Tour the grand rooms of the House of the Podestà, a 15th-century home of aristocrats and nobility. Originally, the property was the headquarters of the representative of Venice, when Lonato was under its rule. See period furniture from the 15th to the 20th centuries and a library holding thousands of volumes.
There are more than a dozen rooms to explore, spread out over two levels. On the first floor, find the gallery to study its artworks, including coats of arms and the 15th-century painting Madonna and the Child Enthroned. See the 17th-century dresser in the den and look over the 18th-century furniture pieces in the Parlor Glisenti. Stop by the kitchens and see utensils and equipment that are hundreds of years old.
Go up to the second floor and step inside the bedroom of Ugo Da Como. This late Italian politician rebuilt the house and filled it with many artworks and a vast collection of books. One of the highlights of the bedroom is a 16th-century map of Brescia. Among the second floor's other rooms is the studiolo, containing several religious paintings.
Take a look around the impressive library, which is housed in a separate building, the exterior of which resembles a church. Inside, there are more than 30,000 volumes, including books that date back to the 12th century.
The House of the Podestà is open daily from morning until the early evening, but closes for a couple of hours from noon. There is an admission fee to pay and children and students get in for half price. The house is part of a group of historic buildings and attractions including a castle known as the Rocca of Lonato and its Ornithological Museum.
You can find the House of the Podestà next to the Piazza Martiri della Libertà in Lonato’s historic centre. Take a bus or taxi to reach the area, which can easily be navigated on foot.
