The Monastero di Sant'Antonio in Polesine was established in the 13th century and is the first female monastery in Ferrara dedicated to St. Anthony the Great. It was founded by the Blessed Beatrice d'Este and has some beautiful frescoes which showcase the Giotto, Byzantine and Renaissance schools of architecture.

The church in the monastery is an example of the Baroque style and comprises of a lovely painted ceiling. The interiors of the church constitute of three frescoed chapels which showcase:

• The stories of Jesus' childhood and the Life of the Virgin on the left.
• The stories of Passion on the right.
• An amalgamation of frescoes belonging to different periods and styles in the middle that includes the Annunciation by Domenico Panetti.

It also has a shovel with a Flagellation century, with the carved original altarpiece and gilded wood that belongs to the tomb of the founder.

The monastery exudes a sense of peace and tranquility once you enter it. However, you have to ring a bell in order to get inside and one of the nuns will also give you a guided tour of the monastery in Italian. You can also listen to the melodies and hymns of the nuns if you go in the afternoons or early mornings.

• Photography is prohibited.
• Picture postcards are available on sale inside the premises.
• Visit the monastery at 5:00 am if you want to listen to the Gregorian chants by the nuns.

• Bus: No. 2 from stop XX Settembre Ghisiglieri.
• No. 2 from stop Museo Di Spina.
• No. 2 from stop Porta San Pietro.

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