Palazzo Schifanoia
Discover stunning medieval frescoes in a historic Renaissance palace, offering a unique glimpse into 15th-century life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Palazzo Schifanoia
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover stunning medieval frescoes in a historic Renaissance palace, offering a unique glimpse into 15th-century life.
"This charming little museum surprised me with its fascinating frescoes and intimate feel."
🎟️ MY FE Card Savings
Consider the MY FE Card for free entry and potential tourist tax reduction if visiting multiple Ferrara sites.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The walk to the palazzo can be long, especially in summer heat. Wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hall of Months Frescoes
Main exhibition hall
Stunning medieval frescoes by Francesco del Cossa and Cosmè Tura, depicting the months of the year.
Palazzo Schifanoia Garden
Courtyard
A peaceful oasis for a relaxing drink after exploring the art.
Historical Context Video
Near entrance
Learn about the palace's history and the frescoes' restoration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Plan Your Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ MY FE Card Savings
Consider the MY FE Card for free entry and potential tourist tax reduction if visiting multiple Ferrara sites.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The walk to the palazzo can be long, especially in summer heat. Wear comfy shoes!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Grab a cold drink after your visit, especially during warmer months.
🤫 Respect the Staff
Staff can be strict about following designated routes. Be mindful of their instructions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ MY FE Card Savings
Consider the MY FE Card for free entry and potential tourist tax reduction if visiting multiple Ferrara sites.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The walk to the palazzo can be long, especially in summer heat. Wear comfy shoes!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Grab a cold drink after your visit, especially during warmer months.
🤫 Respect the Staff
Staff can be strict about following designated routes. Be mindful of their instructions.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
Even with restoration damage, the frescoes offer a unique glimpse into medieval life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Palazzo Schifanoia a worthwhile visit, particularly for its impressive medieval frescoes in the Hall of Months, despite some damage from past whitewashing. The intimate feel and pleasant garden cafe are often highlighted as positives. However, some guests find the walk in the heat challenging and note that staff can be overly strict.
"A bit of a trek from Ferrara’s center, especially under the scorching June sun, but definitely worth the walk! I hadn’t planned to visit until I realized my FE Card covers it—and I’m so glad I did. This charming little museum surprised me with its fascinating frescoes and intimate feel. It’s not huge, but the artwork feels personal and thoughtfully curated. Recommend grabbing a cold drink afterward—your feet (and patience) will thank you—but for the art and atmosphere, Palazzo Schifanoia delivers!"
Zongle
"To be honest this was not my favorite museum,
This is not totally the fault of the place itself. It was our first full day in Ferrara, absolutely worn out, the temperature was about 35 degrees and it was quite a walk in the heat, at least 15 minutes.
So by the time we arrived it was hard to concentrate. Admission was by way of our pre-purchased MY FE Card. ( Purchased online before we set off ) This works well if you are staying in Ferrara for a few days as it reduces your tourist tax as well as saving money if you got to several of the attractions included in the ticket.
The museum itself is not really of note, the main attraction being The Hall of Months for the frescos. Although still in a state of restoration, there is significant damage from when they had been white washed over.
The garden/cafe us a small haven ( the cafe opening about 12 noon).
The staff were very friendly and helpful"
Lorenzo
"Impressive, well preserved and presented medieval frescos. Good interpretation and an especially nice garden and cafe courtyard. Beware of the (many), strict staff who will insist on a set route round the exhibits. One of them yelled at me for mistakenly descending some stairs. Their behaviour was rediculous and rude."
Kim Warren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo Schifanoia is located in the historic center of Ferrara. It's about a 15-minute walk from the main attractions. While walkable, it can feel like a trek, especially in the summer heat. Consider wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water.
As it's in the city center, it's best reached by walking or a short taxi ride from Ferrara's main transport hubs. Specific bus routes would depend on your starting point within the city.
Parking in the historic center of Ferrara can be challenging. There are paid parking lots available, but it's often easier to walk or use public transport if you're already in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you generally don't need to purchase tickets in advance, and it's not usually very crowded. However, purchasing a MY FE Card online before your trip can save money if you plan to visit multiple included attractions.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date times before your visit.
Yes, the MY FE Card includes admission to Palazzo Schifanoia, making it a cost-effective option for multi-attraction visits.
The MY FE Card offers a discount for entry. Check for potential student or senior discounts at the ticket office.
While there might not be specific daily guided tours, the museum offers a video explaining the building's history, which provides context for the frescoes.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The primary draw is the magnificent Hall of Months, featuring impressive medieval frescoes by artists like Francesco del Cossa and Cosmè Tura.
The frescoes are in a state of restoration and have suffered damage from being whitewashed over in the past. However, they are still considered significant and impressive.
Visitors often describe it as having an intimate feel, with thoughtfully curated artwork. Some reviewers note that staff can be strict about following a set route.
Yes, the palace itself has historical significance, and there's a pleasant garden and cafe courtyard to relax in after your visit.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check signage upon entry or ask staff. Some social media content shows visitors capturing the art, but be mindful of any restrictions.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe located in the garden/courtyard area, which is a nice spot to chill and have a drink after exploring the palace. It typically opens around noon.
The cafe usually offers drinks and light refreshments. It's a good place to cool down and relax rather than a full dining experience.
Being in the historic center, there are numerous restaurants and trattorias in the vicinity offering traditional Ferrara cuisine. Ask the museum staff for recommendations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the museum staff can be quite particular about visitor conduct, so ensure children understand the importance of quiet voices and staying on designated paths to avoid any issues. The garden and cafe offer a pleasant space for a break, which can be a welcome respite for younger visitors after a period of quiet observation.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond ticket savings, the palazzo itself offers a rich cultural experience without requiring expensive add-ons. The main draw, the Hall of Months frescoes, is included in the standard admission. The garden provides a free, pleasant space to relax. For dining, consider packing a picnic to enjoy in a public park or seeking out local trattorias away from the most tourist-heavy areas for more affordable meals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hall of Months: A Renaissance Masterpiece
Unfortunately, time and historical events have taken their toll. Much of the original artwork was covered in white plaster during later renovations and has suffered significant damage. Despite this, the surviving sections are remarkably well-preserved and provide invaluable insights into the artistic styles and cultural preoccupations of the 15th century. The detailed depictions of daily life, agricultural practices, and mythological scenes make this hall a truly captivating experience for art and history enthusiasts.
Visitors can also find a helpful video that delves into the history of the palace and the restoration efforts of these precious frescoes, enhancing the appreciation of their artistic and historical significance.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette
While the museum itself is not overwhelmingly large, some visitors have mentioned that the staff can be quite strict about enforcing a set route through the exhibits. One reviewer recounted being yelled at for mistakenly descending stairs, highlighting the need to be mindful of staff instructions.
For those planning to visit multiple attractions in Ferrara, the MY FE Card is a popular recommendation. This card can offer significant savings by reducing tourist tax and providing free entry to several sites, including Palazzo Schifanoia, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers.
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