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Palazzo Schifanoia
Via Scandiana 23 - Tel. +39 0532 244949
The palace, former ‘Delizia’ (palace for recreation) belonging to the Este family, was built in a very green area near the river Po, to the wishes of the marquis Alberto V in 1385. it was significantly extended by Duke Borso in the years 1465-1467, with another storey being added. Francesco del Cossa designed the elegant marble portal, which once had the Estense coat of arms above it and which is still the main focal element of the external façade. Note the asymmetrical position of the main door, shifted to the left, an imitation of late-Medieval theatres, which generally had a side door to allow the actors to go in and out.
The visit begins in the oldest wing (14th century) of the palace, where works of art of a various nature, belonging to the collections of the Museum of Schifanoia are exhibited. Thera are neoclassical sculptures and several paintings. Particularly interesting is the small medal collection, with works by artists such Pisanello. The Choir of Sant’Andrea has had a very troubled history. The ivory collection is of great value. Of great rarity is the magnificent 15th century alabaster Polyptych, made in a Nottingham workshop and given to the Este family by the King of England. In the collection of bronzes it is possible to note the small Night Hunter by Giambologna (1529-1608) and the 17th century Saint George and the Dragon, in gilded bronze on a marble base.
Leaving the 14th century wing, a short stairway leads to the Hall of the Months, which conserves one of the most important 15th-century cycles of frescoes in Italy. It is the collective work of different Ferrarese painters from the school of Cosmè Tura, among whom were Francesco del Cossa and Ercole de’ Roberti. In the adjacent Hall of the Virtues, a sumptuous gold-painted panelled ceiling can be admired, realised by Domenico di Paris in the 15th century, with decorative motifs of rare beauty, among which are the duke’s badges. In the upper band of the walls the seated women represent the cardinal and theological virtues.
Partly accessible
Museums opening hours
Call Center Information and Booking Office
arteantica@comune.fe.it
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The visit begins in the oldest wing (14th century) of the palace, where works of art of a various nature, belonging to the collections of the Museum of Schifanoia are exhibited. Thera are neoclassical sculptures and several paintings. Particularly interesting is the small medal collection, with works by artists such Pisanello. The Choir of Sant’Andrea has had a very troubled history. The ivory collection is of great value. Of great rarity is the magnificent 15th century alabaster Polyptych, made in a Nottingham workshop and given to the Este family by the King of England. In the collection of bronzes it is possible to note the small Night Hunter by Giambologna (1529-1608) and the 17th century Saint George and the Dragon, in gilded bronze on a marble base.
Leaving the 14th century wing, a short stairway leads to the Hall of the Months, which conserves one of the most important 15th-century cycles of frescoes in Italy. It is the collective work of different Ferrarese painters from the school of Cosmè Tura, among whom were Francesco del Cossa and Ercole de’ Roberti. In the adjacent Hall of the Virtues, a sumptuous gold-painted panelled ceiling can be admired, realised by Domenico di Paris in the 15th century, with decorative motifs of rare beauty, among which are the duke’s badges. In the upper band of the walls the seated women represent the cardinal and theological virtues.
Partly accessibleMuseums opening hours
Call Center Information and Booking Office
arteantica@comune.fe.it
