THE ESTENSE CASTLE OF FERRARA

The Estense Castle, symbol of Ferrara, was strongly desired by the Marquis Nicolo II d'Este as a means of political and military control following various and dangerous riots that had occurred within the city. The architect who conceived such a magnificent work was Bartolino di Novara, the same author of the Castle of Mantua, which in fact has very similar design characteristics. They are both surrounded by a large moat and defended by avant-corps and ravelins connected with drawbridges.

Years after the end of the construction works, the riots in the city finally ceased, and it was at that moment that the Estense Castle began to change: it became the residence of one of the most renowned families of the time. It was in fact enriched and embellished, it was slender with roof terraces above the towers, marble balconies were built, a sixteenth-century style courtyard was built, the apartments were frescoed, and today the museum itinerary is full of very important collections, both for value as much as for consistency. In fact, you can admire paintings, tapestries, refined objects, illuminated manuscripts, ancient coins, weapons and much more.

Entering the courtyard of the Estense Castle, you will be fascinated by its history and by that of the characters who lived there; you will immerse yourself in the events related to the Este family, in those of the unification of Italy, finally passing through the vicissitudes related to the Papal State; you will walk among the splendid orange trees located in the panoramic garden, called precisely the "Giardino degli aranci" and created at the behest of Alfono I d'Este; you will be able to hear the story of Ugo and Parisina Malatesta and learn about the unfortunate fate of these two famous lovers; you will visit the dungeons, in whose cells Giulio d'Este was imprisoned in 1506 together with Don Ferrante d'Este for having attempted the life of the Duke and his brother, Cardinal Ippolito. Don Ferrante died in the prisons 34 years after the beginning of the confinement, while for Giulio the fate was more unfortunate and he died in the dungeons 53 years later. These are two of the stories that most fascinate visitors to the Estense Castle Museum.