Palazzo Aragona Gonzaga, Renaissance palace in Campo Marzio, Rome, Italy
Palazzo Aragona Gonzaga is a five-story palace with a distinctive five-sided layout situated where Via della Scrofa meets Piazza Nicosia. Entry passes through a central gateway into an inner courtyard where two fountains catch your attention, one featuring imagery of the Virgin Mary.
Construction began in 1519 under the design of Antonio Cordini da Sangallo il Giovane, one of the era's leading architects. In the 18th century, Carlo Francesco Bizzaccheri redesigned the outer facades for the Negroni family, giving it the appearance visitors see today.
The inner courtyard walls display frescoes depicting scenes from Alexander the Great and Saint Paul, created by Renaissance artists for the families who lived here. These images reflect the values of power and faith that the residents wanted to express through their home.
The facades and courtyard are best viewed in the morning or early afternoon when light clearly reveals the architectural details. Since some parts may be restricted to private use, it is worth checking beforehand what areas are open to the public.
Poet Torquato Tasso, one of the era's most celebrated literary figures, lived here from 1587 to 1590 while Cardinal Scipione Gonzaga was in residence. His presence transformed the palace into a center of literary and intellectual activity in Rome during those years.
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