The porticoes were constructed in the early 16C for Ludovico Gonzaga, son of Gianfrancesco, under the direction of Andrea Bertazzolo of Acquanegra, father of the more famous Gabriele, and probably added at a later date to the construction behind them to form a covered street.

They extend for 120 m (20 m longer than the famous Galleria degli Antichi in Sabbioneta, which probably makes them the largest Gonzaga construction in the province) with 30 arches resting on 29 marble Verona columns, each one different from the other in architectural type and decoration.

The 30 arches generate as many bays, once covered by cross vaults in brick, above which rose the building. These were eliminated during restoration in 1933. The most recent conservation work was completed in the spring of 2001.