Palazzo Ducale Mantua, Renaissance palace and art museum in Mantua, Italy
The Palazzo Ducale extends across several connected buildings and forms a sprawling complex in the center of Mantua. Corridors and galleries link the different sections and lead through courtyards, halls, and private chambers that once served the ducal family.
The Gonzaga family expanded the complex from the 14th to the 17th century and transformed a medieval fortress into a generous residence. Each generation added new wings and rooms and adapted the ensemble to changing court needs.
The Camera degli Sposi displays frescoes by Andrea Mantegna that show members of the Gonzaga family and impress visitors with their use of perspective and portraiture. The painted scenes act like windows into Renaissance court life and show figures in a way that seems to expand the room itself.
Guided tours in several languages are available and offer access to the main rooms and collections. The tour usually lasts two hours and covers both the public halls and some of the private chambers.
The Hall of Mirrors contains glass decorations that reflect natural light throughout the day and create changing visual effects. Depending on the season and the position of the sun, different patterns appear on the walls and ceilings.
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