Former Monastery and Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (Ex Monastero e Chiesa di Santa Caterina Martire)

Of the ancient Dominican complex of Santa Caterina Martire (not to be confused with the nearby monastery of Saint Caterina da Siena), a portico on columns crowned by archaic capitals survives – incorporated into the classical Lyceum Ludovico Ariosto Corinthian style, which Aleotti documents overlooking an external courtyard in his time. Even the volume of the church is easily recognisable, although emptied of its furnishings and its primitive functions, being now used as a gym.

According to a historical tradition dating back to the 17th century, the church and monastery were built in 1290 by three sisters of the Marano family, heirs of a great heritage, who subsequently took their vows.

In 1496-97, Ercole I d’Este enlarged and rebuilt part of the complex, which since 1492, with the Addizione, had been included within the urban walls of Ferrara.

In 1796, following the Napoleonic suppressions, the convent was closed.