Church of the Gesù (Chiesa del Gesù)

The church of the Gesù, the first example in Ferrara of sacred architecture of the Counter-Reformation, it was strongly promoted by the House of Este: Ercole II authorised the foundation of a Jesuit college in 1551, Barbara of Austria financed the construction of the church, and Alfonso II attended the laying of the first stone.

The church was built to a design by Giovanni Tristano, probably executed by Alberto Schiatti. The large interior with a single nave is characterised by the presence of remarkable works of art, the most significant of which are the Lamentation over Dead Christ by Guido Mazzoni and the tomb of Barbara of Austria, designed by Pirro Ligorio.