Casa di Rigoletto, Medieval residential building in Piazza Sordello, Mantua, Italy.
Casa di Rigoletto is a historic building at Piazza Sordello 23 in Mantua, behind the cathedral and near the Castello di San Giorgio. Its medieval 12th-century residential body was remodelled in the 15th century, when the loggia and portico were added. Two walled courtyards lie off the square; the one facing it has a double loggia with round arches on marble columns at ground level and the loggia above. It now houses a tourist office of the Province of Mantua.
The building dates from the 12th century and underwent major renovations in the 15th century. For generations, it served as a residence for Cathedral Canons who shaped and inhabited the house.
In 1851 the house was chosen as the model for the original stage set of Verdi's Rigoletto, where it appears as the home of the imaginary Gonzaga court jester. A bronze statue of the character by sculptor Aldo Falchi was placed in the small garden in 1978. The building now houses a tourist office of the Province of Mantua.
The house is located directly behind Mantua Cathedral, making it easy to find while exploring the main square. As the local tourist information office, it remains accessible during business hours and serves as a natural stopping point when visiting the medieval center.
In the small garden stands a bronze statue of the jester Rigoletto, placed in 1978 and sculpted by Aldo Falchi. The building itself was chosen in 1851 to appear in the original set design for the premiere of Verdi's opera as the house of the imaginary Gonzaga court jester.
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