Home of the Gonzaga family from 1328 to 1707, the Palazzo Ducale is a marvel of medieval architecture and artistry. Throughout their reign over Mantova, the Gonzagas added on to the original 13th century structure and created a complex of castles, palaces and basilicas. The current palace includes over 500 rooms, including a Zodiac Room, Hall of Mirrors, Apartment of Paradise, River Chamber, and Apartment of Troy.

In the 1400s, Lodovico II created a cultural center where artists such as Donatello, Mantegna, Leon Battista Alberti, Luca Fancelli could collaborate and create. Recent excavations at the palace have unearthed Medieval murals by Pisanello depicting chivalric knights jousting. The crowning work of the palace is Andrea Mantegna's Camera degli Sposi capped by one of Mantegna's best known works, a painted dome depicting angels peering down from the clouds.

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Additional Information:

Between November 1 and March 30, reservations are required, and all entrances will be accompanied by a palace official. The official may answer questions, but does not guide the tour and is there primarily for security reason.

A limited number of visitors are allowed to enter Mantegna's "Camera degli Sposi", reservations are recommended.

Museum entrances are from 8:45 am to 6:30 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

Address:

Piazza Sordello, 40, View Map