It was built in1385by the Marquis Niccolò II D’Este following a dangerous revolt, to defend the lords against the populace. In the Middle Ages, in addition to the name “Estense,” which derives from the D’Este family, it was also given the nameCastello di San Michele(Castle of Saint Michael) because the first stone was laid on September 29th, the day dedicated to the Archangel.
The peculiarities
Surrounded by itsmoat, which is still fed by the Po di Volano, it has a capacity of about15,000 cubic meters of waterwith a depth between 3 and 5 meters, making itnavigableand an ideal habitat for Carp and Catfish.
The moat, along with thedrawbridges(which are still perfectly preserved), is a reminder of its origins as a militaryfortress, which in time became the residence of the ducal court, one of the most influential dynasties of the Italian Renaissance.
Alfonso d’Este, Lucrezia Borgia, Ercole d’Este, and Isabella D’Este are some of the illustrious figures who lived in the Castle.
After1598, theEste Castle(Castello Estense) passed to the Papal States and consequently became the residence of Cardinals linked to the Pope.
Photo by Federico Banzi
What to see in the Castello Estense
Inside, theprisonsand, on the ground floor, themedieval hallsand thecannon ramplead to the so-calledpiano nobile(main floor), where you can admire theOrange Garden(Giardino degli Aranci), theDucal Chapel, and the large,frescoed halls. For a very small supplement, you have the opportunity to access theTower of the Lions(Torre dei Leoni) to admire Ferrara from above in all its splendor.
The distinctive feature of this residence is precisely itsprisons, considered impregnable, where only nobles, traitors, and people involved in court scandals were incarcerated. The graffiti left by the prisonersUgo and Parisina, who were lovers and later decapitated, are still visible today.
But the underground dungeons were not the only cells. In theTower of the Lionsand theMarchesana Tower, where today you can admire the panorama of Ferrara, the most illustrious figures or those who required special surveillance were confined.
The Castle is open every day (except Tuesday) from10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The last admission to theLion’s Toweris at4:30 PM.
The cost for entry only, without a guided tour, is:
- €12.00full price
- €10.00students and over 65
- There is an extra charge of€2.00for the Lion’s Tower.
Tours including a visit to the Estense Castle
Type of experience
Type of itinerary
👪Individual itinerary
⌛4 days
🛏️Yes
From 390 €
👪Individual itinerary
⌛3 Days
🛏️No
From 190 €
👪Individual itinerary
⌛2 days
🛏️No
From 190 €
👪Itinerary for groups
⌛Day trip
🛏️No
from €65
👪Individual itinerary
⌛About 3 hours
🛏️No
From €87