Delizia di Belfiore

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, during certain moments of the conflict, advanced very close to the Walls of Ferrara, which at that time were further south, near the Castello Estense, and also occupied the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Certosa complex, a convent where Borso had also built a small palace. It was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1632.

Description

It was built outside the city walls, surrounded by vegetation and gardens. Further north, the Barco park, a hunting reserve and leisure area for the nobles of the house and their guests, was later expanded and enriched. In the loggia of the entrance, there was a fresco depicting Marquis Alberto with his entourage engaged in a hunting expedition. Many artists worked at Belfiore, including Cosmè Tura, Francesco del Cossa, and Ercole de' Roberti. Ercole I surrounded the delizia with walls to make the stay safer and more private.