RIPAGRANDE HOTEL is located in the heart of the historical centre of Ferrara, declared as "Heritage of mankind" in 1995 by UNESCO, within easy reach of the Cathedral and the Estensi family's castle. It is situated in a quiet pedestrian area to which the guest may gain access in any event thanks to a regular permit issued by the reception on arrival. The guest may park the car on the street itself or in the private hotel garage.

INFORMATION CONCERNING COUNTS BECCARI-FREGUGLIA

The most important members of the Beccari family were Giovanni, governor of Lugo in 1517 and Antonio, bishop of Scutari in 1540; it is told by the heraldry books that they were granted the title of Count in 1713 and, in 1735 Pope Clemente XII granted them the title of "Conti Palatini" (Counts Palatine).

The heraldry emblems (blue and gold background with red stripes running cross-wise and black imperial eagle at the top) of the (Bolognese Beccari gentlemen, descendants of the antique and extremely esteemed Gran Casa Beccaria of Ferrara) are illustrated in the volume entitled "Raccolta dell'armi antiche e moderne dei nobili ferraresi con l'origini loro fin d'ora trovate" (Collection of the antique and modern arms of the noblemen of Ferrara with their origins found up to date), written by Count and Knight Alfonso Moresti.

The eagle on the coat of arms represented the power of the German Empire and was granted only to a few families, amongst which was the Estensi family. This heraldry emblem appears in the letter head of Hotel Ripagrande's writing paper, whereas that illustrated to the right belongs to the Freguglia family, a name deriving from Giovanni Fregoso, member of one of the most important Genovese families who arrived in Ferrara in the XV century and was here granted his noble title.

Eight Freguglia "doges" governed the republic from 1370 up to 1543; the second was Domenico, who extended the boundaries of Genoa over the whole Mediterranean sea; the last was Ottaviano who was ruled by Francesco I of France, two years after his election. Paolo, in 1480 and Federico in 1359 were nominated as Cardinals. Another Freguglia member was Nicola, master musician and poet.

The Freguglia members are mentioned in the official list of Italian noblemen, under the title: "Noblemen of Ferrara".

The last family member was Gianbattista, born in 1821 and who passed away in 1871. His son, Ugo Freguglia, nobleman of Ferrara and Colonel of the Royal Army, married the noblewoman Anna Delfina from Brescia; she had a step sister, Maria Teresa, daughter of the noblewoman Elisa Guidoboni who lived in Via Ripagrande at the end of the XIX century.