Schifanoia Palace, commissioned by Borso d’Este as a leisure retreat, is renowned for the Hall of the Months, a unique cycle of Renaissance frescoes that blend astrological allegories, Olympic deities, and scenes of courtly life. The admission ticket also includes access to other civic museums such as the Este Lapidary Museum.
- Hall of the Months: Renaissance frescoes with 7 preserved months, divided into three registers depicting deities, zodiac signs, and court life.
- Artworks: Teleri by Garofalo, monumental marble fireplaces, and coffered ceilings with Este family crests.
- History: Palace founded in 1385, decorated between 1469 and 1470, now home to the Museums of Ancient Art.
- Nearby: Within walking distance of the Este Castle and the Cathedral Museum.
Schifanoia Palace in Ferrara houses the Hall of the Months, a cycle of Renaissance frescoes featuring astrological allegories and scenes of the Este court. Visit the palace commissioned by Borso d’Este and admire the Teleri by Garofalo.
- Via Scandiana, Ferrara (FE)
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Introduction
Entering Palazzo Schifanoia is like stepping into the Ferrara Renaissance. This Este jewel welcomes you with its terracotta facade and leads you straight into the heart of the ducal court. The name itself, meaning ‘to escape boredom’, reveals its original purpose: a place of leisure and representation for the Este family. But what takes your breath away is the Salone dei Mesi (Hall of the Months), a room that transports you to a world of allegories, deities, and scenes of courtly life. The frescoes by Francesco del Cossa and Ercole de’ Roberti are so vivid that you can almost hear the whispers of fifteenth-century nobility. It’s not just a palace, but a story painted on the walls, perfectly preserved despite the centuries.
Historical Overview
Palazzo Schifanoia was commissioned by Alberto V d’Este in 1385 as a leisure residence, but it reached its peak splendor under Borso d’Este. Between 1469 and 1470, Borso commissioned the decoration of the Salone dei Mesi to celebrate his rule. Artists from the Ferrara school, led by Cosmè Tura, transformed the walls into a masterpiece of political and astrological symbolism. After Ferrara’s devolution to the Papal State in 1598, the palace underwent various transformations, including its use as a tobacco factory. It was only in the 19th century, thanks to careful restorations, that the frescoes were rediscovered and brought to light. Today, it houses the Musei di Arte Antica, home to works such as the Teleri di Garofalo.
- 1385: Foundation by order of Alberto V d’Este
- 1469-1470: Decoration of the Salone dei Mesi under Borso d’Este
- 1598: Transfer to the Papal State and decline
- 19th century: Restoration and rediscovery of the frescoes
- Today: Home to the Musei di Arte Antica
The Hall of the Months: A Journey Through Astrology
The Hall of the Months is the heart of Palazzo Schifanoia, a pictorial cycle unique in the world. Originally composed of 12 months, only 7 complete ones remain today, each divided into three registers. At the top, the triumphs of the Olympian deities like Venus or Apollo dominate the scene. In the middle, the zodiac signs and astrological allegories guide human destinies. At the bottom, the court life of Borso d’Este: hunts, banquets, jousts. Every detail, from the costumes to the architecture, reflects the Ferrara of the fifteenth century. Don’t miss the month of March, where Minerva symbolizes the wisdom of governance, or April with Venus and the three Graces. It’s like flipping through a Renaissance calendar that unites power, art, and cosmology.
The Details That Make the Difference
Beyond the Hall of the Months, Palazzo Schifanoia conceals minor yet equally fascinating treasures. In the adjacent rooms, the Teleri by Garofalo narrate sacred stories with vibrant colors and elegant compositions. Notice the monumental marble fireplaces, symbols of opulence, and the coffered ceilings framing Este family coats of arms. Even the inner courtyard, with its central well, evokes atmospheres of Renaissance daily life. A tip: observe the frescoes up close to discover symbolic animals like the dog, emblem of loyalty, or the peacock, associated with immortality. These elements, often overlooked, enrich the visit with stories of details that only an attentive eye captures.
Why Visit It
Visiting Palazzo Schifanoia is worthwhile for three concrete reasons. First, the Salone dei Mesi is one of the few Renaissance fresco cycles so well preserved in Italy, a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in courtly art. Second, the spaces are compact: in one hour you can see the essentials, ideal for those with little time. Third, the entrance ticket includes access to other civic museums, such as the Lapidario Estense, expanding the experience without additional costs. It’s a must-see stop for those who want to understand not only the art, but also the politics and culture of the Estense family, with a visual impact that stays with you.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Palazzo Schifanoia is early morning or on weekdays, when natural light streams through the windows and illuminates the frescoes without glare. Avoid crowded weekends to enjoy the Hall of the Months in peace. In terms of season, spring and autumn are ideal: Ferrara’s mild climate allows you to walk to the palace from the city center stress-free, and the colors of the frescoes appear more vivid with the soft light of these seasons.
In the Surroundings
After Palazzo Schifanoia, continue your Este exploration with the Castello Estense, just a few minutes’ walk away. Here you can walk along the walls and visit the prisons, immersing yourself in the history of the dukes. For a thematic experience, head to the Museo della Cattedrale, where you can admire works such as Cosmè Tura’s Madonna della Melagrana, connected to the same artists as Schifanoia. Both sites complete the narrative of Ferrara’s power and art, creating a coherent itinerary without requiring long journeys.
💡 Did You Know…?
The frescoes in the Hall of the Months were created between 1469 and 1470 by the “Ferrarese workshop” led by Cosmè Tura, Francesco del Cossa, and Ercole de’ Roberti. The cycle originally included 12 months, but only 7 have survived to this day. Each month is divided into three registers: at the top, the Olympian deities; in the middle, the zodiac signs; and at the bottom, scenes of court life. The details of the costumes, architecture, and daily activities offer a unique glimpse into Renaissance Ferrara.