Palazzo Ducale, Urbino
Must-SeeFederico da Montefeltro's ideal palace — the studiolo (study) with trompe l'oeil inlaid wood is extraordinary. Houses the National Gallery of the Marche.
Palazzo Pitti, Florence
Must-SeeThe Medici's massive palace — Palatine Gallery, Boboli Gardens, and Royal Apartments. A full day's worth of art and gardens.
Palazzo Ducale, Mantua
Must-See500 rooms including Mantegna's Camera degli Sposi — the first true illusionistic room painting. The oculus ceiling is groundbreaking.
Palazzo Farnese, Caprarola
Must-SeeA pentagonal fortress-palace with Zuccari frescoes. One of the most impressive Renaissance buildings — and almost nobody visits. 1 hour from Rome.
Palazzo Te, Mantua
Must-SeeGiulio Romano's pleasure palace — Mannerist excess at its most entertaining. The Room of the Giants is jaw-dropping.
Where to start
Start with the must-see examples, then explore the hidden gems. Italy's renaissance palaces reward the curious visitor.