Estense Castle

I visited Castello Estense at the end of June. At that time, part of the castle was under renovation, so I couldn’t go inside, but I walked around the outside and the town instead. Walking around the city was very enjoyable. I looked at the old buildings, did some small boutique shopping, and bought a handmade Italian jacket, which I really like. I also stopped at a coffee shop and relaxed for a while. I noticed many local people ride bicycles. They are the classic black bikes, very simple, nothing fancy. Almost everyone rides them, and because of that, people look healthy and fit. The city feels very calm, no rush, no stress. Even without going inside the castle, the visit was still very nice. Ferrara is a quiet and comfortable city, good for walking and slowing down.

This castle always wows me. It is center of Frerrara. You can walk trought its courtyard for free, but to go into its rooms you have to pay. But it is worth to get a feeling about castle, its history and the history of Ferrara and its noble Este family. The basement dungeonsare quiet scarry and cramped. Peronaly I like the bacony with orange trees, the view from tower and big halls with ceiling frescoes.

One of the most impressive medieval structures in Italy. It is rare to find a castle that is both a brutal military fortress and a delicate Renaissance palace, all while still being surrounded by a water-filled moat. The Dungeons (Prigioni): This is the most atmospheric part. You can walk into the damp, graffiti-scarred cells where high-profile prisoners were kept. The most famous cell belonged to Ugo and Parisina. Parisina was the Duke’s young wife; Ugo was the Duke’s son (from another woman). They fell in love. The Duke found out, threw them in this dungeon, and beheaded them both. It is a grim, real-life "Romeo and Juliet" story.

One of the most iconic moated castles in Italy, rich in history and perfectly preserved. The Estense Castle (Castello Estense) has dominated the center of Ferrara since 1385, when it was built by the powerful Este family after a violent revolt shook the city. Originally conceived as a military fortress, complete with a defensive moat and drawbridges, it soon evolved into a magnificent Renaissance residence as the Este transformed Ferrara into one of Europe’s most refined cultural capitals. Over the centuries, the castle became the heart of court life: poets, artists, musicians, and scholars gathered here under the patronage of the Este dukes. Inside, the rooms were richly decorated with frescoes, while the towers offered views over the carefully planned Renaissance city — one of the first modern urban layouts in Europe. The castle’s striking features remain intact today: the four massive towers, the surrounding moat, the red-brick walls, and the mix of medieval strength with Renaissance elegance. Visitors can explore the dungeons, the ducal apartments, and the upper walkways, each revealing a different chapter of Ferrara’s history.

Magnificent castle with amazing views. Pay an extra 2 euros to get to the top (Lion's tower) because it is absolutely worth it.

A very impressive castle surrounded by the greenest water I’ve ever seen. Located just at the entrance of Ferrara medieval beautiful down town. What makes it more perfect is that it is absolutely free of charge, no entrance fee, no packed tourists. Just for you to enjoy it by yourself…

Haven't been inside the castle but the exterior leaves you with the impression of time travel, exquisitely maintained.

The castle it’s absolutely stunning! I am surprised that this is not known even more to general public. Everything about it is amazing! Worth stopping by for a one day.

We crossed the moat by walking over the 600 year old drawbridge. In the courtyard we paid to enter the castle & climb 122 steps up the tower. We started at a model of the castle & moved through the kitchen, saw bibles, 4 towers, prisons, rooms for court games & entertainment. The ornate ceiling ls were very impressive passing through the Governor & Pope's rooms. There were archaeological remnants from the 1400's all around us. We saw Borso d'Este or Duke of Ferrara's bible. There was a museum with art of Adelphi Ricardo Mantovani done in the 20th century that appeared to be well done but we moved through it. We spent :90 minutes here admiring palazzos, frescoes, archaeological sites, ceilings, tiles... We passed a few brides taking photographs here.

The Castello Estense ('Este castle') or castello di San Michele ('St. Michael's castle') is a moated medieval castle in the center of Ferrara, northern Italy. It consists of a large block with four corner towers. Beautiful to visto on morning and night as well.

Well worth visiting. A great way to learn about history of Ferrara and former ruling family. We had a relaxing visit as it was not crowded. We took our time reading the Italian/English signage. €7 admission.

The most beautiful, passionate and pristine castle I have ever visited. This landmark is the pearl of Ferrara, radiating the heritage and history of generations. Visiting Castello Estense, Museo Archeologico, Le Mura, the many duomos and countless other spots throughout the town has made my move to Ferrara so certain. If you ever visit, there's a very good chance you may find me run into me here...it's a daily thing for me A 'must see'.

In the centre of Ferrara and surrounded by a moat is this beautiful red brick fortress which belonged to the Este family. Inside the castle are 15th century frescoes well worth seeing. The roof gardens are also open to visitors. You can also climb the Torre dei Leoni to see the lovely views over the town, or descend to the dungeons. The signs are also in English which is very useful if you don't speak Italian.