One of the oldest buildings in the city
We do not know for certain whether Palazzo Castiglioni is one of the residences commissioned by Pinamonte Bonacolsi or whether it was built by the Gonzaga family, but what is certain is that the oldest part dates back to the early 14th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
It is recognizable by its battlements, architectural elements at the top of the facade with a defensive function, and by its two entrance portals, one with a pointed arch in Gothic style and the other in Renaissance style.
Looking out onto Vicolo Bonacolsi it is possible to see the tower-house of Pinamonte Bonacolsi, built on the edge of the Civitas Vetus (old city) as a defense, and the passage that connects Palazzo Castiglioni to House of the Uberti, to move from one building to another safely, without going out into the street.
Palazzo Castiglioni is today the private residence of the descendants of Baldassare Castiglione, great Renaissance writer and diplomat and author of “The Courtier,” a manual for becoming the perfect man or lady of the court.