Palazzo Bianchi, 18th-century palazzo in Piazza Sordello, Mantua, Italy

Palazzo Bianchi is an 18th-century palazzo beside Mantua Cathedral on Piazza Sordello, built mid-century on the site of two earlier buildings. It has a scenographic staircase and vaulted ceilings on the first floor painted with frescoes by Giuseppe Bazzani.

The site first belonged to the Agnelli family, who sold it to Rinaldo Bonacolsi in the early 14th century. In the mid-18th century Count Guido Porta built the present palazzo over two earlier houses, selling it in 1756 to Marquis Giuseppe Bianchi; work ended in 1765. Marquis Alessandro Bianchi sold it to the diocese in 1824, and in 1967 Bishop Antonio Poma had the diocesan historical archive moved into the basement.

The name comes from the Bianchi family: Marquis Giuseppe Bianchi bought the building in 1756, and Marquis Alessandro Bianchi sold it to the diocese in 1824. Since then it has housed the bishop's residence and the offices of the Curia, which still occupy it today.

The palazzo sits centrally on Piazza Sordello and is easy to reach on foot when strolling through the historic square. You can view it from outside and admire the facade details from street level.

The palazzo stands on a site that belonged to the Agnelli family before passing to Rinaldo Bonacolsi in the early 14th century. Count Guido Porta built it in the mid-18th century over two earlier houses, selling it in 1756 to Marquis Giuseppe Bianchi; work ended in 1765.