Festina Lente

A Journey Through Renaissance Flavors and Landscapes

In 2025, Ferrara and its province celebrate two major milestones:

• 30 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 10 years of the Po Delta as a UNESCO MaB Biosphere Reserve

To honor these anniversaries, a new cultural and experiential project is born: Festina Lente, an invitation to explore the treasures of the region slowly and consciously, through six thematic itineraries. From the historic Este Walls to the Renaissance Delizie Estensi palaces, and into the breathtaking landscapes of the Comacchio Lagoon.

Nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching, cycling tours, and boat excursions in the lagoon, while foodies and culture seekers will be captivated by a rich calendar of events celebrating art, gastronomy, and tradition.

Among the most anticipated highlights: Renaissance banquets, show cooking with Michelin-starred chefs, and historical parades on the waters of Comacchio.

Upcoming Events in Comacchio
The historic Manifattura dei Marinati in Comacchio will host three themed dinners, each a true journey through time. These banquets will blend historical storytelling, sensory experience, and culinary excellence, evoking the grandeur of Renaissance feasts while engaging with modern gastronomic values.

Act I – Circular Renaissance
September 26 at 8:00 PM
Curated by chef Igles Corelli

Renowned chef Igles Corelli opens the series with a banquet centered on the idea of circular economy applied to Renaissance cuisine. The Este court, even in the 15th century, practiced sustainability ahead of its time, making use of every part of an ingredient.

Act II – Between Land and Water
October 3 at 8:30 PM
Curated by chef Simone Finetti

Chef Simone Finetti of Villa Albertina (Argenta, FE) pays tribute to Cristoforo Messisbugo, the celebrated court steward of Ippolito d’Este and author of one of the earliest Italian cookbooks. His 1549 "Opera" was more than a recipe collection—it was a cultural manifesto of conviviality.


Act III – The Renaissance and Beyond
October 10 at 8:00 PM
Curated by chef Giacomo Devoto

Michelin-starred chef Giacomo Devoto of Locanda de Banchieri (Fosdinovo, MS) closes the trilogy with a banquet that bridges past and future. His cuisine reflects a contemporary homage to the Lunigiana culinary tradition with refined creativity.

Costumes Inspired by Remo Brindisi
Each evening will be enriched by Renaissance music and live tableaux vivants. The costumes worn by performers are inspired by Remo Brindisi’s sketches, originally created for the historical Regata delle Donne in Comacchio. Local seamstresses have revived these designs with passion, giving new life to Renaissance elegance with a modern twist.

The Venue: Manifattura dei Marinati
Set in the heart of Comacchio, the Manifattura dei Marinati is a former eel marinating factory and a living monument to the town's identity. Today, this unique heritage space becomes the stage for a cultural and culinary narrative that blends historical depth with sensory discovery. The arched halls, still imbued with the scent of brine and time, evoke a timeless atmosphere perfect for these evocative events.

Festina Lente is a project funded by the Italian Ministry of Tourism, aimed at enhancing the value of municipalities with a strong cultural and tourism vocation, particularly those that host UNESCO World Heritage Sites or belong to the network of UNESCO Creative Cities. For the province of Ferrara, the funding was granted to the UNESCO site “Ferrara, City of the Renaissance and its Po Delta”, specifically benefiting the municipalities of Ferrara, Comacchio, and Ostellato.