Palazzo Bonacolsi, Medieval aristocratic palace in Piazza Sordello, Mantua, Italy

Palazzo Bonacolsi, also called Palazzo Castiglioni, is a Gothic brick palace on Piazza Sordello facing the Ducal Palace. Its roofline carries Ghibelline battlements and the top floor has mullioned windows. In the adjacent lane stands the tower house built around 1280 by Pinamonte Bonacolsi.

Pinamonte Bonacolsi built the palace in the late 13th century on land bought from Rolandino de Pacis, and it passed to his second son Bardellone. On 16 August 1328 Rinaldo Bonacolsi was overthrown in a revolt backed by Luigi Gonzaga, who took the building. From 1479 to 1487 it housed Antonia del Balzo, Countess of Rodigo, wife of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga.

The building served as a power base for different noble families who used its grand appearance to display their authority in the city. Visitors can still see how each family left its mark through different architectural choices and decorations.

The palace sits in the center of Mantua on Piazza Sordello and is easily reached on foot, near the Ducal Palace. Visitors should check opening times ahead of arrival since access varies throughout the week.

The tower house in the adjacent lane was built by Pinamonte Bonacolsi around 1280 to protect the family's buildings facing Piazza San Pietro in the civitas vetus. It is a separate structure from the palace, not part of its main block.