Mantua is the Italian Capital of Culture in 2016. This slogan greeted us in a town on the banks of the Mincio River, which, although it belongs to the Lombardy region, reminded me of Veneto. From Venice there is water, surrounding Mantua on almost all sides, and from the homeland of selfless Shakespearean lovers - Verona - romance. After all, there are our own Romeo and Juliet, who lived in the Neolithic Age...
However, Mantua was once very similar to Venice, since it stood entirely on the water, and there were canals inside the city. However, constant floods destroyed the city, and one of the four lakes surrounding it was drained. Due to the high humidity, Mantua is still enveloped in impenetrable fog in the mornings.
“Don’t worry, the sun comes out around 11-12,” the girl at the hotel reception assured us in an accent that was unfamiliar to my ear. And so it happened. By noon, the sun began to shine through the gray sky: the Carrara marble from which the facade of the Mantua Cathedral is made shone as if it had been thoroughly cleaned, tourists poured into the main square, and the feathered inhabitants of Mantua appeared by the lake.
Move to the opposite bank of the river from the center to see the city's outline.
Te Palace
Almost all the attractions of Mantua are concentrated in one place. So, if you stand next to one of them, you will see another not far away. The only thing that stands apart is the Te Palace (Palazzo Te) - a huge villa made in the Mannerist style.
To a person who knows Italian, it may seem that the name of Palazzo Te in Mantua is somehow connected with tea ( te- "tea"). But that's not true. Just a few centuries ago there was a small river island of Teyeto on this site. The palace got its name from him. Having served as a country house for the festive receptions of Prince Federico II of Gonzaga, Palazzo Te is now a museum. Ticket price is 12 euros, for children over 11 years old and students – 4 euros.
Eagle Gate
Before approaching Te Palace, you will probably notice two arches with eagles perched on top of them. This is the Eagle Gate (Portali delle Aquile), which was designed by the Bolognese architect Giovanni A. Antolini at the beginning of the 19th century. But the birds of prey were “seated” on them by Veronese resident Gaetano Muttoni.
The price for parking in Mantua is 1 euro per hour. If you want to park for the whole day, then choose the giornalier tariff o – 5 euros. There is free parking opposite the Science Park.
Grass area
Almost every Italian city has (or had) a so-called “grass square” - Piazza delle Erbe. This is the square where spices, vegetables, and fruits were once traded (hence erbe) and not only. In Mantua, on Piazza delle Erbe and its neighboring Piazza Mantegna, several monuments are concentrated:
- Palace of the Mind(Palazzo della Ragione) with the clock tower Torre dell’Orologio - the place where ten centuries ago the elders of the city gathered to resolve disputes between its inhabitants. A tower with a huge clock, which, by the way, still works properly - showing the time, month and phases of the moon - appeared next to the Palace in the 15th century.
The ground floor of the Palazzo itself now houses restaurants. Closer to lunch, their employees begin to offer discount coupons to passers-by, but, as practice shows, the best Italian restaurants are always well hidden from view. Below I will tell you where to eat in Mantua.
- Rotunda of St. Lawrence(Rotonda di San Lorenzo) is one of the most ancient attractions of Mantua. A round church appeared on this site in 1083, but it is believed that some parts of it existed as early as the 4th century. One way or another, for a long time the Rotunda remained the main city church, until one of the Dukes of Gonzaga decided to close it in the 16th century. Abandoned and almost destroyed, it stood until the 1900s, when it was finally restored and reopened for church services.
- Basilica of St. Andrew(Basilica di Sant "Andrea) is an unusually large church for such a small town. Large not only because of its size, but also because of its purpose: it contains a vessel with the blood of Christ! They say that it was brought here by a Roman guard who pierced with a spear the side of the crucified Christ - Longinus the Centurion Later, Longinus and other soldiers remained to guard the tomb of the Savior and saw with their own eyes how he was resurrected, from that moment believing in God.
Sordello Square
Despite the significance of the Basilica of St. Andrew in the Christian religion, another temple was chosen as the Cathedral of Mantua. The Duomo (as the Italians call the main city churches) - Duomo di Mantova - stands on Piazza Sordello.
The cathedral building is a hodgepodge. This is explained by the fact that the church was rebuilt more than once, elements were added to it, which (naturally) were performed in the style popular at that time. The facade of the basilica is made of Carrara marble - one of the most valuable in the world. By the way, I once visited the mountains where it is mined, and I will definitely tell you about it!
