Arrivabene Palace

One of the most majestic palaces in the city, this residence was home to the Counts of Arrivabene, among the most illustrious and longstanding families of Mantua, whose lineage stretches as far back as the brothers Giovanni and Giovan Pietro in the 15th century and as recently as Giovanni the patriot in the 19th century. It is located between the two perpendicular streets at 14 via Arrivabene and 18 via Fratelli Bandiera. When it was at its largest, however, it incorporated many other buildings on both roads, which now feature different architectural styles and have a different purpose. Restored in the first decade of this century, it is fundamentally Tuscan in its appearance, with the influence of Fancelli quite evident. Its most characteristic feature is the angular tower, with splendid windows that, together with the string-courses and the balcony, punctuate the vast reddish surface.