A residential building, next to the Doge's Palace
The Palazzetto del Cavalleggero is located next to the Ducal Palace and was built in 1588 as a residential building designed by Vespasiano Gonzaga. Its name likely derives from the fact that it housed a military command post in the 16th century. The façade is made of exposed brick and features a decoration of rusticated ashlars, rough-hewn marble blocks, at the base. The beautiful portal and white marble window frames, along with traces of frescoes on the ground floor, demonstrate the prestige it must have represented; recent studies suggest it was the residence of Vespasiano's right-hand man.
Heritage Centre Mantua and Sabbioneta World Heritage Site
This space has become home to the Mantua and Sabbioneta Heritage Centre. Inside, a multimedia table illustrates the urban development of Mantua and Sabbioneta, highlighting the complementary nature of the two cities: the former was a stratified city, the latter a foundation city.
You will be able to hear the life of Vespasiano Gonzaga told firsthand through his portrait, his dreams, and his vision for the founding of Sabbioneta.
In the classroom, wall panels tell the story of the Declaration of Outstanding Universal Value of the Mantua and Sabbioneta site.
