Torre della Gabbia, Medieval tower in Mantua, Italy.
Torre della Gabbia is a medieval tower in Mantua that rises above the surrounding buildings with a distinctive metal cage attached to its stone walls. The structure stands near the city center and features the remnants of centuries-old stonework, with the cage being the most notable architectural element today.
The tower was constructed by the Acerbi family in 1281 as a defensive structure and subsequently came under the control of the Bonacolsi clan. The metal cage was installed later during the rule of Duke Guglielmo Gonzaga as a means for displaying public punishment.
The metal cage served as a tool for public shame, exposing prisoners to the elements and the gaze of passersby for extended periods. This method of punishment reveals how medieval society used the tower to warn others about the consequences of crime.
The tower is easily accessible on foot from the city center, located near Palazzo Acerbi and central piazzas. The surrounding area is densely built with medieval and Renaissance structures, so it helps to understand the tight layout before wandering the streets.
The rectangular iron cage fastened to the tower was once ordered for removal in the late 1700s but was never fully taken down. This incomplete demolition has left the structure with an unusual character that draws attention to its violent past.
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