On Sunday, opposite the Mantua Cathedral, you will find a flea market. If you like things with history, there is something to buy here: bags, jewelry, coffee sets... But even if you are not going to buy anything, you can just feel nostalgic. For example, I found a 200-ruble bill from my childhood
Piazza Sordello got its name thanks to the sly man who was born here. The poet and musician Sordello kidnapped the wife of the ruler of Verona and hid with her in France. However, she was not against it and was generally famous for her debauchery. Other troubadours composed songs about the story of this couple, and Dante placed the character of Sordello in his “Divine Comedy.”
Ducal Palace
In addition to the Duomo, in Piazza Sordello you will see the Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale). As you already understood, the Dukes of Mantua bore the surname Gonzaga. Apparently, they loved to show off their wealth if they built themselves a residence of 34 thousand square meters, which in its wealth can only compete with the Vatican.
Nowadays, the huge Mantuan palace houses a complex of museums. If you want to make the most of your trip, purchase a Mantova Card for 20 euros. Its price includes a visit to the Palazzo Ducale complex (if you buy a ticket separately, it will cost 12 euros), a visit to the already mentioned Palace of the Mind and the Palazzo Te and several other objects in Mantua and the nearby city of Sabbioneta. This card is valid for 72 hours – enough to see both cities.
Lovers of Mantua
Unlike Romeo and Juliet, whose real existence there is no evidence, the lovers of Mantua (Amanti di Mantova) are the most real. At least they were like that 6000 years ago. Two skeletons, male and female, hugging, were found in 2007 in Valdaro, a neighborhood of Mantua. At the time of burial, the guy was 18-22 years old, the girl was 16-20.
House of Rigoletto
I'm a jester, I'm... Rigoletto! The house of the court jester Rigoletto is nothing more than a tourist attraction. Well, sort of like Juliet’s balcony in Verona or Columbus’s house in Genoa. Rigoletto is a character from the opera of the same name by Giuseppe Verdi. He is the prototype of the real-life jester Triboulet, who amused the French king Francis I, which means he lived in France! The play “The King Amuses himself” was written by Victor Hugo about these two historical characters, but for some reason censorship did not allow them to be used in an opera based on the play. Therefore, the French king, unexpectedly for everyone, turned into the Duke of Mantua, also not a saint, and the jester Triboulet - into Rigoletto.
The story is kind of completely sad, despite the fact that its main character is a buffoon. In short, there lived a depraved duke in Mantua, and his jester, knowing about the master’s preferences, carefully hid his daughter Gilda from him. But, apparently, he didn’t hide it very well... Gilda still met the handsome Duke, disguised as a student, and even succumbed to his sweet promises. Rigoletto, having learned about everything, decided to take revenge for his daughter’s shame and hired a killer to protect him. Only the poor fellow did not take into account the fact that Gilda was in love with the Duke. She decided to sacrifice herself to save his life. The girl dressed up in men's clothes, and the mercenary killed her, and brought the corpse in a bag to Rigoletto... Now in Rigoletto's house there is a tourist office where you can get a map of the city. And in its courtyard there is a statue of a sad jester.
Virgil Square
Let's start with the fact that Virgil, also known as the “Swan of Mantua,” was an ancient Roman poet. In his hometown - Mantua - there is a square named after him - Piazza Virgiliana. During the reign of Gonzaga, and this is the 14th-18th centuries, there was a small port on this site. Now it is a park, decorated with a monument made of Carrara marble, already familiar to us.
Many streets and squares in Mantua are paved with stones - put away your beautiful stilettos while traveling
Church of the Madonna earthquake
I agree, this is an unusual name for a church. This is explained by the fact that an earthquake actually occurred in Mantua in 1693. The townspeople, feeling the tremors, began to ask the Mother of God for protection, and it seems that she heard them. The tremors stopped, and in 1754 the Church of the Earthquake Madonna (Chiesa della Madonna del Terremoto) appeared on Piazza Canossa.
LocksaintGeorge
The Castle of St. George (Castello di San Giorgio), built at the beginning of the 15th century, is part of the same Ducal Palace. But I suggest you go around the already familiar Piazza Sordello with its attractions and go beyond the historical center of Mantua, to the Mincio River. From this angle, the castle seems simply huge.
It is a pity that we were not able to see its main asset - the Marriage Room (Camera degli sposi) - they were not allowed there with a dog. The artist Andrea Mantegna painted the walls and ceiling of this room, which glorified his name for centuries. Still would! At that time, people had no idea what 3D was. Here is a picture from the Internet so that you understand what the Marriage Room looks like.
A parkSciences
Along the Mincio promenade there is a place where you can walk and study at the same time - Science Park (Parco della Scienza). Toddlers and adults can communicate with their echo through a long tube, watch how several lines "turn" into a triangle when viewed from the right angle, and look for different profiles in the same picture. For example, what did you see in these images?
An elderly man and two lovers hid in the first, and a young girl and an old woman hid in the second. Were you able to see it? Write in the comments!
