Ducal Palace of Modena

Ducal Palace of Modena, 18th century, unknown artist

The 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.

The Palace currently houses the Italian Military Academy, the Military Museum and a library.

Military ceremonies are held in the Honour Court.

Being a residential palace, a significant number of Este family members were born or died at the palace including:

• Isabella d'Este (1635–1666) - born at the palace.
• Rinaldo d'Este, Duke of Modena (1655–1737) - born and died at the palace.
• Duchess Charlotte of Brunswick-Lüneburg (1671–1710) - died at the palace in childbirth (the child also died).
• Maria Teresa Felicitas d'Este (1726–1754) - born at the palace.
• Ercole III d'Este, Duke of Modena (1727–1803) - born at the palace.
• Maria Fortunata d'Este (1731–1803)

• List of Baroque residences
• Modena
• House of Este
• Santo Peranda - painted The defeat of the Saracens for the palace.

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  Portrait of Marie Jeanne of Savoy as a widow held at the Ducal Palace of Modena, unknown Artist, c.1680
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  Ducal Palace of Modena, 18th century, unknown artist
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  Ducal Palace of Modena, c.1750, unknown artist