With its princes and patrons who were at times rather bloodthirsty (not unusual in those days), the Este family ruled Ferrara from 1208 to 1598 and certainly knew how to beautify their city. Protected by four drawbridged chatelets, the castle reflects their bygone power. Inside, the sinister prison where Niccolo III's wife and lover were locked up contrasts with the pleasant orangery, peaceful ducal chapel and other elegant rooms with frescoes by the Filippi family of 16C Ferrara artists.