Palazzo Tassoni Estense, Renaissance palace in Ferrara, Italy.
Palazzo Tassoni Estense is a Renaissance palace in Ferrara structured with two stories, a central courtyard, and a small loggia on its southern side. The building displays classical architectural features of its period and currently functions as part of the university.
Built in the 15th century, probably for Bonvicino dalle Carte, general factor of the Este from 1466 to 1475, the palace was confiscated after his fall from favour and given by Ercole I d'Este to the Tassoni family of Modena, who had it renovated by court architect Biagio Rossetti in 1491. Ferrara province bought it in 1855, and from 1858 the Sant'Anna hospital used it for psychiatric wards.
The palazzo serves as a venue for lectures, exhibitions, and academic gatherings that bring people together throughout the year. These activities give the space a lived-in quality where ideas and knowledge flow naturally between visitors and students.
The palazzo is centrally located in Ferrara and accessible for visits related to exhibitions and university activities. Visitor access may vary depending on academic events, so it is helpful to check ahead about which areas are open.
A marble plaque in the entrance hall on Via della Ghiara records that the provincial asylum occupied this building and the surrounding quarter. It names psychiatrist Antonio Slavich, director from 1971 to 1978, whose work helped push the institution toward the changes set in motion by Law 180 of 1978.
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