Palazzo Ducale

The Palazzo Ducale, also known in its local language as Palazzo Ducale di Sassuolo, stands as a magnificent testament to the grandeur of Baroque architecture in the heart of Sassuolo, Italy. This splendid palace, part of the Gallerie Estensi of Modena, offers a fascinating journey through history, art, and culture, captivating visitors with its opulent interiors, intricate decorations, and lush gardens.

The Origins of Palazzo Ducale

The origins of Palazzo Ducale date back to the 15th century when it was initially constructed as a castle, commonly referred to as Rocca, by Borso d'Este, the ruler of the Marquisate of Ferrara and the Duchy of Modena and Reggio. By the end of the 15th century, the castle had passed to a branch of the Pio di Savoia family, who were granted the fief of Sassuolo by the Este family.

In the late 16th century, after the death of Marco Pio di Savoia without male heirs, Duke Cesare d'Este confiscated the fief of Sassuolo. The transformation of the castle into a grand palace began under the direction of Francesco I d'Este, Cesare's ambitious and cultured nephew, who sought to create a summer residence that would rival the great courts of Europe.

The Baroque Transformation

Francesco I d'Este, a patron of the arts and an influential political figure, commissioned the renowned architect Bartolomeo Avanzini to transform the old Rocca into a grand Baroque palace. Construction began in 1634, and the project enlisted the talents of several prominent artists of the era, including the French painter Jean Boulanger, who was responsible for much of the palace's elaborate decorative scheme.

The result was a stunning Baroque masterpiece, designed to serve as a summer retreat for the Este court. The palace's location at the foot of the Apennine hills provided a more favorable climate compared to Modena, with less humidity and fewer autumnal fogs, making it an ideal escape for the ducal family and their guests.

Exploring the Exterior

The exterior of Palazzo Ducale is an impressive sight, with its monumental facade dominating the surrounding town. The palace is built on the foundations of the old quadrangular castle, incorporating elements of the original structure into its design. The main facade, facing Piazza della Rosa, features two tiers of windows above a central portico with three arches, topped by pediments and an ornate clock.

Flanking the entrance portico are two statues representing Galatea and Neptune, sculpted by Antonio Raggi, also known as Il Lombardo. These statues set the stage for the grandeur that awaits within the palace's walls. The internal courtyard is adorned with a fountain featuring a statue of Neptune, designed by the illustrious Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The Splendor of the Interior

Upon entering Palazzo Ducale, visitors are greeted by a grand staircase with two sweeping flights of stairs leading to the first floor. Along the staircase, in two niches, stand statues representing Joy and Eternity, crafted by Lattanzio Maschio. Between these statues is a striking sculptural group depicting the Rape of Proserpina.

The first floor houses the magnificent Bacchus Gallery, adorned with intricate quadrature and ornamental frescoes by Giovanni Giacomo Monti and Baldassarre Bianchi, with figures painted by Jean Boulanger. The gallery's vibrant scenes, drawn from the mythology of Bacchus, create a mesmerizing visual experience that spans the walls and ceiling.

From the Bacchus Gallery, visitors can access the apartments of the Duke and Duchess, which are richly decorated with mythological scenes and allegories of various virtues, primarily the work of Jean Boulanger and his pupil Pietro Galluzzi from Urbino. The Hall of Fame, also known as the Hall of Horses, once displayed six large canvases depicting Este princes on horseback, although two of these paintings were taken to Paris during the Napoleonic occupation and subsequently sold.

Another notable room is the Guard Room, entirely frescoed by Michelangelo Colonna and Giovanni Giacomo Monti, celebrating the glories of the Este family with grandiose imagery and vibrant colors.

The Ducal Park

The grandiose Ducal Park, which once extended to the hills, is accessible from the palace through a wide, multi-terraced staircase. The park was originally adorned with statues and fountains, including works by Bernardo Falconi from Bissone, and efforts are ongoing to restore these features to their former glory. One of the park's highlights is the ancient Fishpond, or Theatre of Fountains, commonly known as Fontanazzo, a Baroque masterpiece created through the collaboration of Bartolomeo Avanzini and Gaspare Vigarani.

Today, the park serves as a public space for the citizens of Sassuolo, offering a serene and picturesque setting for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities.

In conclusion, Palazzo Ducale is not just a historic monument; it is a living testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Este family and the Baroque era. Its opulent interiors, stunning frescoes, and expansive gardens provide a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era, making it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting Sassuolo.