We drove from Torbole to just outside Mantova.( Mantua ) Stayed at a basic camperstop with a 15 min walk/ bike ride into this handsome mediaeval city, surrounded by man made lakes from the 12 century. Home of the Garzanga family, they built a huge castle and Palazzo between 15 and 18 Century, Palazzo had 200 rooms, only 50 open. ( fabulously wealthy family , secular ,interestingly enough, and as powerful as the Medicis in Florence
Wandered around Frederick 11 mistress ' Palazzo de Te on the outskirts ; the architect/ painter was Guilio Romano , Fall of the Giants , totally OTT , one of many rooms with floor to ceiling wall frescoes and we wandered around the castle, admiring the wall frescoes in the Camera del S'igny and the Palazzo , one can only shake ones head in disbelief at the wealth contained in several hundred rooms (with ornate ceilings and frescoes) and closed off to the public. Astrology big with the Garzanga family , Frederick being a Gemini , strong emphasis on Greek mythology too. Still humid and a mozzie filled night.
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