THE DIAMoNd OF PALAZZO DEI DIAMANTI
Ferrara and Its Hidden Treasures
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Built in 1492 by the D'Este family and designed by architect Biagio Rossetti, this Renaissance masterpiece continues to fascinate and capture the imagination of those who visit it. The palace owes its name to its unique exterior cladding, composed of thousands of marble blocks arranged in a diamond pattern. This distinctive architectural feature, known as rustication, creates an extraordinary visual effect, with changing light patterns due to the inclination of the individual stones. It is estimated that there are approximately 8,500 of these "diamond-shaped stones," although some sources suggest that their number may reach up to 12,000.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS PLACE
The diamond-shaped ashlars, a distinctive feature of the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara, not only give the building a unique appearance, but also create an extraordinary perspective effect. Thanks to the variable inclination of the ashlars, light effects are generated that further emphasise the beauty of the architecture. The blocks of white and pink marble, arranged like diamonds on the facades of the building, are specially designed to maximise the refraction of light, adding a touch of magic and splendour to the architectural ensemble.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
In addition to its history and secrets, Palazzo dei Diamanti is now a prestigious venue for high-level art exhibitions. It houses the Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Picture Gallery) and the Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art), offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves not only in architectural beauty, but also in art and culture.
SPECIAL TIPS
The palace also holds many intriguing stories and legends. One of the most fascinating is that of the alleged diamond hidden inside. It is said that Ercole I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara, secretly placed a real gem from his crown in one of the palace's marble pyramids. Only he and the master builder who worked on its construction knew the exact location of the gemstone, and legend has it that the master builder was punished for sharing this secret.
