cycle and jog on the old wall the total fistance is 10k a very pleasent syroll this afternoon"
Nazario Serritelli
"A jump in the history!"
Luca Matteucci
"An excellent starting point for a nature walk in Ferrara, whether you choose the path above or below the historic walls, it's a circular route of about 9 km. Alternatively, you can begin a historical stroll from there by taking Via Ercole 1 d'Este, which leads directly to the famous Estense Castle, passing by the Palazzo dei Diamanti and the side entrance to Massari Park.
There's also free parking near Porta degli Angeli."
Valentina Fasano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porta degli Angeli is easily accessible by car, with free parking available nearby. It's also a pleasant walk or bike ride from the city center, connecting you to the historic walls.
Yes, there is convenient free parking available near Porta degli Angeli, making it an easy starting point for exploring the walls.
While specific bus routes might vary, Porta degli Angeli is generally accessible from Ferrara's city center, often reachable by a short bus ride or a longer walk. It's a good idea to check local transport schedules.
From Porta degli Angeli, you can choose to walk or cycle the 10km circular route along the top of the walls, or explore the paths below. You can also head directly into the city center towards the Estense Castle.
Absolutely! Porta degli Angeli is an excellent starting point. From here, you can easily access the historic walls or take Via Ercole I d'Este towards the Estense Castle, passing the Palazzo dei Diamanti.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Porta degli Angeli and the historic walls is generally free. However, the former guard tower may have specific visiting hours and potentially a small entry fee.
Porta degli Angeli itself is an open gateway. The historic walls are accessible at all times. The former guard tower is typically open Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
No, walking or cycling on the historic walls of Ferrara is free of charge. It's a public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, the former guard tower, known as the Executioner's House, can be visited on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during specific hours (10:00-12:30 and 14:30-18:30).
There are no booking requirements to access or use the historic walls of Ferrara for walking or cycling.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Porta degli Angeli, you can start your exploration of Ferrara's 10km historic walls, enjoy panoramic views, and visit the historic guard tower on weekends.
Yes, the wide walls are great for families to walk or cycle on. The open spaces and historical aspects can be engaging for children.
From the walls, you'll get beautiful panoramic views of Ferrara's urban parks and the city skyline. It's a unique perspective of the historic city.
The full circular route along the walls is approximately 10 kilometers, which can take around 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace.
While Porta degli Angeli itself might have limited facilities, there are often cafes and restrooms available in the parks below or as you approach the city center. It's advisable to use facilities before starting a long walk.
📸 📸 Photography
Porta degli Angeli offers great shots of the historic wall architecture, panoramic city views, and the guard tower. The surrounding parks also provide lovely backdrops.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for photos of the walls and city. Early mornings can also be peaceful and offer soft light.
Try capturing the scale of the walls from below, the expansive views from the top, and details of the historic tower. The juxtaposition of the walls with the urban park is also photogenic.
Drone regulations can be strict in historic city centers. It's essential to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying near Porta degli Angeli or within Ferrara's city limits.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive walls and cityscapes. A standard zoom lens is versatile for various shots. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone if you're using it for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the guard tower on a weekend for an added element of historical intrigue that might capture children's imaginations. The open spaces and the sheer scale of the walls can make for an exciting adventure. Remember to bring snacks and water, as facilities directly on the walls can be limited.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Cyclists
This route is also a great starting point for longer explorations. You can combine a wall circuit with a visit to the city center, including the Estense Castle and Palazzo dei Diamanti, making for a full day of activity. The free parking at Porta degli Angeli adds to the convenience for those arriving by car.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for the most dramatic lighting on the walls and city. The juxtaposition of ancient stone with the modern urban landscape, or the lush greenery of the parks below, creates compelling compositions. Don't miss the chance to capture the scale and grandeur of Ferrara's defensive past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ferrara's Historic Walls
The experience of being on the walls is often described as a 'jump in history'. It's a chance to see Ferrara from a different angle, appreciating its historical layout and the integration of green spaces within the urban fabric. The walls are not just a historical monument but a living part of the city, used daily by locals for recreation. This makes for an authentic and engaging experience, far removed from a typical museum visit.
For those interested in the military architecture, Porta degli Angeli itself is a notable feature. It's part of the 16th-century fortifications and its unusual name is linked to the historical Via degli Angeli (now Corso Ercole I d'Este). The presence of free parking nearby makes it an easily accessible starting point for this extensive exploration.
The Guard Tower: A Glimpse into the Past
Visitors have the opportunity to explore this historic tower, which offers a unique perspective on medieval and Renaissance fortifications. Its nickname, 'Executioner's House,' hints at a more somber past, adding a layer of intrigue to its historical significance. The tower is typically open for visits on weekends, allowing a limited but valuable window for the public to step inside and imagine its former role.
Accessing the tower on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, or again from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM, provides a chance to connect with a specific aspect of Ferrara's defensive heritage. It's a recommended stop for history enthusiasts and those curious about the more detailed fortifications of the city.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit