Casa di Rigoletto, Medieval residential building in Piazza Sordello, Mantua, Italy.
Casa di Rigoletto is a two-story building on Piazza Sordello in Mantua featuring a Renaissance loggia, two internal courtyards, and a garden. It now houses the tourist information office for the Province of Mantua, allowing visitors to walk through the historic spaces while learning about the house's past.
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.
The house is closely linked to Verdi's 1851 opera Rigoletto, which centers on a court jester's story set in Mantua. This connection has turned the building into a place where visitors can bridge the world of opera with the real city around them.
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.
The building's upper balcony is known in operatic circles as Gilda's Balcony, referencing the tragic story of Rigoletto's daughter in Verdi's work. This literary connection draws opera fans seeking places inspired by the composer's famous score.
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