Estense Castle
In Ferrara in 1385, a dangerous revolt convinced Niccolò II d’Este of the need to erect mighty defences for himself and his family thus the Castello di San Michele was built, a fortress erected against the people.
Its imposing proportions, its moat, its drawbridges and its towers date back to that remote period. An elevated covered passageway, which still exists, joined the military building to the marquises’ Palace, today Palazzo Municipale. Centuries went by and the risk of riots died down. And so the castle became the magnificent residence of the court and was embellished with roof 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 splendid Torre dei Leoni, from which it is possible to admire the panorama of Ferrara; the Torre Marchesana; the Torre di San Paolo.
(Ph. Nicola Bisi - Wikicommons)
The Estense Castle has obtained the "Quality Museum" status from Istituto per i Beni Culturali dell'Emilia-Romagna.
The prisons are temporarily closed
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Don Giulio’s Prison
The prison is temporarily closed
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Prisons of Ugo and Parisina
The prisons are temporarily closed.
- Chamber of Dawn
- Halls of Games
- Governo Room
- Coats of Arms Room
- Via Coperta
- Devolution Room
Opening
CLOSED until further notice.
Opening hours: 10.00 to 18.00 (ticket office closes 45 min. before). CLOSED ON TUESDAY.
The entrance is admitted in limited number: a maximum of 15 visitors every 20 minutes.
Reservation is strongly recommended: https://prenotazionemusei.comune.fe.it
FREE ENTRANCE for the owners of MYFE tourist card
Price
| Ticket Castle | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full price | 12,00 euro. |
|
| Reduced | 10,00 euro (12-18, over 65). | |
| School parties (12-18 years old) | 5,00 euro. | |
| Family: | 1 child (under 18) free each adult | |
| Didactic activities | 5,00 euro | |
| Entrance to the Lions Tower (Open from 7/08.) |
2,00 euro | |
| Under 12 | free entrance | |
Free
- Tourist guides
- Disabled persons with one accompanying person
- Journalists
- Up to age 11
Contacts
How to get here
On foot: 20 minutes from the train station, 10 minutes from the Centro Storico Parking.
By bus: N. 1 and N. 9 from the train station or bus stop Cavour Gardens or Giovecca Teatini.
Accessible by car (San Guglielmo Parking - 350 mt.).
