Emilia Romagna Castles

Would you like to see the spectacular view over the city of Ferrara from above? Climb up the Torre dei Leoni, the oldest of the four towers that embellish the Castello Estense di Ferrara, a jewel of Italian castle architecture that represents the evolution from tower to Renaissance palace: going up 120 steps one after the other, you will reach the only vantage point that offers you the opportunity to enjoy a splendid aerial view over the city and its territory.

 Entering the ancient manor, which stands imposing, surrounded by the moat filled with water, characterised by red bricks and elegant white balustrades, also means visiting the Castle Museum, designed by architect Gae Aulenti: it offers a narrative itinerary that allows you to deepen your knowledge of the building - from the gloomy dungeons to the splendour of the frescoed halls -, of the history of the various powers that have used it, and of the city of Ferrara and its territory, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

 Below the level of the courtyard, large rooms have been recovered, suggestive for their barrel
vaulting and original terracotta flooring, with the ancient function of storerooms and access to the wharf, from which people could leave the castle on board small boats or bucentaurs (hence the name "imbarcaderi"). The castle dungeons, located at moat level, are in the basement of the Torre dei Leoni. The Este family often locked up high-ranking personages there, prisoners for whom special surveillance was necessary.The rooms, all communicating, can be used individually or together and constitute a multifunctional space that can be used as a venue for ceremonies, meetings, dinners, buffets, conferences.