Parco Urbano Bassani 2026

Parco Urbano Bassani, Ferrara

Parco Urbano Giorgio Bassani is Ferrara's great green lung, a vast park stretching north from the Renaissance city walls towards the Po river. The land was once the Este family's hunting reserve, believed to have been established as a 'Barco' in 1471, and since 2003 it has carried the name of Giorgio Bassani, the writer whose work is deeply tied to Ferrara. Covering around 1,200 hectares of meadows, trees, ponds and canals, it is both a protected natural area and one of the city's main stages for large outdoor gatherings.

Alongside everyday recreation, the park hosts major seasonal events, from summer concerts to the Ferrara Balloons Festival in September and the Vulandra international kite festival.

Getting there

The park begins just outside Ferrara's northern walls, so it is an easy walk or bike ride from the historic centre; on foot from the cathedral area you simply head north beyond the ramparts. For big events, follow local signage for entrances and temporary parking.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the park named after Giorgio Bassani? It honours the Ferrara-raised writer and poet; the dedication dates from 2003.

What kind of events does the park host? Open-air concerts in summer plus long-running fixtures such as the Ferrara Balloons Festival and the Vulandra kite festival.