The City of Mantua
Mantua, or Mantova, is a lovely city in northern Italy surrounded on three sides by artificial lakes created during the 12th century. It was one of the greatest Renaissance courts in Europe and home of the wealthy Gonzaga family. Under the Gonzagas, Mantua became one of the most important artistic, cultural, and musical centres of Northern Italy, known particularly for its architectural treasures, elegant palaces and Renaissance city scape.
Among them is the Palazzo Ducale, famous residence of the Gonzaga family, made up of a number of buildings, courtyards and gardens; the Palazzo Te (1525–1535), summer residential villa of Frederick II of Gonzaga, a creation of Giulio Romano in the high Renaissance and Mannerism style; and the unique bell-shaped Scientific Theatre designed by Antonio Bibbiena in 1767-69.
The Gonzagas protected the arts and culture, and were hosts to several important artists such as Leone Battista Alberti, Andrea Mantegna, Giulio Romano, Donatello, Peter Paul Rubens, Pisanello, and composers such as Claudio Monteverdi.
PalazzoTe Amore e Psiche
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Palazzo Te Sala Dei Giganti
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