The Salone dei Mesi frescoes are divided into three registers: the triumph of a pagan deity, the activities of the month, and the signs of the zodiac.
The palazzo was commissioned by Alberto V d'Este, though the famous frescoes were later commissioned by Borso d'Este.
The palace originally extended significantly further to the west, but large portions were demolished or altered in subsequent centuries.
The ceiling of the Sala delle Virtù contains original gilded stucco carvings that survived since the 15th century.
The museum contains a substantial collection of medieval and Renaissance liturgical objects salvaged from local suppressed churches.
Palazzo Schifanoia is a 14th-century pleasure palace in Ferrara that served as a suburban retreat for the Este dynasty. The name derives from 'schivar la noia,' meaning 'to escape boredom.' Its primary attraction is the Salone dei Mesi, a cycle of frescoes representing the months of the year, painted in the 1460s by Francesco del Cossa and Cosmè Tura. These frescoes are considered a masterpiece of the Ferrarese School of the Renaissance. The museum also houses an extensive collection of numismatics, ceramics, and medieval sculpture in the adjoining Lapidary Museum. The structure underwent extensive restoration after damage from the 2012 Emilia earthquake, leading to a modern, seismic-resistant reorganization of the display halls. The interior layout maintains the original layout of the Este court's private apartments, transitioning from the ornate frescoes to more intimate wood-paneled chambers.
The center of the Salone dei Mesi provides the widest angle to capture the expansive, interconnected nature of the fresco cycle.
Prioritize the Salone dei Mesi, as it is the most significant visual component of the site.
Check the official website for special temporary exhibitions that may affect access to certain wings of the palace.
Combine your visit with the nearby Palazzo Diamanti for a complete overview of the Ferrarese Renaissance.
Do not rush through the smaller museum rooms after viewing the main fresco hall, as the decorative arts collection offers critical context for the Este lifestyle.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet tone in the frescoed halls; photography is generally permitted without flash.
