House of Street Frattini 5

This beautiful Fancellian house, belonging to the Valenti Gonzaga family from 1690 onwards, displays the Renaissance decorative elements that are so typical of the Tuscan master. Uniquely for Mantua, however, it also boasts five statues of the Virgin, the Annunciation and the three saints in five niches set between faux semi-columns. The superior quality of these columns, the originals for which can be found in the City Museum, prompted Paccagnini to conclude that Andrea Mantegna had partaken in their construction.