Mantua Trip Overview
The Ducal Palace of Mantua is a complex of buildings built over a long period – from the beginnings of the 14th all the way to the 17th century. During the latter period, the main ruling family of Mantua, the Gonzaga, experienced their decline. The complex is formed by about 500 rooms and covers a surface of almost 34.000 square meters.
To create the palace, the most important artists of the various eras were called by the powerful Gonzaga family with the task to increase the magnificence of their residence. The more significant names are Bartolino da Novara, who projected and directed the construction of San Giorgio Castle, as well as Antonio Pisano, known as Pisanello, who realized a famous cycle of frescoes inspired by the legend of King Arthur, Andrea Mantegna, artist of the famous Camera Picta or “Chamber of the Newlyweds”, and Giulio Romano, famous for both his paintings and the scenographic project of the architectural creations.
Additional Info
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Starts: Mantua, Italy
Trip Category: Sightseeing Tickets & Passes >> Attraction Tickets
Explore Mantua Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Mantua, Lombardy, Italy
The Ducal Palace of Mantua is a complex of buildings built over a long period – from the beginnings of the 14th all the way to the 17th century. During the latter period, the main ruling family of Mantua, the Gonzaga, experienced their decline. The complex is formed by about 500 rooms and covers a surface of almost 34.000 square meters.
To create the palace, the most important artists of the various eras were called by the powerful Gonzaga family with the task to increase the magnificence of their residence. The more significant names are Bartolino da Novara, who projected and directed the construction of San Giorgio Castle, as well as Antonio Pisano, known as Pisanello, who realized a famous cycle of frescoes inspired by the legend of King Arthur, Andrea Mantegna, artist of the famous Camera Picta or “Chamber of the Newlyweds”, and Giulio Romano, famous for both his paintings and the scenographic project of the architectural creations.
Visit: Palazzo Ducale di Mantova, Piazza Sordello 40, 46100, Mantua Italy
The Mantua Ducal Palace entrance ticket allows the visitor the complete visit to the Ducal Palace, including Castel San Giorgio with the Bridal Chamber, the Old Court and the art collection Romano Freddi.
The most famous work that can be visited in the palace is probably the cycle of frescoes that decorate the walls and the vault of the so-called Camera degli Sposi, also known as Camera Picta, inside the Castle of San Giorgio.
The pictorial cycle was created by Mantegna between 1465 and 1474 as a celebration of the Gonzaga family, and especially of the Marquis Ludovico III .
A series of grandiose fresco and tempera fat paintings – representing court scenes, monuments and prominent members of the Gonzaga family – almost entirely decorate the walls of the room, while the vault, made by Mantegna with the trompe technique the oil, has a false oculus from which a group of putti observes the interior of the room, as well as eight medallions with portraits of Roman emperors.
