Founded in 2000 BC, was once an Etruscan village听and is now capital of the province with the same name. It is a relatively large town of 100,000 in the region of Lombardia.听听Surrounded on three sides by man-made lakes created in the 12th century, this听world-famous city, known in English as Mantua, attracts visitors interested in art, architecture and history.
Entrance gate to a house in MantovaPh. depositphoto.com/gkordus
SIGHTSEEING IN MANTOVA
Palazzo T猫
Mantova is known for its beautiful palaces, among听them the impressive听听or Tea Palace. The palazzo was听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听features a large collection donated by Arnoldo Mondadori and Ugo Sissa.
Mantova – Tea Palace (Palazzo T猫), Summer house of Frederick IIPh. depositphoto.com/citylights
Palazzo Ducale
A collection of buildings built between the 14th and 17th centuries, the Ducal Palace was used by the Gonzaga family as their main听residence. All听buildings are connected by galleries and corridors and visitors can admire the various gardens and inner courts, too.听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听Sala Degli Sposi.
Mantova – Duke’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)Basilica di听Sant’Andrea
One of the most important religious monuments in the city is the Basilica di听Sant’听Andrea, which听was commissioned by a member of the Gonzaga family, Ludovico II. The construction of the church began in 1462,听based on the designs of Leon Battista Alberti, on the听site of an old Benedictine monastery. The bell tower of the original monastery still remains.
Mantova – SkylinePh. depositphoto.com/C_Palazzini
Rotonda di San Lorenzo
Another important religious building in the city is the . 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听was inspired by Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre and it听was dedicated to Saint Lawrence.
The church features many ancient elements, such as a loggia for the female faithful, known as听matronaeum. There are also many beautiful frescoes, most from the Byzantine school of the 11th and 12th centuries. The construction was completed in Lombard tradition, using two columns and details done in marble, many of which were taken from other ancient edifices.
Canal in MantovaPh. depositphoto.com/karkozphoto
Piazza Sordello
Piazza Sordello is the main square in town. For centuries,听it has been the heart of the artistic and cultural life in Mantova. Around it, you can find the cathedral, Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Acerbi and the Torre della Guardia, as well as the听Bishop’s seat. Mosaics and ruins of a Roman domus were discovered here in 2006.
Getting to Mantova听
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,听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.
Piazza Sordello, MantovaPh. depositphoto.com/olgysha
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,听so it is quite easy to visit them all on foot. Visitors can also use the local public buses or bicycles to get around.
Stay and Accomodation
Mantova attracts many tourists eager to see its beautiful architecture and various villas and palaces. The best accomodation can be found near听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 , , , , and .
Eating Out听
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 caf茅s and pubs听that offer a selection of good quality local wines. Some of the best restaurants are Ristorante Aquila Nigra, Osteria della Fragoleta, Ristorante Griffon Bianco, Trattoria Alla Nuova Marasca, , Trattoria Due Cavallini and Trattoria Leoncino Rosso.
Shopping in Mantova
Mantova has a few good shopping streets听that are lined with stores selling clothes, bags, jewelry, and footwear. In the older section of听town, there are many small traditional shops selling locally made artifacts, handicrafts and souvenirs. Food shops听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.
