Exterior view

The castle was built between 1390 and 1406 in what was even then a consciously historical style, although it is clear that "all'antica" did not mean simply an historically correct classical style, it also covered the style of the Romanesque Middle Ages. From about 1456.Ludovico Gonzaga had the walls extended to make an impressive residence. The courtyard had loggias added, and sweeping spiral staircases giving riders (and their horses) access led to the upper floors, which were decorated with frescoes.

The photo shows a view from the north. The Camera degli Sposi with the frescoes by Mantegna is on the first floor of the northeast tower, a tower distinctive because of its off-centre windows.