Palazzo Ducale & Camera degli Sposi
Palazzo Ducale di Mantova
The Gonzaga family's palace complex, the seat of four centuries of rule, with more than 500 rooms; Mantegna's Camera degli Sposi frescoes are a Renaissance masterpiece.
The Palazzo Ducale is a complex of palaces, courtyards, and churches covering about 35,000 square metres. It was the political centre from which the Gonzaga family ruled Mantua. The highlight is the Camera degli Sposi (Wedding Chamber) in the Castello di San Giorgio, painted by Mantegna between 1465 and 1474. Its dome's trompe-l'oeil oculus pioneered perspective ceiling painting. Visits are timed and capacity-limited, so advance booking is required. Other attractions include murals by Rubens and Pisanello and the Tapestry Room. Closed on Mondays. Admission is about €15, and a visit takes about 2–3 hours.
Opening hours
Closed Mondays; 08:15–19:15 (wedding hall by reservation)
Nearby sights
- Basilica palatina di Santa Barbara
- Casa di Rigoletto
- Mantua Cathedral (Duomo)
- Piazza Sordello
- Teatro Bibiena (Teatro Scientifico)
- Mincio Lakes Boat Tour
- Piazza delle Erbe & Torre dell'Orologio
- Basilica of Sant'Andrea