The Courtyard in the 15th century

The various chambers in the Ducal Palace were structured around the courtyard. But, in the 15th century, there was a footbridge that crossed over the courtyard in order to connect the chapel (east wing) to the front part of the Palace (west wing).

This bridge – which was destroyed in the 1st half of the 19th century – leads to the belief, by comparison to other Palaces of the same period, that there was a loggia (a covered exterior gallery) in the front part of the Palace.

The Courtyard today

Those who visit the Ducal Palace enter through the large door of the west wing, from which they have access to the Courtyard and the lower gallery.

To begin the tour, one must go up to the 1st Floor and walk through several chambers until one reachs the upper gallery – from which one have access to the ducal chapel. Note the interesting perspective from here of the palace roofs and of the many slender chimneys, corresponding to as many fireplaces (39 in total).

Nowadays, the courtyard is used for various events organized by the Ducal Palace or by entities during venue hires – educational service activities, concerts, conferences, fashion shows, exhibitions, receptions, corporate events, among others.