 |
|
| |
|
The Duke's Palace is a series of buildings built between the second half of the 12th century and the middle of the 17th century,residence as well as symbol of the power of the Gonzaga family.
The whole body is composed of about 500 rooms and extends over an area of roughly 34,000 square metres.
The most outstanding artists of every time, called here by the Gonzagas, partecipated in rising the magnificence of their place.
the most outstanding names are Bartolino da Novara, who designed and built St George's castle; Antonio Pisano, better known as Pisanello, who painted a room inspired to King Arthur's legend; Andrea Mantegna, author of the famous " Camera Picta" or "The Bride and Bridegroom room", Giulio Romano, famous for both his paintings and for his architecture.
We can also add tens of less well-known talents,whose artworks still last, such as the great "Hanging gardens" by Pompeo Pedemonte and the "Garden of the Simples" created by Fra' Zenobio Bocchi ,in 1603,where herbs used in medicine were grown.
The Captain's Palace,which Paolo Bonacolsi built at the beginning of the 14th century and the Magna Domus are the most ancient parts of the Palace.
At the end of the 14th century,Bartolino da Novara, one of the best fortification designers of his time, erected the St George's Castle.
All the wings called " Corte Nuova" ( New Yard) with the so called " of Giulio Romano" and La Rustica apartments were built by this great talent of the Renaissance.
The design of the building of St. Barbara as well as the church of the Palace is due to the "master"of the Duke's building, Giovan Battista Bertani, in addition to the works of extention and restoring.
Between the 16th and the 17th centuries, Antonio Maria Viani, great both in painting and fresco techniques, worked here as an architect. He built the Apartments of Vincenzo I, the Rooms of the Metamorphosis, and the Loggia di Eleonora.
Under the Austrian rule, Paolo Pozzo was responsible for the work of maintenance and restoration.
The enourmous size of the museum allows the visitor to choose various visiting models.
You can visit it by yourself, but only a limited part of it. You can visit it in company of staff members of the Monuments and Fine Arts Service, whose offices are located in the building; you can book a visit that best suits your needs.
For further information on visiting hours or reservations visitors can call the Duke's Palace Information and Booking Office, ph. n. + 39 376 320283 , fax + 39 376 221364.
For a tour guide ask the headquarters of the "Centro Guide Turistiche" or the " ViviMantova" Association or the "Azienda di Promozione Turistica" (APT).
Back to the index
