The Castello Estense, built in 1385 by order of Nicolò II d’Este, is the beating heart of Ferrara. Surrounded by a water moat, it preserves intact the four medieval towers and an original drawbridge. Today it is a museum that tells over six centuries of history, among prisons, frescoed halls, and hanging gardens. Here is what not to miss:
– Torre dei Leoni: climb the 120 steps for a breathtaking view of the city (supplement €2).
– Prisons of Ugo and Parisina: dark cells with graffiti left by prisoners.
– Orange Garden: a Renaissance corner scented with orange blossoms.
– Hall of Mirrors: frescoes with scenes of games and allegories of time.
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15/11/2025 - 16/05/2026
The Castello Estense, symbol of Ferrara, is a medieval fortress surrounded by a moat with four towers. Visit the prisons, the Orange Garden, and Renaissance frescoes. Updated hours and tickets for 2025.
- https://www.castelloestense.it
- castelloestense@comune.fe.it
- Largo Castello 1, Ferrara (FE)
- +39 0532 419180
- Open in Google Maps
- View on Google Images Castello Estense a Ferrara
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Introduction
As soon as you arrive in the center of Ferrara, you see it: the Estense Castle stands there, imposing, with its red bricks and the water moat surrounding it. You feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval fairy tale, yet it’s all real. It is the symbol of the city, unique in Europe for its still perfectly functioning drawbridge. Climbing the Lion’s Tower and looking down at the Renaissance skyline of Ferrara is an experience that stays with you.
Historical Overview
The castle was built in 1385 at the behest of Nicolò II d’Este, after a popular uprising. Designed by Bartolino da Novara, it incorporates a 13th-century tower, the Torre dei Leoni. In 1476, the Este court moved here and began its transformation into a Renaissance residence. After 1598, with the devolution to the Papal States, it became the seat of the cardinal legates. Today it is owned by the Province of Ferrara and houses a museum designed by Gae Aulenti. Here are the key moments:
- 1385 – Construction of the castle
- 1476 – Becomes ducal residence
- 1492 – Ercole’s Addition integrates it into the city
- 1554 – Fire and restoration with marble balconies
- 1598 – End of Este rule
- 2012 – Earthquake damage, restorations completed
The Halls of Power and the Frescoes
The first noble floor is a triumph of Renaissance frescoes. In the Sala dell’Aurora the ceiling depicts the four phases of the day, while the Salone dei Giochi is a riot of sports scenes and putti. Don’t miss the Cappella Ducale with its painted Evangelists. Walking here is like entering the court life of the Este, amid feasts and intrigues. The Sala dell’Imbarcadero on the top level is also fascinating: it was used to unload goods directly into the castle, and its barrel vaults make you feel the weight of history.
Prisons and Mysteries: Ugo and Parisina
Descend into the dungeons of the Lions’ Tower and you’ll find the prisons. This is where Ugo and Parisina were confined, condemned to death for their secret love affair. In Ugo’s cell, graffiti made with candle smoke are still visible. The atmosphere is gloomy and sends chills down your spine. Another famous cell is that of Don Giulio, imprisoned for 53 years. The prisons are the dark side of the castle, speaking of vendettas and passions, a stark contrast to the splendor of the noble floors.
Why Visit
Three reasons to put it on your list: 1) It’s one of a kind – a medieval castle surrounded by water with still-working drawbridges, a picture straight out of a history book. 2) The frescoes are spectacular – those in the Salone dei Giochi and the Sala dell’Aurora are among the best-preserved of the Emilian Renaissance. 3) The Orange Garden – a peaceful corner with citrus trees and a view of the square, perfect for a break after your visit. And if you’re lucky, there might be an internationally renowned temporary exhibition.
When to Go
The castle is open all year round, but my advice is to visit it in the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM. The sunset light on the brick walls is incredible and the crowd decreases. In spring the Orange Garden is very fragrant, while in winter with the fog the castle has an even more mysterious atmosphere. Avoid Tuesday, because it is closed. And if you can, choose a weekday to enjoy the halls more calmly.
Nearby
Just a few steps away is the Palazzo Municipale (formerly Ducal Palace), connected to the castle by the Via Coperta. It’s worth a visit for its courtyard and frescoes. A bit further on, the Cathedral of San Giorgio with its Romanesque-Gothic façade and unfinished bell tower. If you feel like a walk, follow the walls of Ferrara, one of the best-preserved Renaissance defensive walls in Europe: the stretch near the castle is easy and offers suggestive views.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
A legend says that on full moon nights you can hear the footsteps of Parisina Malatesta and her stepson Ugo, beheaded for love in 1425. Lord Byron immortalized their tragic story in the poem ‘Parisina’. In the underground cells, among the writings traced with candle smoke, a love letter left by Ugo is still searched for.