viale Te 13, Mantova
Palazzo Te: a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance art and architecture
Palazzo Te is one of the most extraordinary examples of the 16th century suburban villa, formerly located on an island. The entire complex, decorated between 1525 and 1535, was designed and built by Giulio Romano (1499-1546) for Federico II Gonzaga (1500-1540) as a place for leisure and sumptuous receptions. From the very beginning, the palace opened up, through large loggias, onto vast gardens intended to make the stay pleasant, designed in imitation of the ancient Roman villas.
On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of this place of wonder, a place still capable of inspiring dreams, visions and creativity, a rich calendar of exhibitions, performances and meetings for the public is planned.
THE PALACE
Palazzo Te engages in a profound dialogue with one of the richest moments of Italian Renaissance culture, when Mantua was one of the most sumptuous and powerful cities in Europe, a point of convergence of great artists and sages.
The architectural structure of the exterior façades of Palazzo Te is characterised by ashlar work. Although traces of frescoed areas are also preserved externally, it is mainly in the interiors that visitors can appreciate the precious fresco decoration and refined stuccoes that adorn the villa.
The entire decoration of the rooms was based on a design by Giulio Romano, who conceived not only the architectural structure of the building, but also the splendid decorative fresco cycles, fireplaces, ceilings, and floors of all the rooms, taking care of every detail, and then entrusting the execution to a series of qualified collaborators.
An inscription in the Chamber of Cupid and Psyche openly states the reason why the villa was built: this is a palace for leisure and entertainment, for the duke's honest leisure. Illustrious guests were welcomed here, such as Emperor Charles V, who visited in 1530 and 1532.
The rooms on the ground floor, destined to house Federico Gonzaga's flats, still preserve almost the entirety of the original precious fresco and stucco decorations. True gems of mannerist art are in particular the Chamber of Cupid and Psyche and the Chamber of the Giants.
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday: 13.00 - 19.30
Wednesday - Monday: 9.00 - 19.30
Last admission one hour before closing time.
The Palazzo Te ticket also allows entry to the MACA Museum and the Leon Battista Alberti Temple.
HOW TO GET THERE
BY CAR
A22 Motorway Modena - Brennero exit: Mantova Sud or Mantova Nord. Estimated time about 40 minutes. Visitors can leave their vehicles in the free car parks in Piazzale Montelungo and Viale Montello.
BY BICYCLE
Peschiera-Mantova cycle path (43 km). Estimated time about 2 hours.
TAXI +39 0376 368844 | radiotaximantova.it
