In 1455 the existence of a palace with courtyard, probably the result of the union of pre-existing houses, is documented in the via di Borgonuovo (today via Cairoli). The rebuilding of the architectural complex is attributed to the architect Pietrobono Brasavola, the probable author also of Casa Romei, which has many similarities with Palazzo Muzzarelli Crema, particularly in the presence of the baldresche, that is, the typical masonry corbels that, in the courtyard elevation, support the loggia of the main floor. Originally owned by the Sacrati family, the palace later passed to the Muzzarelli family, the Crema family and then to the Fondazione Estense, which oversaw the late 20th-century restoration. The work uncovered numerous fragments of decorations, some dating back to the 13th century. Testifying to the prestige of the palace, painted coats of arms of the Estense family’s businesses were also found.
