Mantova - Skyline

Founded in 2000 BC, Mantova was once an Etrusan village and is now the capital of Lombardy and a city with over 100,000 inhabitants. Surrounded on three sides by man-made lakes created in the 12th century, the world famous city also known as Mantua attracts visitors interested in seeing its art, architecture and history.

Close Up of the City of Mantova

GETTING TO MANTOVA

Visitors interested in getting to Mantova will be pleased to find that the city is easily accessible. There are trains from nearby cities like Cremona, Modena, and Verona as well as Firenze and Bologna. There is also an extensive bus network, both state and private, that connects the city to various other points in the region.

If travelling by car take the Milan-Venice A4 Highway to Verona and then take the A22 Highway into Mantova. The nearest airport to Mantova is Verona-Villafranca.

MOVING AROUND THE CITY

The fact that Mantova, spread over an area of 64 sq km, is not a very large city makes it ideal for tourists. The main monuments and sightseeing attractions are located in the center of the city so it is quite easy to visit them all on foot. Visitors can also use the local public buses or bicycles to get around.

Mantova - Tea Palace (Palazzo Te)

SIGHTSEEING IN MANTOVA

Palazzo Te

Mantova is known for its beautiful palaces, among them the impressive Palazzo Te or Tea Palace. The palazzo was designed by Giulio Romano in a Renaissance style and was the summer villa of Frederick II and the Gonzaga family. Today the palace is home to the city's Civic Museum, which features a large collection donated by Arnoldo Mondadori and Ugo Sissa.

The Ducal Palace

A collection of buildings built between the 14th and 17th centuries, the Ducal Palace was used by the Gonzaga family as their royal residence. The various buildings are connected by galleries and corridors and visitors can admire the various gardens and inner courts. With over 500 rooms in the complex there is much to see. One of the most famous aspects of the palace are the impressive frescoes in the Wedding Room.

Mantova - Duke's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

One of the most important religious monuments in the city is the Basilica of Saint Andrea, which was commissioned by a member of the Gonzaga family, Ludovico II. The construction of the church began in 1462 based on the designs of Leon Battista Alberti on a site of an old Benedictine monastery. The bell tower of the original monastery still remains.

Rotonda di San Lorenzo

Another important religious building in the city is Rotonda di San Lorenzo. It is the oldest church in the city and was built during the Canossa family's reign around the 11th century. The architecture and design was inspired by Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre and it was dedicated to Saint Lawrence.

The church features many ancient elements, such as a loggia for the female faithful known as a matronaeum. There are also many beautiful frescoes for visitors to see, most from the Byzantine school of the 11th and 12th centuries. The consutrction was completed in Lombard tradition, using two columns and details done in marble, many of which were taken from other ancient edifices.

STAY AND ACCOMODATION

Mantova attracts many tourists eager to see its beautiful architecture and various villas and palaces. The best accomodation can be found nearest the train station and visitors to the city have many options including hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in all price ranges. Take note that finding low rates during peak season is difficult. Some of the best known hotels in the city are the Rechigi Hotel, ABC Comfort Hotel, Alberghi Hotel Mantegna, Hotel Meuble, Hotel Broletto, Hotel Dante Residence and Albergo Bianci Stazione.

Mantova - The Passion Festival

EATING OUT 

In Mantova there are plenty of good restaurants and pizzerias to choose from. Those who prefer to sample traditional dishes and regional delicacies should try the osterias and trattorias in the city, which serve simple wholesome dishes at low prices. There are also many good cafes and pubs in the city that offer a selection of good quality local wines. Some of the best restaurants in the city are Ristorante Aquila Nigra, Osteria della Fragoleta, Ristorante Griffon Bianco, Trattoria Alla Nuova Marasca, Ristorante Occhina Bianca, Trattoria Due Cavallini and Trattoria Leoncino Rosso.

SHOPPING IN MANTOVA

Mantova has a few good shopping streets that are lined with stores selling clothes, bags, jewelry, and footwear. In the older section of the city there are many small traditional shops selling locally made artifacts, handicrafts and souvenirs. The food shops offer a good variety of cheeses and olive oil and there are also stores selling local wines.

The ancient city of Mantova is now a bustling capital full of ancient buildings, art, and culture, just waiting to be enjoyed by visitors.