The Taverns in the Shadow of the Bell Tower
The feast of Saint George of the Borgo San Giorgio District in Ferrara
About The Taverns in the Shadow of the Bell Tower
A District Feast in the Heart of San Giorgio
Every year, on the occasion of the patron saint's feast, the Borgo San Giorgio District transforms the area around the Sanctuary of Saints George and Maurelius into a small medieval encampment of flavors, music, and tradition. Le Taverne all'ombra del Campanile is now an anticipated event in Ferrara's spring calendar, in Emilia-Romagna, uniting popular devotion for Saint George with the liveliness of the districts of the famous city Palio.
Saint George, Patron Saint of Ferrara
The basilica of San Giorgio fuori le Mura, overlooking the right bank of the Po di Volano, was the city's first cathedral and is where the cult of the patron saint is preserved. Around its Rossettian bell tower, the district annually sets up its festival, blending sacred rites with convivial moments and challenges between the Ferrarese districts.
The Torneo dell'Idra and the Districts
The competitive heart of the event is the Torneo dell'Idra, a competition between the districts' flag-wavers and musicians who challenge each other with flags thrown in the air and the rhythms of drums and clarions. It offers a taste of the atmosphere of the Palio di Ferrara, one of Italy's oldest historical reenactments, and also involves the Under teams of the younger participants.
The Tavern and Ferrarese Cuisine
Under the district's gazebos, the wine bar and gastronomic stand open, offering traditional specialties: pasticcio ferrarese, cappellacci di zucca (pumpkin dumplings) served with salamina ragù, pinzin, and other local dishes. The tavern is an opportunity to gather around the table and support the district's activities.
Exhibitions, Culture, and Devotion
During the festival days, the sanctuary's 16th-century cloister hosts thematic exhibitions dedicated to Saint George and Ferrarese history, while the religious program accompanies the faithful with celebrations led by the bishop and, in May, events dedicated to the co-patron Saint Maurelius, featuring conferences and organ concerts in the basilica.
The Taverns in the Shadow of the Bell Tower — edition 2026
The 14th edition of Le Taverne all'ombra del Campanile, organized by the Borgo San Giorgio District, celebrated Ferrara's patron saint with five days of festivities around the Sanctuary of San Giorgio fuori le Mura, continuing into May with events for co-patron Saint Maurelius.
Programme The Taverns in the Shadow of the Bell Tower 2026
Wednesday, April 22
- 7:00 PM — Inauguration of the wine bar and opening of the gastronomic stand with traditional Ferrarese dishes (pinzin, pasticcio, cappellacci with salamina ragù)
Thursday, April 23
- 11:15 AM — Celebration of Sacred Rites presided over by Bishop Gian Carlo Perego, welcomed by a delegation of the District in historical attire, flag-wavers, and musicians
- 3:00 PM — Guided tour of the Sanctuary
- Lunch in the tavern (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)
- 9:00 PM — "The yellow-red thread of the history of Saint George" by the Shalom Community
- Setting up of the "Field of Mars" by the Armati group with games for children and adults
Friday, April 24
- Evening opening of the gastronomic tavern
Saturday, April 25
- Lunch in the tavern (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)
- Torneo dell'Idra — 14th Edition: competition between the districts' flag-wavers and musicians
Sunday, April 26
- 9:00 AM — Under Tournament (young flag-wavers and musicians)
- 10:00 AM — Camminata per San Giorgio (non-competitive walk starting from the sanctuary square)
- Athletes' lunch and awards ceremony
Related Events
- April 23 - May 17 — Exhibitions in the 16th-century cloister: "Saint Michael the Archangel, guardian of Procida" and "Stamps tell the story of Saint George, the apple, and Ferrarese Art"
- May 4, 9:00 PM — Goldonian comedy "Le smanie per la villeggiatura" in the Sacristy
- May 5, 9:00 PM — Conference by Marialucia Menegatti on the Rossettian Bell Tower
- May 6, 9:00 PM — Concert by Maestro Wladimir Matesic in the Basilica
- May 7, 6:30 PM — Mass by Bishop Perego for Saint Maurelius and convivial moment
Highlights The Taverns in the Shadow of the Bell Tower 2026
Prices The Taverns in the Shadow of the Bell Tower 2026
Practical information — The Taverns in the Shadow of the Bell Tower
Where
Sanctuary of Saints George and Maurelius (San Giorgio fuori le Mura), Piazzale San Giorgio, via Ravenna-Ferrariola area, Ferrara (FE).
How to get there
The basilica is located southeast of the historic center, on the right bank of the Po di Volano. It is easily accessible by car from via Ravenna; from Ferrara train station, the district is connected by urban bus lines. Parking is available near the sanctuary.
Tavern and Reservations
The gastronomic stand opens in the evening; lunch service is available on certain days from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Reservations for lunch are recommended at +39 342 1897127.
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Where does it take place — The Taverns in the Shadow of the Bell Tower
Santuario dei Santi Giorgio e Maurelio (San Giorgio fuori le Mura)
Piazzale San Giorgio 29, 44124 Ferrara