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Where is
What it is and where it is
The Gonzaga Palace in Volta Mantovana is an elegant 15th-century residence where the Gonzaga family took refuge to escape the summer heat or the frequent plagues that ravaged the region. It was built in the upper part of the town, on a plateau where the castle was also located and where the Gonzagas already owned houses.
Why it is special: the frescoed rooms
On the outside, the villa has a sober, almost dim appearance, but the interior is richly frescoed. Notable are the Entrance Hall, known as the Fireplace Hall because of its beautiful red marble fireplace, the Ballroom with a splendid 18th-century tromp l'oeil, and the Hall of the Forces of Hercules with its giant female figures.
Not to be missed: the gardens
Most spectacular, however, is the garden, which is absolutely not to be missed. It is laid out on four levels along the steep bank. The first garden, scenic and romantic, has three loggias covered with false jasmine creepers. Elegant staircases lead down to the other levels. The last one is a splendid Italian garden adorned with statues and closed at the end by a small loggia.
A bit of history: from a house of delight to a town hall
The palace was built around 1450 by Ludovico III Gonzaga and his wife Barbara of Brandenburg as a villa of delight. His grandchildren gave it to a Guerrieri, their commissioner in Volta Mantovana, for his military merits. Today it belongs to the municipality and is the seat of the Town Hall.
Curiosity: the king's pool
Throughout history famous people such as Napoleon Bonaparte and many of the protagonists of our Risorgimento, from Charles Albert to Franz Joseph, from Victor Emmanuel II to Napoleon III, have stayed at Palazzo Gonzaga. The last illustrious visit was that of Victor Emmanuel III with his wife. He stayed only one night but a bath house was specially built for him, the tub of which still remains.
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