Palazzo Bonacolsi

Palazzo Castiglioni/Bonacolsi is a building in Mantua, northern Italy, located in Piazza Sordello in front of the Ducal Palace. The Bonacolsi family ruled Mantua during the thirteenth century, until on August 16, 1328, the last Bonacolsi, Rinaldo, was overthrown in a revolt backed by the Gonzaga, who seized power.

Palazzo Bonacolsi is currently named Palazzo Castiglioni. The Castiglioni had been one of the most prominent Lombard aristocratic families since the 10th century. Most of the members were traditionally based in Milan: the Mantuan branch originated in 1440 from Baldassarre Castiglione, the grandfather of the homonymous author of the Libro del Cortigiano.

History

The palace, entirely in brick topped by battlements Ghibellines, was built in the late thirteenth century by the Pinamonte Bonacolsi on land purchased from Rolandino de Pacis,and she became the abode of his powerful family.Pinamonte buy and beside the palace in the other adjacent buildings in civitas vetus, including the tower of the cage, symbol of the power of Bonacolsi. The most prestigious palace was left by his father to his second son Bardellone, his successor in the government of the city.

Bonacolsi family ruled Mantua during the thirteenth century until, August 16, 1328, the last Bonacolsi, Rinaldo, was overthrown in a revolt backed by Luigi Gonzaga, who took power.

From 1328 the palace became the property of Ludovico I Gonzaga, captain of the people of Mantua.

From 1479 to 1487 was the home town of the Countess of Rodigo Antonia del Balzo, wife of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga, founder of the Gonzaga Sabbioneta and Bozzolo.

Bonacolsi building is now called the "palace Castiglioni" named after the family who bought it in the early eighteenth century. That of Castiglioni was one of the most important aristocratic families in Lombardy from the tenth century. Most of the members have had their home in Milan: the Mantua branch was born in 1440 by Baldassare Castiglione, the grandfather of the same name of the author of the book The Courtier, the diplomat-scholar Baldassare Castiglione (1478-1529).

The building is also part of the mighty tower house, located in the adjacent lane, built by Pinamonte Bonacolsi in 1280 about protection of the buildings owned by the family in St. Peter's Square, in the civitas vetus.

Coordinates: 45°09′36″N 10°47′47″E / 45.16000°N 10.79639°E