Delizia di Belfiore

About

The Delizia di Belfiore was one of the "Delizie Estensi", monumental residences built by the Este family in Ferrara and its surroundings during their rule. At the time of its construction, it was considered one of the most important and representative.

History: The cultural motivations behind the construction of this delizia align with the Estense court of Ferrara's custom, much more pronounced than that of the Medici in Florence, of residing in villas. The Delizia di Belriguardo and the villa of Consandolo were significant examples of this approach to the territory, and this Belfiore residence, then suburban, was a further confirmation. The Delizia, which disappeared centuries ago, was located near the final stretch of corso Ercole I d'Este, northwest and a short distance from the church, also disappeared, of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Ferrara. It was built towards the end of the 14th century by Bartolino da Novara at the behest of Alberto V d'Este.

It was used extensively by Leonello d'Este (who enriched it with his famous Studiolo di Belfiore) and later by his successor, Borso d'Este. During the war with the Serenissima, in 1493, it was occupied and heavily damaged. The Venetians...