The beauty and opulence of Palazzo Ducale, the Gonzaga residence, is hard to describe.

This is probably the grandest and most architecturally dense palazzo of its period.

Located near the shores of  Lago Inferiore it occupies nearly two thirds of the inner town, creating an incredible maze of buildings, gardens, internal piazzas and porticos, a perfect example of the architectural styles that were fashionable during the Renaissance.

One could say that Palazzo Ducale is the perfect expression of Italy’s Renaissance, from its design to the construction to the countless pieces of artwork it is home to, from Pisanello to Mantegna and Giulio Romano amongst many others.

The palazzo was expanded over the course of the centuries and exhibits classical statues in marble, taken from the family’s various residences, and showcased in the palazzo’s many rooms.