Le Delizie Estensi

Delizia di Belriguardo, summer residence of the Este court and the first of the delizie built outside the walls of Ferrara, is known as the “Versailles of the Este” for the richness of its frescoes and the large Italian gardens that once surrounded it. Today it houses the Civic Museum, divided into four sections: Archaeology, Renaissance in the evocative frescoed Sala della Vigna, Modern Art and Industrial Archaeology with objects from everyday life.

Originally a country farmhouse, was transformed into a ducal residence in the early 16th century by Alfonso I d'Este and donated to Laura Eustochia Dianti, who chose it as her private residence. Today it houses the permanent exhibition "Mors Immatura. Il sepolcreto dei Fadieni", dedicated to the discovery of a Roman necropolis near the Delizia. Outside, visitors can explore the Renaissance orchard, the historic garden reconstructed with flowers and fruit trees.

Originally built as a country villa, it also served a defensive function and represented the power of the Este family, as demonstrated by the crenellated tower that dominates the complex. Today, the Delizia can only be visited from the outside.