Palazzo Te

Te Palace was designed and built by Raphael's best pupil, Giulio Romano, between 1525 - 1535, commissioned by Duke Frederico II Conzaga (1500 – 1540). Frederico loved horses, love and astrology. His palace was meant to be a palace of leisure, where he could escape from his wife, his mother (Isabella d'Este), and the restricted court life of Mantua's Ducal Palace.

The palace, built on a small island connected to the Mantua mainland via a bridge, is famous for its frescoes and the Casino della Grotta. The latter is a small suite of intimate rooms arranged around a grotto and loggetta (covered balcony).

Part of the Palazzo today houses the Museo Civico del Palazzo Te, featuring a collection of Mesopotamian art.

For more detailed informations, see website