This post is also available in: 
Italiano (Italian)
Hall of Horses
Hall of Horses at Palazzo Te, in Mantua
Our journey into the world of horses and their elegance stops in Mantua, Italy, to visit with you the Hall of Horses at Palazzo Te.
Palazzo Te was built between 1524 and 1534 on a commission from Federico II Gonzaga in a marshy and lake area that the Gonzagas had reclaimed and that Francesco II, a great lover of horses, chose it as a training place for his precious horses.
Today Palazzo Te is…
Today Palazzo Te is an International Center of Art and Culture which organizes exhibitions of ancient and modern art but we invite you to visit the Hall of Horses, intended for the reception of guests and the most important ceremonies.
The Hall of Horses…
The Hall of Horses, probably built between 1526 and 1528, takes its name of the superb horses painted in the lower part of the frescoed walls.
Federico, like his father and his ancestors, raised horses in the famous Gonzaga stables and held them in high esteem with the highest tribute he could reserve to a friend or illustrious guest.
Today…
Today two of the six painted horses have still written their name below: Morel Favorito, the gray horse of the south wall, and Dario, the lighter steed of the north wall.
The horses, which stand out against the backdrop of landscapes, dominate a grandiose architecture painted on the walls, dotted with pilasters and Corinthian niches which host statues of divinities and, above the windows, busts of characters.
The upper part…
The upper part of the span of the Hall of Horses is characterized by fake bronze bas-reliefs that tell of the labors of Hercules and the frieze that runs towards the top of the walls, at the corner of which four eagles are depicted, is populated with putti and puttine that they move between rounds and colored masks.
Finally…
Finally, the ceiling, in gilded wood on a blue background, encloses the most recurrent rosettes and feats of the building in the coffered ceiling: those of Ramarro and Mount Olympus.
And now…
Our advice for those who love horses
Club Cavallo Italia Shop
We invite you to visit our online shop with the best of Made in Italy dedicated to horses and their elegance.
Jewels, bracelets, leather goods, watches, horses in Murano glass… and the Exclusive Services reserved for our Customers.
Club Cavallo Italia Friends
If you too love horses and their elegance as we love them, visit the Club Cavallo Italia Friends page and become one of our
Club Cavallo Italia Friends is a community, a tribe, the group of people from all over the world who love the horse, even without owning it.
Become a Friend of Club Cavallo Italia here and you will have exclusive privileges, including the lifetime discount in our online shop. Your presence will be particularly appreciated.
Thank you
Just a moment, please
Discover our tips for the most beautiful rides with your horse in this section and if you enjoyed reading Hall of Horses, send the page link to those who will appreciate it, we will be very happy and if you want to write us: customercare@clubcavalloitalia.it
We always answer.
Thanks again and see you soon