Palazzo Ducale, Modena

4.4

Monument · Hidden Gem · Architectural Building

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The Ducal Palace of Modena is a Baroque palace in Modena, Italy. It was the residence of the Este Dukes of Modena between 1452 and 1859. It currently houses a portion of the Italian Military Academy.HistoryThe palace occupies the site of the former Este Castle, once at the periphery of the city. Although generally credited to Bartolomeo Avanzini, it has been suggested that advice and guidance in the design process had been sought from Pietro da Cortona, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini.The Palace has a Baroque façade from which the Honour Court and the Honour Staircase can be accessed.In 1696, Marcantonio Franceschini was commissioned to create a frescoed ceiling for the central Sala d'Onore ("Hall of Honour") for the marriage of Rinaldo d'Este to Princess Charlotte Felicity of Brunswick. The Salottino d'Oro ("Golden Sitting Room"), covered with gilded removable panels, was used by Duke Francis III as his main office.Modern useThe Palace currently houses the Italian Military Academy, the Military Museum and a library. Use our Modena holiday maker to add Palazzo Ducale and other attractions to your Modena vacation plans.

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Tours to Palazzo Ducale

FROM $136 BOOK WITH VIATOR CSTRents - Modena Segway PT Authorized Tour CSTRents - Modena Segway PT Authorized Tour

Duration: 3 hours

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FROM $196 BOOK WITH VIATOR Modena Gastronomic Tour with Typical Lunch Modena Gastronomic Tour with Typical Lunch

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

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FROM $114 BOOK WITH VIATOR Modena Half Day Tour Modena Half Day Tour

Duration: 2 hours

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Palazzo Ducale reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

424 reviews

Google

4.6

By FTMDave

This is a huge, stunning building which dominates Piazza Roma. Once the residence of the duke, it is now a navy academy.

This is a huge, stunning building which dominates Piazza Roma. Once the residence of the duke, it is now a navy academy. more »
By Jivko V

Very beautiful building. It was the palace of the Duke, now is a navy academy. The square and the fountain next to it is also very beautiful.

Very beautiful building. It was the palace of the Duke, now is a navy academy. The square and the fountain next to it is also very beautiful. more »
By ruedrop

Lovely building. We didn’t go inside as it was Sunday and closed but it is a very impressive palace!

Lovely building. We didn’t go inside as it was Sunday and closed but it is a very impressive palace! more »

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Google

By Carla Klein

It was quite nice. Beautiful architecture, very nice location. Surround by nice restaurants, shops, and coffee shops.

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By Tariq AlHammadi

Nice yard to visit and have a sweet cup of coffee

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By David Smith

This is a huge, stunning building which dominates Piazza Roma. Once the residence of the Duke, it is now a navy academy.

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By Antony Savvas

The beautiful building in the lovely square doubles up as a military academy, so you can't snoop around.

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By Salem Zreiq

It's a beautiful and big palace with many cafes around it.

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