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Infopoint Maderno Tel. 324 8805863
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Infopoint Toscolano Tel. 331 2356766
Infopoint Maderno Tel. 324 8805863
Infopoint Toscolano Tel. 331 2356766
Palazzo Benamati, in the very centre of Maderno, is a building of great historic and architectural importance, which stands out for its elegant neo-classical design. Originally owned by the Benamati family, one of the most illustrious in the area, the building was donated to the community in 1799 by Don Cristoforo Benamati, who wanted it to be transformed into a school.
Don Cristoforo’s generous donation is commemorated by a stone plaque on the outside, which was added in 1806 by priest and important scholar, Giuseppe Brunati. This charitable gesture has made an indelible mark on Maderno’s history, transforming the palazzo into a point of cultural and educational reference.
Inside the palazzo is a large room, named after Venetian artist Andrea Celesti, which occupies two storeys of the central part of the building. The traces of 18th-century decorations in the splays of the windows offer a glimpse of artistic tastes of the time, while the details of the late 19th-century decoration in the vaulted ceiling add a touch of elegance to the room.
One particularly interesting artistic detail in the room is a painting from Palazzina del Serraglio. This work, painted in the late 17th century, shows a burning city. It is a fresco of notable quality and part of the latter stages of decorating the Gonzaga residences of Maderno before they were abandoned in 1712. The transfer of the fresco, which probably took place in the 1980s meant preserving a significant piece in local art history.
Today, Palazzo Benamati continues to be a symbol of a community’s dedication to culture and to keeping the link to Don Cristoforo Benamati alive. The palazzo not only serves as space for cultural events and educational meetings, it also represents an important link to Maderno’s historic and artistic past.
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