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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 Gonzaga in Maderno, built for Duke Vincenzo Gonzaga in 1606, represents a significant page in the architectural and social history of the region. It was originally conceived to be a large, sumptuous holiday residence and was set in a vast park covering some 70 hectares and occupying almost all of the cape. With its long avenue down to the lake, this residence was a symbol of the opulence and power of the noble Gonzagas.
During its construction, the Gonzaga family stayed in the old palazzo opposite which, at the end of the works, was connected to the new building by a raised corridor that still exists today. This link, not only points to the architectural genius of the period, it also shows the importance of maintaining visual and functional continuity among the family's different homes.
The fate of Palazzo Gonzaga took a dramatic turn with the end of the Gonzaga line, after which time it passed through different owners and was subject to significant transformation and demolition works. A substantial part of the original building was destroyed in Dr Ghiselli’s attempts to find a hypothetical hidden treasure, which caused the loss of two thirds of the building, especially those closest to the Basilica of Sant'Andrea.
In spite of these losses, it is still possible to visit the Gonzaga storehouse, which is now home to an art gallery. This space is notable for its splendid spiral steps, which show the elegance and functionality of the spaces inside the palazzo.
Also of particular historic interest is the underground corridor that went between the Palazzo and the nearby romanesque church, allowing the Gonzagas to attend religious functions without being seen, observing from the crypt, through a little window that is still present, although closed.
The vast Gonzaga estates included the area of Serraglio, purchased in 1659 and linked to Palazzo Gonzaga by means of an underground tunnel, used by the dukes to move unobserved and to host private parties. Today, these structures are owned by the town council and the tunnel is closed to the public.
Palazzo Bulgheroni and its park, with gardens and lemon groves, was bought in the mid-16th century to add to the Gonzaga lands in the region. These spaces, now private, can only be seen from the outside, although they continue to represent an important piece of the cultural and architectural heritage left by the family.
Palazzo Gonzaga, with its rich and tumultuous past, remains a symbol of Maderno’s noble history, and bears witness to the vicissitudes lived by one of Italy’s most influential families.