Ferrara is beautiful even when it rains. If you are visiting the city and a thunderstorm suddenly surprises you, don't panic! There are plenty of activities you can do even in the rain in the Renaissance city. For some of you, perhaps not much will change: you’ll just open your umbrella and you're done. For others, on the other hand, sudden rain could ruin the pleasure of a trip out of town. So let's see where to go in Ferrara when it rains, a small list of tips to take refuge in case the weather is not on your side.

Visit an exhibition at the Palazzo Diamanti

Palazzo dei Diamanti is a must in Ferrara, and is also a perfect place to shelter from the rain for a few hours. There are some great exhibitions held here; just check the website to find out which one you can visit during your stay in the city.

Not everyone knows, however, that this splendid Renaissance palace also houses the National Gallery of Ferrara, an opportunity to admire the works of local painters of the past.

Then we cannot fail to mention the wonder of the 8,000 pink and white marble pyramid-shaped stones that cover its outer surface. A masterpiece designed by architect Biagio Rossetti between the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century.

The Estense Castle

Moving towards the city centre, another good idea when it rains is a visit to the majestic Estense Castle. Surrounded by a moat filled with water, the elegant brick castle was built in 1385 for defensive purposes, designed by Bartolino da Novara. It was later transformed into the residence of the Este family, lords of Ferrara.

Entering the building you will find a variety of different rooms, which will immerse you fully in the atmosphere of the place: from the kitchens to the prisons, from the state rooms to the private flats of the dukes, to the hanging garden known as the garden of oranges.

Shopping in the streets of the centre

If after visiting the city's museums and monuments you feel like something different, why not try a little shopping in the streets of the centre? Ferrara is full of typical small shops of various kinds, from clothing to local products.

Just take a stroll around the cathedral and you will find antique shops, designer boutiques and much more. For shopping to suit all budgets, our advice is to look on the map for streets such as Via Bersaglieri del Po, Via Voltapaletto, Via Adelardi and Via Canonica.

Also not to be missed is Piazza Trento Trieste - which the people of Ferrara call the listone - and its surrounding streets.

A slice of tenerina

Among the places to go in Ferrara when it rains, of course, there are also bars, restaurants and pastry shops. If you love sweets, and chocolate in particular, you cannot fail to try a slice of tenerina, a typical city cake that you can sample in one of the many pastry shops in the centre.

It is a cake made with butter, sugar, flour, eggs and dark chocolate, with a soft texture that will melt in your mouth with every bite.