Overview
From defensive structure to Renaissance residence
Built at the request of Francesco I Gonzaga, the Castle of San Giorgio is one of the most representative examples of late medieval military architecture.
Erected to defend the city, it has a square plan with 4 corner towers and is surrounded by a moat crossed by 3 drawbridges.
With Ludovico II it lost its military function to become a marquis' residence and for many years became the residence of Isabella d'Este, who surrounded herself with the most important artists of the time, from Leonardo da Vinci to Ludovico Ariosto, from Andrea Mantegna to Pietro Perugino.
The rooms in the building were decorated with important frescoes, including the very famous "Camera Picta" or Bridal Chamber, a masterpiece by Andrea Mantegna.
The upper level of the castle was used as a maximum security prison during the period of Austrian rule.
Find out more: https://www.mantovaducale.beniculturali.it/it/percorsi/il-castello
