Inquiring about visiting Ferrara , Mantua or another smaller town between Milan and Florence worth a visit for a day or two?
Thanks in advance for your comments.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
10127 posts
This one has Mantova (Mantua), Bergamo, Cremona, & Parma.
This one has Ferrara.
This one has Modena & also Ferrara.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
12417 posts
Ferrara is a small city, very Italian and untouristed versus many of its neighbors (Parma, Modena, etc.). Not a lot of great sites, but a castle, outstanding food, and great vibe. Nice town walls to walk on.
I have heard good things about Pavia, south of Milan, but haven’t managed to visit there yet.
Have you looked at Lucca, just west of Florence?
Posted by
Milan Italy
154 posts
Hi, Giangilberto from Milan, I recommend you to visit Pavia, it's a beautiful city on the banks of the Ticino River. Its university is among the oldest in Italy, and its characteristic Roman-style historic center is worth a visit. Just a few minutes from the city center is the Certosa, a true gem, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, the church, cloister, and monastery are absolute must-sees.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
2250 posts
In Ferrara don't miss the Palazzo Schifanoia and the frescos if that interest you at all.
And more difficult there is also a women's monastery Sant'Antonio in Polesine with Giotto's school frescos. The times are limited and you need to coordinate with the nuns/monks to gain access but it was very interesting.
I really enjoyed Modena and this is well covered many places. I also really enjoyed Brescia - Roman ruins and a lot of other stuff to explore - but it is not a really small town. Lucca is great little walled medieval town but it doesn't have a ton of big sights and can be touristy in season. Pistoia 20 minutes or so on the same train line and 40 minutes from Florence has a great centro storico and not a tourist in sight - depending on the experience you're looking for.
Have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
10468 posts
Other great towns are Ravenna, near Bologna.
Also, in Verona in the north.
In Tuscany, Lucca, Pisa, Volterra, San Gimignano. In Umbria, Assisi, Spoleto, Perugia, Gubbio and Orvieto.
Posted by
new york
1919 posts
Those cities and towns in Tuscany are not between Milano and Florence, unless you take a very roundabout route!
Orvieto is in the opposite direction!
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Thank you all for these helpful replies.
Much to think about in a good way.
Posted by
209 posts
Check out the towns and villages awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag in Italian), a recognition of quality awarded by the Touring Club Italiano for excellency in tourism, hospitality, and the environment. Tuscany is currently the Italian region with the highest number of Orange Flags: 44.
https://www.visittuscany.com/en/ideas/tuscanys-orange-flags/
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
600 posts
We visited Pavia last fall as a day trip from Milan. Very worthwhile! The town was busy with locals enjoying a festival. The Certosa is beautiful-just be sure to avoid the lunch-time closure of the Abbey shop if you want to take home any local products.