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About
Palazzo Bonacolsi, also known as Palazzo Castiglioni, is a Gothic palace in Mantua, located in the beautiful Piazza Sordello, opposite the Ducal Palace.
Today, a tavern and a guesthouse are set in the palace, Taverna Bonacolsi and, respectively, Palazzo Castiglioni Luxury Suites.
SHORT HISTORY
Palazzo Bonacolsi was built at the end of the 13th century by Pinamonte Bonacolsi on land purchased from Rolandino de Pacis. Pinamonte acquired and incorporated into the palace other nearby buildings, including the Tower of the Cage (Torre della Gabbia), symbol of the power of the Bonacolsi.
The Bonacolsi family ruled Mantua from the beginning of the 13th century and until August 16, 1328, when Rinaldo, the last of the Bonacolsi, was overthrown during a revolt supported by Luigi I Gonzaga, who seized the power.
Starting with 1328, the palace became the property of the Gonzaga family. First, Luigi I Gonzaga owned the palace, then the building passed to his son, the Marquis Gianfrancesco I Gonzaga, who passed it further to his son, Alessandro Gonzaga. Alessandro died young, and his brother, Ludovico, became the new owner of the palace.
Between 1479 and 1487, the palace was the residence of the Countess of Rodigo Antonia del Balzo, consort of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the palace was bought by the Castiglioni family from the Bevilacqua counts. The Castiglioni family was one of the most important aristocratic families from Lombardy since the 10th century.
ARCHITECTURE
The palace, built entirely in terracotta, is crowned by Ghibelline battlements. The top floor has three-light mullioned windows, while the two lower floors have rectangular windows.
Through the central portal of the palace, one enters a large inner courtyard, occupied by a beautiful garden.
HOW TO GET THERE
Palazzo Bonacolsi is located about 1.2 kilometers away from the Mantua railway station. The closest bus stop, Duomo, is located in the northeastern corner of Piazza Sordello, about 140 meters away, on the bus Lines 4C, 4S, 4T, 6 and 12.
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