Este Castle

Commissioned by Marquis Nicolò II d'Este and located in the center of the city, the Castello Estense, also called the Castello di San Michele, was long a residence of the Este family and a defensive fortress. It underwent various renovations, modifications and embellishments over the centuries. In 1597, Ferrara again came under the control of the Papal State, which forced the Este family to move their court to Modena. Ferrara's Castello Estense then became the residence of the cardinals who administered the city. From 1874 to 2002, it housed the provincial offices and prefecture. After a four-year restoration, the Estense Castle Museum, which tells the history of Ferrara, was opened in 2006. The prisons, Ducal Chapel, Loggia degli Aranci, Camerino dei baccanali, Salone dei giochi and many other rooms are part of the tour.

On the outside, the castle has four voluminous square towers (the oldest is the Torre dei Leoni, built in the 13th century) and is surrounded by a moat, inside which boat trips can be taken.

Opening times

Last admission: 5:15 p.m.

Last ticket for the Lion Tower: 4:30 p.m.

Closed Dec. 25

Price:

Full price: € 12.00

Reduced (over 65, groups of minimum 15 people, university students, full or reduced ticket holders of Ferrara Arte Foundation exhibitions, Coop Alleanza members, FAI members): € 10.00

Torre dei Leoni: supplement € 2.00 (except for MyFe Card holders and children up to 11 years old)

Secondary school groups: € 5.00

Children 11-17 years old: € 5.00

Family: for every paying adult, 1 minor gets in free

Free for children under 11, persons with disabilities and one accompanying person, journalists with ID card)