The Estense University Library became a public library in 1764 after an edict from Francis III. It comprises an excellent collection of miniatures and works of literary, historic and artistic interest from the era of the Marquis Niccolo’ III. It owes much to the Renaissance grandeur of Leonello, Borso, Ercole and Alfonso and it was after national unification that it was combined with the university library. Probably the most valuable works are the ‘Bible of Borso d’Este’ a masterpiece of Ferrarese miniature from the 15th Century.
