Corso Ercole I d'Este in Ferrara is a main axis of the Addizione Erculea (Erculean Addition) and has maintained its original characteristics as a residential artery. Its main focus point is the Quadrivio degli Angeli where it crosses the other axis of the Addition (Corso Porta Mare - corso Biagio Rossetti – porta Po) and is marked by the presence of three richly decorated palaces: Palazzo Turchi di Bagno, Palazzo Prosperi Sacrati and the magnificent Palazzo di Diamanti, residence of Sigismondo d’Este, brother of Duke Ercole I.
Its name derives from over 8,000 pink and white marble ashlars in the form of or diamonds that cover the two façades. The architect Biagio Rossetti rendered it a townplanning masterpiece by placing the most important decoration on the corner: a contrivance destined to highlight the importance of the crossroads and make the building an entirely original work, designed as it was to be viewed in perspective rather than from in front of the façade. Inside, the structure develops over three wings, originally on a U-shaped layout, but altered by subsequent conversions. Some rooms on the piano nobile conserve remarkable 16th century ceilings.
The palace is today a museum: on the piano nobile is the National Gallery, while the ground floor has the display space used by Ferrara Arte for the well-known exhibitions of Palazzo dei Diamanti.
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