Ferrara is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, a few km away from the city of Bologna. The town developed on a ford over the Po river and became a center for art and culture, which attracted several artists and intellectuals, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries. The famous House of Este in Ferrara has been decorated by well-known artists like Andrea Mantegna, Jacopo Bellini, and Piero Della Francesca. Here, the concept of an ideal city became a reality and can be especially seen in the neighborhoods developed in the 15th century by Biagio Rossetti. Ferrara has been included in the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO for its exceptional beauty and its important place in the culture and art of Italy.
Because of its historical relevance, in 2006, Ferrara became the headquarters for the prestigious Italian Hermitage Museum. It is only the fifth city that has been able to have its name linked with this prestigious museum. The Hermitage Italy Foundation was formed based on this union.