Palazzo Schifanoia (Palazzo della Gioia) - World Heritage Site
About
Palazzo Schifanoia, also known as Palazzo della Gioia, is a Renaissance palace in Ferrara that now houses a museum dedicated to the Este family’s artistic heritage. The building, originally a quiet court refuge, was transformed into a living gallery in the 15th century. Its most celebrated features are the Hall of Months, a spectacular cycle of frescoes by Cosimo Tura and Francesco del Cossa that illustrate the passage of time, and the Hall of Virtues, an exquisite stucco relief program crafted by Domenico di Paris. Visitors can also explore the palace’s rich collections of numismatics and antique art, placing Palazzo Schifanoia among the top cultural attractions in northern Italy. Held under the umbrella of the Civic Museums of Ancient Art of Ferrara, the site offers a unique window into Renaissance innovation and courtly life. The museum welcomes visitors during the typical hours of cultural institutions in Ferrara, and visitors generally plan to spend a couple of hours exploring the frescoes and ornate rooms.
Highlights
- Hall of Months
- Hall of Virtues