Apartment of the secret garden

The Secret Garden was realized, starting in 1595, by the Duke Vincenzo Gonzaga and his son Ferdinando. A fountain, today ruined, delighted the guest with creative water displays, enclosed in a place in which the walls were, and in part still are, covered by stuccoes and natural elements such as the mother-of-pearl and crystals. The frescoes represent scenes taken from the Orlando Furioso, in particular the scenes with the magician Alcina. The small room is also enriched by mosaics and many illustrations of the heroic deeds carried out by the Gonzaga’s family. The representation of animals and references to alchemy complete this curious and fascinating creation.