Ferrara, post-earthquake repair and improvement works at Palazzina Marfisa d'Este

In Ferrara, Palazzina Marfisa d’Este and the Loggia degli Aranci behind it, at 170 Corso della Giovecca, underwent post-earthquake structural repairs and improvements. The intervention focused on damage repair and seismic improvement, to which architectural interventions were added. Various works were carried out, including the stiffening of the roof pitches, the construction of bracing curbs, the insertion of chaining, the repair of cracks in the load-bearing walls, and the addition of a steel curb outside the Lodge to reduce vulnerability.

Architecturally, the 16th-century ceilings and flooring were restored, while the restrooms and ticket office were completely redone and architectural barriers were optimized. The air conditioning system has also been completely redone with the installation of a heat pump. On the other hand, work on improving outdoor accessibility, including a new entrance ramp, is nearing completion. Currently, the garden is being reorganized in anticipation of the creation of new flower beds and paths that will recall the Italian garden style.

The total funding for the project, whose work was delivered on January 18, 2023 and is scheduled for completion on May 28, 2024, amounts to 1,170,519.67 euros, of which 545,519.67 euros are Regional Contributions allocated with funding granted by the Commissioner Delegate and 625,000.00 euros are municipal funds.

“It is a great satisfaction to present the end of the works of this jewel of Ferrara, which was the home of an extraordinary character, Marfisa, nonconformist, lover of poetry and art, protector of Tasso who remained in Ferrara even after the departure of the Este family. An intervention that was not limited to the structural part, although very important, but that we wanted to extend to the specialized restoration of the ceilings of the sixteenth century, to the architectural intervention, with the restoration of the old floor and the reconstruction in coccio pesti of the entrance and the ticket office, new toilets. An intervention with which the whole city should be proud,” said Public Works Councillor Andrea Maggi.

On the other hand, Culture Councillor Marco Gulinelli spoke about the next phase of the interior fittings: “The recent conservative review highlighted the need to restore several works, including the heraldic coat of arms and paintings. Further maintenance work is already planned for the future, including the restoration of the wooden furniture and the care of particular objects such as the musical instruments present.” “This phase of intervention,” he continued, “has also made it possible to re-establish relationships with key players connected to the history of this building, such as the Soprintendenza and BPER Banca, which owns most of the furnishings and works. The mansion, set up in 1938 by Nino Barbantini, represents a model of Ferrara Renaissance housing, and making it a living place is among our goals. That is why we are considering an update of the museum layout, keeping intact the essence of the original project of the art critic and museographer, but enriching it with new exhibits that enhance the city’s collections, such as the ceramics of the Fondazione Estense. The goal is to make the exhibition path clear, direct and accessible, keeping the history and culture of the Palazzina alive.”

Architect Natascia Frasson is Single Project Manager, while architect Raffaela Vitale is heading the project and construction management. The contractor is Capriello Vincenzo Srl of Naples. Built around 1559 and bequeathed to his daughter Marfisa by Francesco D’Este, the Palazzina assumed the configuration it still retains today only at the beginning of the 20th century. The current image of the building is mainly that handed down from the restoration work carried out in the 1930s and overseen by engineer Carlo Savonuzzi, Barbantini and Pellegrini.

Ferrara, post-earthquake repair and improvement works at Palazzina Marfisa d'Este

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