Palazzo Te Mantova - Tour with Guide Tiziana Portioli
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Artistic hub in Mantua, that deserves to be suitably explained is Palazzo Te, a suburban villa devoted to the pleasures of leisure. Architect Giulio Romano, as the heir of his great master Raphael, is called from Rome to build and decorate this Renaissance villa between 1525 and 1535, inspired by ancient Roman villas.
Palazzo Te is an exemplary model of the Mannerist style as about architecture and an outstanding example of 16th century Italian painting. The name of the building derives from that of the place where it was built: the “island of Tejeto”, abbreviated as “Te”, where mantuan Lords held the ducal stables for the breeding of famous Gonzaga thoroughbred trained for battlefields and tournaments.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
What To Expect
The interior contrasts with the sober exterior for a cycle of frescoes very amazing, inspired by the mythological fables of Ovid and Apuleius, the result of ingenious imagination of Giulio Romano. Among the most evocative rooms in which to focus our attention on: the Hall of Sun, the Hall of Horses and the Hall of Cupid and Psyche to conclude with the most unexpected, the Hall of Giants, where the Titans who rebel against Zeus have to suffer its terrible anger. The impression is that of a giant cartoon full of bright colours! Palazzo Te was first the alcove of love devoted to the “Favorita of the Prince”, Isabella Boschetti, for a sensual love affair surrounded by green woods and refreshed by waters; later it also became a luxury palace of representation, consecrated to guests of rank as the Emperor Charles V of Habsburg crowning Frederick, as the First Duke of the Gonzaga dynasty in 1530.
Options
In-depth Guided Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Classic Guided Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
What‘s Included
Private tour
Professional guides
Admission tickets : €.15 adults, €.11 over 65, €.7 students, family ticket €.40
Private transportation
Palace Te Museum Admittance
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
69 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Palazzo Te has many rooms...
Peter M,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Palazzo Te has many rooms displaying an overwhelming amount of art. Tiziana guided me through the Palazzo pointing out not only the art but the key features and their significance expressed through the symbols and their political meaning within the art. This enabled me to understand and appreciate the context and significance of the art and how it reflects the time in which it was created. Her knowledge is extensive on Palazzo Te but also on the links between Palazzo Te and the Renaissance in Northern Italy at the time and thus provided a picture of the social and political environment in which the Gonzaga family lived and the creation of the Palazzo. Tiziana speaks good English, is a clear communicator and was generous with her time. I would recommend Tiziana for anyone wanting to have an enhanced appreciation of Palazzo Te.
At the court of the Gonzagas overwhelmed by beauty
X1394XNclaudiom,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0050& More Arezzo visiting Mantua and Sabbioneta, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 October 2023. "At Gonzaga Court" Overwhelmed by so much beauty. Members were able to admire masterpieces in Sabbioneta such as: Gallery of the Ancients, Piazza Ducale, heart of Sabbioneta and The wooden theater, hidden pearl of the town, strongly desired by Vespasiano Gonzaga. In Mantua:, the visit continued to Palazzo Ducale, with the wonderful Camera degli Sposi and Palazzo Te, among the bizarre and unusual wonders made by the brilliant Giulio Romano. The group 50 & More did not miss the visit to the Basilica of Sant'Andrea , Piazza delle Erbe and the wonderful Scientific Theatre of Bibiena . Guided by the professionalism and expertise of Tiziana Portioli and Liliana De Cao , the 50 & More group from Arezzo completed the experience in the land of Gonzaga, tasting many of the most representative dishes of the local tradition.
Te palace is the place to see
IgnaciousB,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide (Tiziana) was excellent. Knowledgable with a deep understanding of the palace, its art, architecture and history. A well laid out tour. Easy communication. Highly recommended.
The guide that makes the difference
Carla P,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The visit to Palazzo Tè was really wonderful but the real added value was the guide, absolutely extraordinary! With competence and passion he transformed each room into a living and fascinating story, letting me fully enter the creative universe of Giulio Romano. The frescoes, symbols and stories of the palace have come to life thanks to clear explanations, full of curiosity and never boring. Engaging experience, exciting and truly unforgettable. I highly recommend a visit with Mrs. Tiziana: with such a guide Palazzo Tè has become pure magic. Also worth visiting are the Secret Garden and the cave and Isaac Julien's exhibition "All that changes you.Metamorphosis", an immersive experience of great visual and conceptual power, in preparation until May..The video installations, very refined, wrap the viewer in a narrative that interweaves memory, identity and history using a contemporary language that invites contemplation and reflection.
Great!
Francesca C,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tiziana was an extremely prepared guide, she guided us in the beauties of Mantua and the masterpieces of Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te
Exciting visit
H2991IXfrancoc,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The visit of the palace was beautiful. Mrs. Tiziana, among other things with a beautiful tone of voice, made us fall in love with the works kept here but also with the history of this paradise of pleasures of Federico II Gonzaga. We absolutely recommend the guided tour. Thanks again Tiziana.
Interesting guided tour
944daniap,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide prepared, available and very clear in the exposition. The contents were very interesting and captivating. It is worth it
Guided tour of Palazzo Te
T9953CKmauror,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guided tour of Palazzo Te was an unforgettable experience, made really special thanks to our guide. From the very first moment you could feel his great competence and passion for the art and history of Mantua. He was able to explain in a simple but in-depth way the hidden meanings of the decorations of Giulio Romano and his pupils, interweaving historical anecdotes and curiosities that made the visit alive and engaging. The visit was well organized with perfect timing and a language suitable even (like me) for less art savvy. I recommend choosing the guided tour because it allows you to grasp aspects that would otherwise go unnoticed. Thank you so much Tiziana!!
Palazzo Te: highly recommend
Edoardo G,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Very enthusiastic and prepared guide. He enhanced the place. Would highly recommend
Beautiful palace with fabulous decorations!
Franswa61,Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A real pictorial delirium, a great journey in art and architecture in a green setting!!! Everything is BEAUTIFUL!!! One never tires of walking from room to room more baroque than the other in a beautiful journey of eyes and heart.
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Operated by Tiziana Portioli