Palazzo dei Diamanti, Ferrara
Palace in Ferrara
The magnificent Palazzo dei Diamanti, located at the heart of the Addizione Erculea in Ferrara, stands at the significant intersection known as the Quadrivio degli Angeli. The palace was originally owned by Duke Ercole I d’Este’s brother, Sigismondo d’Este.
The name “Palazzo dei Diamanti” comes from the palace’s distinctive feature: over 8,000 pink and white marble ashlars arranged in the shape of pyramids or diamonds that adorn both of its façades. The renowned architect Biagio Rossetti transformed it into a masterpiece of urban planning. He strategically placed the most significant decorations on the corner of the building, a design choice intended to emphasize the importance of the intersection and create a unique work of art. This perspective-oriented approach encouraged visitors to appreciate the building’s design as they moved around it, rather than merely viewing it head-on. The corner itself is adorned with splendid sculpted candelabras by Gabriele Frisoni and features an elegant balcony, which was added later. This architectural element naturally guides visitors toward the nearby Piazza Ariostea.
Inside the palace, the structure comprises three wings, originally forming a U-shaped layout, which has undergone modifications over time. Some of the rooms on the piano nobile (main floor) still retain remarkable 16th-century ceilings, adding to the historical and artistic significance of the Palazzo dei Diamanti.
The Palazzo dei Diamanti, Ferrara appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ferrara!
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Visiting Palazzo dei Diamanti, Ferrara
Visits are possible during the opening hours of the National Picture Gallery and of the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Nearby Attractions
- National Picture Gallery, Ferrara (0.0) km
Gallery and Historic Building in Ferrara - Estense Castle (0.5) km
Castle in Ferrara - Ferrara Cathedral (0.7) km
Cathedral in Ferrara - Museo della Cattedrale, Ferrara (0.8) km
Historic Building and Museum in Ferrara - Palazzina Marfisa d'Este (1.2) km
Palace in Ferrara - Santa Maria in Vado, Ferrara (1.4) km
Church in Ferrara - Palazzo Schifanoia, Ferrara (1.4) km
Palace in Ferrara - Civico Lapidario, Ferrara (1.5) km
Historic Building and Museum in Ferrara - National Archaeological Museum of Ferrara (1.7) km
Museum in Ferrara - Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Gallery) (43.7) km
Gallery in Bologna
