Palazzo Te, one of the most beautiful villas in Italy and a masterpiece of the Mannerism, was built by Giulio Romano, Raphael's most talented pupil, between 1525 and 1535, as a suburban residence for Federico II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua. Giulio Romano has the distinction of being the only Renaissance artist to be mentioned by William Shakespeare. In the Winter's Tale, Act V Scene II he wrote "…that rare Italian master, Julio Romano…". For the decoration project Giulio Romano followed the natural inclinations of the Duke, with the first half of the palace celebrating private passions and the second one public virtues and political aspirations. Among the beautiful rooms the Hall of the Horses where horses are portrayed life- size, the Room of Psyche, where the myth of Eros and Psyche is painted, the David's Loggia and the famous Giant's Room. Giulio Romano's spectacular paintings represent the fall of the Giants from Olympus after their rebellion against Jupiter. The visual impact is so powerful that one feels as if everything is actually crashing down on them.
Meeting point at the entrance of Palazzo Te
Entrance ticket € 10,00/each; € 3,00 for children.
Temporary exhibitions not included in the guided tour
My name is Manuela and I’m a professional licensed tour guide in Mantua (It.Mantova), Ferrara, Bologna, Modena and Parma. I was born in the middle of the Po Valley on the border between Lombardy and Emilia Romagna Regions, and it was natural for me to become a licensed guide in both regions. I'm a mix of the two cultures I get along with the Lombard pragmatism and the Emilian jovial and open minded lifestyle. But from both cultures, above anything else, I have taken the best: culture, history, art and …why not … good food and wines! I love showing people the best these cities and their provinces can offer. Follow me and you will discover not only beautiful squares and ancient buildings, but also less known city corners, everyday life stories and the reason why this area is called the “Italian Food Valley”. I love enjoying the wonder of my guests while I'm talking about art and history, looking at their open mouthed faces, see their surprising eyes and hear their exciting comments and, last but not least, … their delight in looking, smelling and tasting our typical products. I can provide private guided tours for Individuals, families, small and big groups, school groups, walking day and night tours and … custom-made tours. If You have questions please ask me without hesitation. Try and Be my SPECIAL GUESTS! Full profile ⋅ Leave a Review
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