Palazzo dei Diamanti

Houses the National Picture Gallery of Ferrara

ThePalazzo dei Diamanti (Diamond Palace)stands as one of the most celebrated monuments inFerraraand of theItalian Renaissance.

It was designed by the architectBiagio Rossettiin 1492 for Sigismondo d’Este, brother of Duke Ercole I d’Este. Originally a noble residence for the D’Este and De Medici families, and even more fascinating, it appears to have been a place forastrological and alchemical meetings. Here, scholars and scientists gathered to explore the energies of the Universe. It is also believed that the location chosen within the urban plan, the so-calledAddizione Erculea,was specifically selected toreproduce a celestial map on Earth.

The jewel of the Renaissance Addition

This magnificent building stands in the heart of the Erculean Addition, an ambitious urban development project initiated by Duke Ercole I in the late 15th century to expand Ferrara.

Corso Ercole I d’Este isn’t just a road—it’s a grand, straight artery linking the majestic Este Castle to the Porta degli Angeli. It was originally designed to be a strictly residential street with no shops, a prestigious, peaceful atmosphere it still maintains today.

Three priceless Renaissance palaces grace this crucial avenue in Ferrara: the Palazzo Diamanti, Palazzo Prosperi-Sacrati, and Palazzo Turchi di Bagno.

Façade of the Palazzo dei Diamanti (Diamond Palace) in Ferrara

The Legend of the hidden diamond

The Palazzo dei Diamanti (Diamond Palace) gets its name from the more than8,500 diamond-shaped ashlar blocks(bugnein Italian) of white and pink marble that cover its façade, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow.

A mysterious legend of intrigue, alchemy, and history is woven around these stone “diamonds.” The story goes that DukeErcole I d’Estehad areal diamond,a gem from his own crown, secretly hidden inside one of the marble blocks. Only he and the master builder knew its exact location.

To ensure the secret would never be revealed, the Duke allegedly made a cruel decision: he had the master builder blinded and his tongue cut out, preventing him from ever disclosing the precious diamond’s whereabouts. It is also said that the hidden diamond was placed at a specific point tocatalyze telluric energies.

Discover the Palazzo dei Diamanti

In the 16th century, the palace underwent late-Renaissance modifications, including the addition of thecorner balconyand a reorganization of the windows. Following the Devoluzione of Ferrara in 1598, the palace passed through the hands of various noble families, such as theMarquis Villa, before finally becoming municipal property in1842.

Today, the Palazzo dei Diamanti is home to theNational Picture Gallery of Ferrara(Pinacoteca Nazionale di Ferrara) and hosts majormodern and contemporary art exhibitions. Over the years, exhibited artists have includedEscher, Achille Funi, Lorenzo Costa, Ercole de’ Roberti, Antonio Ligabue, Banksy, Boldini, Courbet, De Chirico, Matisse, Picasso, and Dalì.

Plan Your Visit

Opening Hours:Open daily from9:30 AM to 7:30 PM(The ticket office closes at 6:30 PM).

Tickets:

Full Price:€16
Reduced Price:€14 (For students, visitors over 65, etc.)
Special Youth Ticket(Non-holiday Mondays): €10
School Groups:€5
Free Admission:Children under 6, disabled visitors with a companion, accredited tour guides, and journalists.

Also Available Inside: