Audioguide by eArs

Hall of Doves

Admire the spectacular flight of doves in this hall. Can you count how many there are?
An impressive 227, depicted everywhere on the walls. These white birds - the quintessential symbol of purity and gentleness, as well as of the presence of the Holy Spirit - are painted on alternating blue and red medallions. They invite viewers to rise through their thoughts and their actions, up to the heavens: 'in Dieu', meaning 'in God', 'towards heaven'. In fact, each bird carries this motto, written on a scroll clasped in its feet and beak.Following the doves' advice, approach the window. And precisely here, where the sunlight - which is associated with divine presence - entered, you will be surprised to discover a corner of Paradise. Painted in the centre of a starry vault, you can recognise the face of the Eternal Father at the top, while the Virgin is crowned by her Son immediately below. Now direct your gaze even further down, where you can see the recess of the window. Columns were painted there, with the shafts intertwining in the centre to create a knot, the meaning of which remains a mystery to this day.Trials were held in this room with such spiritual decorations. That's why the coats of arms of Uguccione Contrari and Nicolò III d'Este were painted alternating on the vault above the judges' heads, as a constant reminder of the name under which justice was administered. Depicted in the middle of a flowery field, the tournament shields of the two lords are marked with their respective crests, with figures surmounting the helmets. These were used so that the knights could be recognised from the stands of the joust: the silver eagle for the Estes and the head of a griffin for Uguccione.