Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly
Search for the town, the city, the area where you want to go and consult the contents of VisitItaly

Castles around Country of Mantova, palaces and mansions

The area around Country of Mantova is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads out over the whole area, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as homes, and still others only ruins as evidence of a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture in the surroundings of Country of Mantova. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Sabbioneta - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

The Palazzo Ducale, also known as Palazzo Grande, in Sabbioneta in the province of Mantua has an elegant facade and an ashlar portico placed on a raised level. The historic two-storey building overlooks Piazza Ducale. Historical chronicles note that in November 1559 a violent fire destroyed the original structure, it was rebuilt between 1560 and 1561. It represents the oldest of the buildings built by Vespasiano Gonzaga (1531-1591) (son of Rodomonte and Isabella Colonna.

Mantova - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di San Giorgio

The Castle of San Giorgio built between 1395 and 1406 by Francesco I of Gonzaga, has a square shape, 4 towers and surrounded by a moat and three doors equipped with drawbridge. Paolo Vitelli and Andreas Hofer were imprisoned inside his prisons in 1496 and in 1810. On the ground floor is the sun room; following the spiral staircase you reach the room of arms and at the same time there is the room of frescoes. Next we have the hall of acronyms, frieze, zodiac, bride and groom and the Hall of Hoods.

Mantova - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo d'arco

The Arch Palace is a house built around 1784 by Antonio Colonna on commission of the Arch Counts. In 1740 part of the family settled in Mantua inheriting this palace from the Counts Chieppio. In 1872 Antonio d'Arco enlarged the house by purchasing the land that goes beyond the current garden and parts of Renaissance construction. Today, the Arch Palace is a museum containing all the furnishings typical of the Renaissance period and it is possible to visit it.

Other Castles, palaces and mansions

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