The powerful edifice, built in 1385 and transformed in the 16C into a princely abode, was the home of the Este family. An upper covered passageway links it to the town hall, formerly a ducal palace. The orangery, ducal chapel and rooms, rich in frescoes by the Filippi family of 16C Ferrara artists are open to the public, as are the grim prisons where Parasina, wife of Niccolo III and her lover were locked up before being decapitated.