Estense Castle of Ferrara (Castello Estense di Ferrara)

The Estense Castle of Ferrara, also known as the Castle of San Michele or Castello Vecchio, is located in the heart of the historic centre of Ferrara and represents, in addition to the most emblematic architectural manifestation of the power of the ruling house, one of the most significant fortresses built in the Italian peninsula between the Middle Ages and the Modern Age.

The construction works, started in 1385 at the behest of Nicolò II d’Este and supervised by the famous architect and engineer Bartolino da Novara, gave shape to an austere military device, conceived not only for the defence of the city but as a deterrent for any popular uprisings. From the second half of the 15th century until the end of the following century, the castle underwent a radical transformation that converted the imposing war machine into a princely residence.

An intricate sequence of centuries-old transformations has given shape to a monumental architecture made up of four imposing corner towers enclosing as many curtain walls surrounding a vast quadrangular inner courtyard. The perimeter of the castle is protected by a large flooded moat with three ravelins equipped with as many drawbridges. An elevated passage, known as Via Coperta, connects the fortress with the Palazzo di Corte, which now houses Ferrara town hall.

The balustrades in Istrian stone, replaced by the battlements, and the roof terraces that rise elegantly on the monumental medieval towers, contribute to making the Castle of Ferrara one of the most fascinating and enigmatic buildings of its kind in Italy.