Exterior of Palace Te

When approaching the Palazzo the first thing that becomes visible at a distance is a low building with a light colour. Getting closer the visitor will then make out openings, windows, frames, and more in general, decorative elements that cover every facade. The genius of the painter and architect Giulio Romano, favourite pupil of Raphael, who arrived in Mantua in 1524, consists in mixing and innovating different styles from ancient buildings. His friendship with the Marquis Federico Gonzaga lead to the development of various projects and to the idea of creating a magnificent building intended for idleness and pleasure, where parties could be held, and that in general would have celebrated victorious battles and been a tribute to the ancient Rome they both descended from. Federico Gonzaga had in fact been kept prisoner inside the papal residence as a child, and had the opportunity to come into contact with the genius of Raphael, whose paintings adorned the walls of this residence, and where he is also very probably depicted.