- Address
- piazza Roma 15, 41121 Modena
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Description
Modena, Palazzo Ducale
The Palazzo Ducale of Modena started to be built in 1635 in the area that had been occupied until then by the 14th century castle. After the cession of Ferrara to the Church in 1598, the Este court found in Modena a modern representative seat in line with the taste of the time. Some important architects working for the Duchy family were committed the project of the new building: firstly Girolamo Rainaldi, then Gaspare Vigarani and finally Bartolomeo Avanzini. However, expert advice was asked to Bernini, Borromini and Pietro da Cortona. In particular, this last suggested some modifications to the project made by Avanzini. The building work went on for several centuries. The wing on Tre Febbraio road was finished only in 1941, when the palace had already become the seat of the Infantry School, then of the Military Academy of the Italian Army. The central façade built during the 17th and 18th century is still incomplete on its left side. On the contrary, the East façade, exposed on the Duchy stud, and the North façade overlooking the old Naviglio canal were added only in the 19th century. By passing through the honor courtyard and climbing the 17th century monumental staircase decorated with ancient statues, you arrive to the central room whose vault is covered by the Coronation of Bradamante, a fresco alluding to the Este dynasty, which was painted by Marcantonio Franceschini in 1696. The vault of the adjacent room is decorated with the Marriage of Cupid and Psyche by painter Francesco Stringa who was committed many different works during his permanence at the court. Antonio Salvatori is the author of the golden carved panels of the Salottino, which was realized between 1751 and 1753 on the initiative of Duke Francis III.
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