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| | Destinations: Ferrara |
 | | Ferrara's history begins nearly 1,300 years ago, when it began as a Byzantine military castrum ('fortified city'), established on the banks of the Po. |
 | | In 1115 A.D., Ferrara became a free commune, and during that same year work began on the city's new Cathedral (which was consecrated later, in 1135). |
 | | As Ferrara grew, its illustrious university was established, and the Estense familywho dominated the court from 1208 to 1598brought many renowned writers, painters, and musicians to the city (including Cosmé Tura, Francesco del Cossa, Ercole de' Roberti, Dosso Dossi, Ludovico Ariosto, Torquato Tasso, and Gerolamo Frescobaldi). |
| www.italiancookingandliving.com /travel/pf_text/ferrara.html (479 words) |
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