The Estense Castle of Ferrara was built in 1385, as an instrument of political and military control. At the end of the 15th century it became the residence of the Este family, lords of the city. Located in the city center it is still surrounded by a moat with water.
Its imposing proportions, its moat, its drawbridges and its towers date back to that period. An elevated covered passageway, which still exists, joined the military building to the marquises’ palace, today Palazzo Municipale.
After centuries the castle became the residence of the court and was embellished with terraces at the top of the towers, marble balconies, the Renaissance style courtyard (at the time fully frescoed) and sumptuous apartments.
The imposing towers stand out at the four corners of the Castle, symbols of the magnificence of the Este Family: the Torre di Santa Caterina, the Torre dei Leoni, from which it is possible to admire the panorama of Ferrara, the Torre Marchesana, the Torre di San Paolo.
Nowadays the building houses the Castle Museum with valuable works and public offices. The ducal kitchens, the prisons, the hanging garden and about fifteen rooms of considerable artistic importance can be visited.
Emilia-Romagna Film Commission
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Email: filmcom@regione.emilia-romagna.it
