Palazzo d'Arco | Sala degli Antenati

The palace, the residence of the noble and ancient Trentino family of the Counts d’Arco, was built in 1784 to a design by the Neoclassical architect Antonio Colonna. The family had settled permanently in Mantua in 1740, inheriting the residence on Piazza d’Arco from the Chieppio family.

The d’Arco family hosted Leopold and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart between 1769 and 1770, during a journey through Italy and the inauguration of the Teatro Bibiena.

In 1872, the property corresponding to the former Chieppio residence was expanded by Francesco Antonio d’Arco, who purchased from the Marquis Dalla Valle the area beyond the exedra, including the garden and several Renaissance buildings.

Of great artistic and architectural value are the interior spaces, the entrance hall, the grand staircase, and the courtyard. Those walking along the adjacent Via Portazzolo can still see, along the side of the palace, the remains of structures predating the renovation.