Palazzo della Racchetta, historic house steps from the Duomo
The Palazzo della Racchetta, on Via Vaspergolo in Ferrara, is a historic house a few steps from the Duomo, with large rooms and period furniture. I would choose it for anyone who wants to explore the centre on foot and loves old buildings, knowing that it is not a hotel in the classic sense.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Palazzo della Racchetta.
Where the Palazzo della Racchetta is in Ferrara
The Palazzo della Racchetta is on Via Vaspergolo, in the heart of Ferrara's historic centre. The Cathedral is a few steps away, and from the little square you can see the Duomo, as one guest puts it.
Guests who have stayed describe a very central position that lets you see the main sights on foot, even in a few days. That is why I recommend it especially to anyone who does not want to use a car. The centre has a limited traffic zone (ZTL), and the property says access is arranged on request.
What the building and rooms are like
The description talks about Antica Dimora della Racchetta, a historic building with period furniture and original parquet flooring. Guests appreciate its old-world feel, furniture that tells something of the past, and spacious rooms. One review recalls that the palace was a meeting place for artists.
The rooms have air conditioning, a free minibar, LED TV, a tea and coffee set and a private bathroom with shower, bidet and courtesy toiletries. One guest describes two separate bedrooms with a bathroom, suitable for a family, and a fridge and coffee machine for breakfast in the room.
Shared areas include an outdoor terrace and meeting rooms, and the Wi-Fi is free throughout. Pets are welcome.
Breakfast, restaurant and parking
Breakfast is served in the restaurant room, where at lunch and dinner there is also the La Racchetta pizzeria, serving Italian cooking. Some guests say they had breakfast in their room, thanks to the fridge and coffee machine provided.
Parking is not inside the property. One review mentions the nearby car park on Via Darsena, which charges a fee, and another talks about a car park open around the clock a few steps away.
What guests say
On Google the rating is 4.3 from 202 reviews. Most of them are positive, and the same themes come up again and again.
- The welcome. Many guests describe the hosts as kind, helpful and caring, sometimes with the warmth of a landlady.
- The rooms. Large, clean, with a comfortable bed and good heating.
- Value for money. Some rate it excellent, given where it is.
- The quiet and calm, despite being in the centre.
What to know before you book
It is not a hotel. Several reviews describe it as a guesthouse, and anyone expecting a reception desk staffed at all times may be disappointed. Let them know your arrival time: one guest found the rooms open and nobody to greet them, with a phone number that was unreachable for a long time.
For a historic building there are the usual limits. There is no lift, and even those who loved their stay mention it. Some talk about dust on the windowsills and cobwebs, and a fridge in the room that did not work well. Another recalls that hot water took a long time to arrive, because a boiler had to be switched on.
| The best | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Very close to the Duomo | No lift |
| Large rooms with period furniture | Some criticism of cleanliness and upkeep |
| Kind and helpful hosts | No reception desk staffed at all times |
| Good value for the centre | Parking outside the property |
There is also a very harsh review linked to a private event, with a disagreement over times. It is an isolated case, but it means it is worth making everything clear in writing.
Who the Palazzo della Racchetta suits
I choose it for couples and families who love old palaces, period furniture and simple solutions, and who want to see Ferrara on foot. It works well for a weekend, especially if you do not have a car.
I would not recommend it for anyone who finds stairs difficult, anyone who wants traditional hotel services, or anyone arriving at unpredictable times without warning.
What to do in Ferrara and other places to stay
From the palazzo you can walk to the Cathedral and the monuments of the centre, and according to one guest the Castle is not far. For evenings there are plenty of places to eat, starting with the property's own pizzeria.
If you want to widen your trip around Emilia-Romagna, also look at Palazzo Bianchi in Parma, which you can find on this blog.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
