The area where the town of Este in northern Italy is located was originally occupied by the important Roman town of Ateste, and also inhabited before Roman times. Barbarian invasions and floods destroyed the ancient town during the late sixth century. Then nothing is said of the town in historical sources until the 10th century. The origins of this castle—not to be confused with the moated Este Castle in Ferrara—are also unclear. One hypothesis is that the castle was originally a mansion of a local lord that was progressively expanded,…
