Duchy of Ferrara

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Coat of arms of the Duchy of Ferrara from 1471
Italy in 1494

The Duchy of Ferrara is a former duchy of the Italian ruling family Este , based in Ferrara , northeast Italy . It existed from 1264 to 1597.

history

The Duchy of Ferrara developed on the Po at the point where the Po di Primaro branches off from the Po di Volano . It is no longer possible to determine an original city center for Ferrara, because there are two places without a plausible logical connection, both of which contributed to the development of the city. The first city center lies at the confluence of the two arms of the river, with the Cathedral of Ferrara , the new bishopric after the fall of Voghenza ; the second city center was the Byzantine " castrum " in the district of San Pietro on the north bank, where a fortified settlement was to protect the border. From the Lombards the duchy came under the control of the Roman Church and was in 986 by Pope John XV. awarded to Theobald von Canossa .

The favorable geographical location of the city on an important river - a natural traffic junction in northern Italy between the Adriatic Sea , Po Valley and Romagna with corresponding strategic and economic importance - made the city a constant subject of controversy between the Empire and the Roman Church. In this context internal disputes developed between the most powerful families, traditionally divided into Ghibellines and Guelphs . From these struggles, forces formed which sought an independent free city .

The Guelfs called the d'Este on the scene and within a short time they became the most powerful family in the city; they defeated their opponents with the help of the Venetians and soon took full control of the city. In 1264 Obizzo II was proclaimed ruler of the city. For over a century, the d'Este's sole rule was disrupted by internal disputes and conflicts with the papacy. In 1385 the castle was built by Niccolò II and Albert received it from Pope Boniface IX in 1391 . the privilege of founding a university; the University of Ferrara ( Università degli Studi di Ferrara ). Niccolò III. , Leonello and Borso made the city flourish. At that time, the city with its city walls had grown to what is now the great axes Viale Cavour and Corso Giovecca . Ercole I had another city wall built, and his court architect Biagio Rossetti designed the famous Addizione Erculea .

Alfonso I , Ercole II. And Alfonso II. Managed the Duchy with less fortunate and lost it in 1597 to the Papal States . Ferrara then became a border province of the Papal States.

Marquis of Ferrara

Dukes of Ferrara

See also

literature

  • Trevor Dean - Land and Power in Late Medieval Ferrara: The Rule of the Este, 1350-1450, Cambridge University Press, 1987.