Video Mapping at Diamanti: the palazzo under a new light
What is hidden behind the 8,000 diamonds that make up the rustication of Palazzo Diamanti? From 3 to 5 March it will be revealed to us in a unique and "extraordinarily complex" show. The rustication of the Palazzo Diamanti, the cradle of Ferrara's Renaissance, will thus become a precious canvas on which the power and expressiveness of the masters of Ferrara painting will be traced, all within the context of the great exhibition "Rinascimento a Ferrara. Ercole de' Roberti e Lorenzo Costa'.
Learn about the Palazzo dei Diamanti
Palazzo dei Diamanti was commissioned by Sigismondo d'Este, the duke's brother, and Biagio Rossetti decided to include it as a pivotal element of the so-called Quadrivio degli Angeli.
In the heart of the Addizione Erculea -the urban development intervention commissioned by Ercole I d'Este- Diamanti represents a point of extraordinary beauty and suggestion. The Addizione represents the first urban planning project 'of the modern city' in Europe and earned Ferrara UNESCO recognition.
The project behind the Addizione Erculea is charged with astrological symbolism: the new layout of the city was designed based on the most refined astrological theories of the Renaissance so as to channel astral influences to celebrate the figure of the Duke. The Palace here coincides with the Duke's 'medium coeli', the highest point in the sky with respect to his birth coordinates, his 'zenith', a metaphor for his grandeur.
A show to reveal the secrets of diamonds
So many mysteries and legends surround the Palazzo Diamanti and its position within the 'astrological plan' of the city.
One of these narrates there is a real diamond hidden inside the rustication, taken from the crown of Ercole I d'Este. The exact location was known only to the Duke and his master builder. The story goes that, to prevent the location of the gem from being revealed, the Duke blinded the foreman and had his tongue cut out. Anyway, the position of the diamond would not be random, but would correspond to a catalyst point of telluric energies and astral influences.
Would the magic of video mapping reveal its exact position? We guess so, but we'll have to watch the show to find out!
What is certain is that the show won't cease to amaze you through the succession of complex visual effects that will transform the facades of the palace into the perfect setting to present the works of Italian Renaissance talents such as: Ercole de' Roberti and Lorenzo Costa, with Mantegna, Cosmè Tura, Nicolò dell'Arca, Marco Zoppo, Antonio da Crevalcore, Guido Mazzoni, Boccaccio Boccaccino, Francesco Francia and Perugino.
A unique way to enjoy the palace under a new light that enhances its shapes, geometries and architectural peculiarities. A perfect show to enjoy history and art in a different way!
HOW TO WATCH THE SHOW?
Because both facades will take shape, light and colour in the same time, the best spot for observation will be the corner of Corso Ercole I d'Este and Corso Biagio Rossetti (which will be closed to traffic for the occasion).
The three-day event will take place on 3 March from 8.00 pm to midnight, approximately every 15 minutes, and on 4 and 5 March from 6.30 pm to midnight, again approximately every 15 minutes (the duration of the visual show).
