frequently asked questions

Where's the entrance to the visitors' route?: Once you're in the courtyard, you'll see a long ramp along the south side that takes you to the start of the route.
Where's the ticket office?: Go up the access ramp into the first room and you'll find the castle's ticket office; from there are you can begin your visit.
How long does a visit to the castle take?: To visit the castle properly you need a least 1 hour, but if you stop to read the story of the castle and the house of Este on the bookstands in the rooms, your visit might take up to 3 hours.
At what times can you enter?: The doors open at 9.30 every morning except on non-bank holiday Mondays; the ticket office closes at 4.45 p.m.
From 1^st March to 31^st May, the route is open at the above times also on Mondays. In any case, it's best to check for any variations on the Castle web site under the tab "Ticket Office".
How much does a ticket cost?: There are various admission fees and it's best to check for any variations on the Castle web site under the tab "Ticket Office" if you are entitled to a reduction or are exempt from paying.
Where are the toilets?: Along the route about halfway through the visit, near the bookshop and the cafeteria; these public toilets are also accessible by the differently disabled.
Are there any guided tours organised?: You can ask at the ticket office for a guided tour, the fee for this service is set in accordance with the castle rules.
Is it possible to join a group on a guided tour or to form groups on the spot?: Guided tours are available to all, including individual visitors as well as those who form a group on the spot. The rule goes that a guided tour can start from minimum number of 15 people, or upon payment of a ticket with a corresponding value.
Can differently abled visit the castle?: The differently abled can visit the entire castle; unlike the other visitors who reach the first floor from the Torre dei Leoni, the north-east tower, they use San Paolo Tower, the south-west tower, which is equipped with lifts to reach the first floor. The ticket office will provide detailed information and along the route there are help points.
What about climbing the tower?: To get to the balcony at the top of the Torre dei Leoni ? the only one of the 4 towers that can be visited - you have to climb 122 steps. The climb starts from the Saletta dei Giochi (Small Games Room).
In addition to an extra fee, you'll have to allow an extra 20 minutes for your visit. For this reason, the ticket to climb up the tower can only be purchased until 4 p.m. and you can't climb up the tower after 4:45 p.m.
Once you get out on the balcony that runs right round the roof terrace at a height of more than 30 metres, you can admire a view that stretches right across the city.
What should I do when I get to the cloakroom?: In the cloakroom, which is immediately after the ticket office, you have to leave any large objects, bags, backpacks, umbrellas and anything that might cause a problem during your visit or to the other tourists. Once you come out into the courtyard again, you can go back to the access area to pick up your belongings.
Is it possible to take photographs and film within the castle?: Tourists are allowed to take photographs and film with small handheld equipment in all rooms. The use of flashes or lamps in rooms with frescoes on the walls or ceilings is not permitted.
Are animals admitted?: No, this is not permitted under any circumstances, even holding the animal in your arms. The visit may last up to three hours and that is too long to force any animal to stay still.

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