Named after the spiky diamond-shaped ashlar stones on its facade, the late-15th-century 'diamond palace' was built for Sigismondo d'Este. It houses Ferrara's Pinacoteca Nazionale , where you can contemplate the genius of the 16th- to 17th-century ‘Ferrara school’, spearheaded by artists with odd nicknames such as Guercino (the squinter) and Il Maestro degli Occhi Spalancati (master of the wide-open eyes). Free audio guides enhance the experience. High-profile special exhibits are held in the adjacent Spazio Espositivo .
