PALAZZO DELLA RAGIONE E TORRE DELL’OROLOGIO

The building is part of the group of city buildings dating back to medieval times. Built between 11th and 12th centuries to fulfil civil and public functions, was intended to house the town meetings and assemblies and, in case of inclement weather, the market which usually took place in the square below.

The building was the subject of numerous interventions and transformations starting from mid-13th century. In 15th century were made arcades and, in 1472, the Clock Towerdesigned by Luca Fancelli. The following year, the tower was embellished with a public clock conceived by mathematician and astrologer Bartolomeo Manfredi.

Used for centuries as seat of the administration of justice, from 1997 the building has become a prestigious exhibition venue of the Civic Museums of Mantua, hosting numerous and important art exhibitions promoted by the municipal administration. In the’spacious loungecharacterised by impressive volumes, are still visible on the head walls the remains of significant frescoes depicting war episodes dating back to end of the 12th centuryas well as figures from sacred history attributed to Grisopolo from Parma and dating back to mid-13th century.

ATTENTION: Only the Clock Tower and the west wing of the palace with its 13th-century frescoes can be visited with Museum Subscription. The hall houses the Sonnabend Collection Mantova, which is currently not included in the season ticket.