Villa della Mensa

The 15th century villa was built by Bartolomeo della Rovere's will, Ferrara's bishop from 1474 to 1495, nephew of the Pope Sixtus IV and brother of the Pope Julius II.

The palace, Unesco heritage, is located on the left side of the Po di Volano river. Although it never belonged to the Este family, it is connected to their history for all the famous people that lived there, like the bishops of the Este dynasty.

This countryside villa has a polygonal base, a cloistered courtyard and a facade on the western side connected to two long crenellated walls that end up in the villa's service courtyards. Its history spreads out through many centuries, from the beginning of the 13th to the end of the 20th.

Built by the Mensa Arcivescovile di Ferrara, the villa was expanded by Bartolomeo della Rovere's will, Ferrara's bishop from 1474 to 1495, nephew of the Pope Sixtus IV and brother of the Pope Jiulius II. Many 15th century characteristics are still visible, even after the alterations made in the 17th and 18th century.

Villa Mensa is the only Delizia still reachable by water, just like when it was built, and it is now property of the Municipality of Copparo and the Province of Ferrara.