Tickets for Palazzo Te in Mantua: a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance

Palazzo Te: a symbol of the Mantuan Renaissance

Palazzo Te is a Renaissance villa in Mantua, Lombardy, built between 1524 and 1534 at the behest of Federico II Gonzaga. Designed by architect and painter Giulio Romano, the villa is considered a masterpiece of Italian Mannerism and an important example of late Renaissance architecture. Originally conceived as a gathering place for banquets and private meetings, Palazzo Te quickly became an important venue for social events of the Mantuan court.

The palace is designed on a square plan and features a large inner courtyard adorned initially with a labyrinth. Smooth ashlar walls surround the courtyard and have four entrances, one on each side, following the model of the Roman rustic villa.

Palazzo Te is renowned for its beautifully frescoed rooms. Notable among these are the Hall of the Giants, which engages visitors in a dramatic depiction of the Fall of the Giants, and the Chamber of Cupid and Psyche, where Giulio Romano illustrates the tale from Apuleius' Metamorphoses.

Outside, gardens extend over about 80,000 square meters, offering a perfect balance of natural beauty and urban functionality. The park is divided into 16 circular “tree rooms,” each with specific uses such as play areas, outdoor classrooms, and board game tables. These areas are interconnected by a loop trail that traces the structure of the former hippodrome on the site.

The splendid Renaissance mansion of the Gonzaga family and the park that surrounds it were both included in the city's UNESCO-protected area in 2008.

Today, Palazzo Te houses the Civic Museum and the International Center for Art and Culture, offering exhibitions of ancient and modern art, as well as cultural events.

FAQs about Palazzo Te

1. Why is it called Palazzo Te?

The name "Palazzo Te" comes from the island on which it was built, known in the Middle Ages as Tejeto or Teietum, later shortened to "Te."

2. What can you see at Palazzo Te?

Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience in Renaissance art and architecture, viewing:

• Hall of the Giants: Renowned for frescoes depicting the fall of the Giants, creating an immersive and dynamic effect.
• Room of Cupid and Psyche: Adorned with mythological scenes narrating the love story of Cupid and Psyche, symbolizing passion and beauty.
• Hall of the Horses: Showcases life-size portraits of Federico II Gonzaga's favorite horses, highlighting the stables' significance in the Mantuan court.
• Gardens and courtyards: Relaxing spaces between rooms with harmonious architecture and water features.

The palace also hosts temporary exhibitions and permanent collections, including an Egyptian collection, a Mesopotamian collection, a collection of coins and medals from the Gonzaga family, and the Mondadori donation.

3. How long does it take to visit Palazzo Te in Mantua?

A visit typically takes at least an hour. To delve deeper and appreciate the frescoed rooms and permanent collections, about two hours is recommended.

4. Where to park for Palazzo Te in Mantua?

Parking options include:

• Primaticcio Parking – Palazzo Te Area: Located at Viale Montello 37, this free parking lot offers 111 spaces and is a short walk from the palace.
• Lungolago Viale Mincio Parking: Offers free parking areas along the lake, within reasonable distance from Palazzo Te.

A free shuttle also connects the Palazzo Te and Campo Canoa parking lots to the city center.