Via delle Volte

Via delle Volte (Street of the Vaults) is an ancient street in Ferrara, located between Corso Porta Reno, to the north, and Via Giuoco del Pallone, to the south, in the medieval center of the city.

SHORT HISTORY

Via delle Volte is characterized by arches built during the 13th and the 14th centuries. Its almost rectilinear layout, though, dates back to the oldest urban development of the city, before the deviation of the Po River in 1152.

During the 13th century, the street was known as Via dei Bastardini (Street of Bastards), because it housed the Pious Institute of illegitimate or abandoned children (Pio Istituto dei figli illegittimi o abbandonati), which later became the Umberto I Institute.

Later, during the 15th century, the street was called Via del Gambero, and was famous for an old filthy tavern, called Bordello del Gambero (Brothel of the Shrimp), assiduously frequented by prostitutes.

In the 19th century, it was also known as Via delle Prostitute (Street of Prostitutes), due to the large number of brothels in the area, and some popular sayings still refer to this name.

During the 20th century, the street was also called Via Bersaglieri del Po, in honor of the company of Ferrarese volunteers formed by Count Tancredi Trotti Estense Mosti, a senator of the Kingdom of Italy, and Via del Commercio, since 1905, due to its position in the immediate vicinity of several financial institutions.

DESCRIPTION

Via delle Volte runs parallel to Via Carlo Mayr, and passes under many arches. The street is paved with a rustic cobblestone, typical of the medieval city.

HOW TO GET THERE

Via delle Volte is located about 1.6 kilometers away from the Ferrara railway station. The closest bus stop is Piazza Travaglio, located on Corso Porta Reno, on the bus Lines 4 and 11.