Villa Giraffa, Goito

Villa Giraffa is a rural palace located on the banks of the Mincio River, near the town of Goito, province of Mantua, Lombardy, Italy. It was initially remodeled in the 15th century as a villa by the ruling Gonzaga family.

History

While the villa has Renaissance-style elements, it also incorporates styles from various refurbishments over the centuries.. The villa is named after a twentieth century Giraffe statue in one of the courtyards. Isabella d'Este, wife of the Marquis Francesco II Gonzaga, donated the villa to the Capuchin order, wherein they established a monastery. The monks were expelled by the Napoleonic government, and the buildings were made into a military hospital. Later the building was used as an inn and a school.^[1] Presently the site and gardens is not in use and pending restoration.^[2]

References

^ Marco Dallabella, Itinerari goitesi: quattro percorsi fra storia, arte e natura, Mantova, 2007.
^ Studio Feiffer-Raimondi: Proposed renovation of site.

45°15′10″N 10°40′32″E / 45.25286°N 10.67562°E / 45.25286; 10.67562

[1] Marco Dallabella, Itinerari goitesi: quattro percorsi fra storia, arte e natura, Mantova, 2007.

[2] Studio Feiffer-Raimondi: Proposed renovation of site.

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