• Art & Culture

Mantua: piazza Sordello

Where
Mantova

Exploring Mantua is akin to stepping into a living canvas where history, art, and culture harmonize into a captivating symphony.  Among the many alluring jewels this city unveils, Piazza Sordello stands out prominently.  

 

Every stride upon its ancient cobblestones transports you through the corridors of time, inviting you to take part in an experience that spans centuries of transformation and evolution.
The square appears as a jewel exquisitely set in stone.  The facades of these historic buildings whisper stories of nobility's bygone era, tales of encounters between poets and artists, and moments full of influence and intrigue.  
On the western side, Palazzo Bonacolsi, also known as Palazzo Castiglioni, holds its ground. Erected in 1281 by Pinamonte dei Bonacolsi, it remained under the family's ownership until 1328. It was called Palazzo Castiglioni in the early 19th century, acquiring the name of the noble family that purchased it from the Bevilacqua counts.  Today, Palazzo Castiglioni serves as a private residence for the descendants of Baldassare Castiglione while doubling as a luxury hotel where visitors can enjoy a fairy-tale stay. 
Adjacent to it on the same side stands Palazzo Acerbi, encompassing Palazzo Cadenazzi-Risi, the Torre della Gabbia [Tower of the Cage - ed.], and the Bonacolsi Chapel.  The towering structure, reaching an imposing 50 meters, earned its name from the massive iron cage commissioned by the Gonzaga family, intended as an "open-air prison" where exposed convicts sometimes lingered for extended time. The Bonacolsi Chapel features a beautiful 14th-century Giotto-style painting cycle.  At present, these buildings are not open to the general public.
Venturing to the eastern side of the square, one will find Palazzo del Capitano and the Domus Magna, both wanted by the Bonacolsi family and later integrated into the Ducal Palace by the Gonzaga family.  Palazzo del Capitano saw its construction unfold between the late 13th and early 14th centuries.  Around 1340, a significant expansion transpired, introducing a portico and an upper hall named the "di Passerino." During this period, Gothic-style mullioned windows and the iconic battlements gracing the facade made their debut.  The Magna Domus, initially a separate entity, found its integration with the main palace toward the late 14th century. At the end of the 14th century the two buildings were joined together
Due north of the square it is possible to find the majestic Cathedral of San Pietro and the Duomo of Mantua bearing witness to the city's spiritual and architectural splendor. 
Each corner of this square beckons further exploration, encouraging the discovery of hidden treasures and the enchanting ambiance.  Outdoor cafes sprinkle in opportunities to relish moments of relaxation amidst this historical opulence.
 

 

Take me here: Mantua: piazza Sordello

Places

Cathedral of Mantua

The Cathedral of Mantua has an ancient history: some chronicles trace its foundation back to 313 a.D.
  • Religious Tourism
Cathedral of Mantua
36 mt

Palazzo Ducale of Mantua

The beauty of Palazzo Ducale, the Gonzaga residence, is hard to describe. It's maybe the most architecturally dense palace of its period.
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo Ducale - Mantova - @inLombardia
49 mt

House of Rigoletto

  • Art & Culture
House of Rigoletto - Credits. Mincioedintorni.com
116 mt

Ducal Palace

  • Art & Culture
Ducal Palace - Mantua
160 mt

Saint George Castle

Isabella d’Este, one of the most influential women of the Italian Renaissance, lived here for a long time.
  • Art & Culture
Castello di San Giorgio
160 mt

Scientific theatre

  • Art & Culture
Teatro Bibiena, Mantova
251 mt

Palazzo della Ragione e Torre dell'Orologio

  • Art & Culture
Palazzo della Ragione e Torre dell'Orologio
284 mt

Leon Battista Alberti Journey into Classicism

  • Religious Tourism
Churches of San Sebastiano and Sant'Andrea, churches in Mantua
292 mt

Rotonda di San Lorenzo

La chiesa è una delle tante costruite, secondo tradizione, da Matilde di Canossa
  • Art & Culture
Mantova, Rotonda di San Lorenzo
329 mt

San Leonardo neighbourhood

  • Art & Culture
San Leonardo neighbourhood - Credits. fai-platform.imgix.net
592 mt

Mostarda Mantovana

  • Food & Wine
Mostarda Mantovana
648 mt

Sbrisolona Mantovana

  • Food & Wine
Sbrisolona Mantovana
648 mt

House of Andrea Mantegna

  • Art & Culture
House of Andrea Mantegna
1.25 km

Lago di Mezzo

  • Art & Culture
Lago di Mezzo - skyline Mantova
1.4 km

Palazzo Te

Palazzo Te in Mantua, a villa with decorations inspired by antiquity. The brainchild of Giulio Romano and Federico II Gonzaga
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo Te
1.65 km

Fort of Sparafucile

  • Art & Culture
Fort of Sparafucile - nikonclub.it
1.95 km

Bosco Virgiliano

Today the Bosco is the biggest park in the town and is managed by the Associazione Anticittà
  • Active & Green
Bosco Virgiliano
2.91 km

Village of grazie in curtatone

Land rich in tradition and history is part of the Mincio Park where the river expands to form the lakes that surround Mantua
  • Villages
Village of Grazie in Curtatone
8.07 km

Grazie

Groups of houses leaning against the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie
  • Villages
Grazie
8.08 km

The Ginkgo Biloba of Bertone Park

  • Active & Green
The Ginkgo Biloba of Bertone Park
9.24 km

Where to sleep

CA UBERTI HOME BOUTIQUE

MANTOVA
CA UBERTI HOME BOUTIQUE
70 mt

GONZAGA LOFT EXPERIENCE

MANTOVA
GONZAGA LOFT EXPERIENCE
70 mt

APPARTAMENTO DUCALE

MANTOVA
APPARTAMENTO DUCALE
70 mt

APPARTAMENTO BONACOLSI

MANTOVA
APPARTAMENTO BONACOLSI
70 mt

APPARTAMENTO GONZAGA

MANTOVA
APPARTAMENTO GONZAGA
70 mt

CÀ UBERTI PALACE HOTEL****

MANTOVA
CÀ UBERTI PALACE HOTEL****
70 mt

BONACOLSI COLLECTION

MANTOVA
BONACOLSI COLLECTION
125 mt

HOTEL DEI GONZAGA

Mantova
HOTEL DEI GONZAGA
137 mt

SANT'AGNESE APARTMENT

MANTOVA
SANT'AGNESE APARTMENT
146 mt

CASA JORI

Mantova
CASA JORI
148 mt

ACCANTO AL GIARDINO

Mantova
ACCANTO AL GIARDINO
163 mt

A CASA DI CRISTINA

Mantova
A CASA DI CRISTINA
163 mt

RESIDENZA LA TORRE

Mantova
RESIDENZA LA TORRE
165 mt

ACCADEMIA 21

Mantova
ACCADEMIA 21
165 mt

DREAM APARTMENT

MANTOVA
DREAM APARTMENT
165 mt

SUITE ACCADEMIA

Mantova
SUITE ACCADEMIA
167 mt

HOTEL BROLETTO

Mantova
HOTEL BROLETTO
167 mt

DOMUS FLAVIA

MANTOVA
DOMUS FLAVIA
186 mt

ACCADEMIA 35

Mantova
ACCADEMIA 35
187 mt

HOTEL LEON D'ORO

Mantova
HOTEL LEON D'ORO
212 mt