Ducal Palace and the Gonzaga Family
The Gonzaga family (lords, marquises, and finally dukes of the city of Mantua) made it their residence from 1328 to 1707, when the last duke, Ferdinando Carlo, was forced into exile.
The palace, initially composed of buildings from different periods, took its organic form in the second half of the 16th century, becoming a single imposing architectural complex of 35,000 square meters. Under Austrian rule, some areas of the court were adapted into representative spaces, and during the reign of Maria Theresa of Austria, the building was named the Royal Palace.
Mantua Ducal Palace
The Ducal Palace of Mantua was a landmark in art history with the arrival of Pisanello in Mantua already in the early 1400s, and later with the presence of Andrea Mantegna. After being abandoned in the 19th century, the Ducal Palace has been undergoing restorations since the early 20th century and has become a state museum.
Besides the painting gallery, archaeology, and sculpture sections, the apartments and the Castle of San Giorgio are of notable importance, where the famous “Bridal Chamber” is located, frescoed by Mantegna with scenes from the life of the Gonzaga family.
Useful information about the Ducal Palace of Mantua
Access to the Castle and the Bridal Chamber is limited to 1,500 people per day; therefore, admission is allowed until the available seats are filled. On free-entry Sundays, no reservations are accepted.
A guided tour service operates at fixed times with departures at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 16:00. The guided tour costs €5.00 per person and can be booked upon entry directly at the ticket office.
Where to find the Ducal Palace Museum
Piazza Sordello, 40 – 46100 Mantua Tel. 0376.352100 – Email: pal-mn@benicultulturali.it