What and where to eat in Mantua?
As promised, I’m revealing the secrets of where you can eat delicious food in the city of Mantua. Restaurant Gialо Zucca (rating 4.5/5 on Google) is located at Corte dei Sogliari, 4. The name, apparently, is associated with the favorite literary genre of the owner of the establishment - “giallo” in Italy is the name for detectives, and there are a lot of them in the establishment. And “zucca” - that is, pumpkin - is here, most likely, because the inhabitants of Mantua use this vegetable in local cuisine.
Lunch or dinner at Giallo Zucca will cost you 30-40 euros, if you take the first, second and dessert. Add to this the service fee - coperto– 2.50 euros per person. The menu here changes every month, but there are always traditional Mantuan dishes. Such as, tortellidizuccaalburrosalviaegranapadano– dumplings with pumpkin, butter, sage and local Grana Padano cheese. Or crumbly pie sbrisolona
Mantua amazes with its calm and equanimity. In the morning the city is covered with a foggy haze, but this not only does not spoil it, but also gives it charm. And it gives peace to passers-by. If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation and the tigers are scratching at your soul, just come here for a week or two. It will cost less than going to a psychotherapist, believe me
+617Mantua(Italian: Mantova) is a city sung by many famous poets and writers. Virgil and Charles Baudelaire, Dante and Charles Dickens admired its romantic atmosphere, ancient monuments, the calm waters of the Mincio River and surrounding lakes and the sincerity and goodwill of the local people.
First the land of the Etruscans, then the stronghold of the ancient Romans, Mantua has undergone great changes over time. In the twelfth century, in order to provide the city with water, four artificial lakes were created around the city, fed by the Mincio River, which turned Mantua into an island city.
In the seventeenth century, due to constant floods, the outskirts of Mantua gradually turned into swamps. To rebuild the city, one of the lakes was drained, leaving Mantua surrounded by water on only three sides. Lotus flowers, characteristic of the East, were planted in Lake Superior; here they found suitable habitat and quickly filled the lake. And Lake Mezzo and the Lower Lake are overgrown with water chestnuts, in the shade of which many tourists and locals still rest, watching the calmness of the water surface.
Mantua is the capital of the province of the same name in the Southeast and has approximately 55,000 inhabitants. Mantua is not at all like a metropolis, overflowing with bustle and noise. The city seems to have captured for centuries the austere character that a military fortified city was supposed to have (Mantua was one for almost two centuries).
The symbol of Mantua is the solemn tranquility of the nature that surrounds it. This is a city that you immediately like: the streets here are generally large, spacious, always clean and tidy, and the buildings are usually not too tall, simple, elegant and well-kept.
Walking around the city and stopping from time to time to look around, you can notice thousands of details that make this city so hospitable. The heaviness of the Roman ruins, the superb grandeur of the Renaissance buildings, the echoes of the power of Bonacolsi and the splendor of Gonzaga, are “softened” by the Benedictine churches and quiet cozy alleys of the periphery, which fascinate the visitor, especially in the morning hours.
Mantua
Mantua is a city that you will fall in love with at first sight, quiet and peaceful, which always has something to offer the visitor and where you always want to return.
How to get to Mantua
By plane
The closest airports to Mantova are:
Mantua - Monselice - Padua
By bus
Mantua can be reached by one of the intercity buses from the main cities of Italy.
On a ferryboat
Mantua can also be reached by water, across the Mincio River. The service is provided by Motonavi Andes agency.
Where to stay in Mantua
In addition to all of the above, we recommend visiting the Palazzo d'Arco, located on the square of the same name, the Palazzo San Sebastiano, the residence of Francesco II Gonzaga, where today the city museum is located, the churches of San Francesco, St. Barnabas and San Sebastiano (Famedio) and the ancient towers of the city.
What to try in Mantua
The city of Gonzaga is famous not only for its artistic beauty and natural landscapes, but also for its amazingly delicious food and fine wines.
Below you will find a list of dishes that you really must try if you travel to the only province in all of Italy that produces both Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Pork is the undisputed “star” among local “antipasti”, i.e. meat snacks. Be sure to try the Mantua salami with allspice and garlic, as well as the Spella Cotta. A note for gourmets: if you love meat and are close to the Sabbioneta quarter, the Corte Bondeno restaurant will offer you such a selection of meat dishes that you will simply be left speechless.
As we have already noted, Mantua is the only city in Italy where Grana Padano and Parmigiano are produced simultaneously: enjoy these cheeses accompanied by Mostarda di Mele mustard, which is prepared according to the ancient Gonzaga recipe only here.
"Mostarda di mele." Photo robysushi.com
FIRST MEAL:
It goes without saying that when you're in Mantua you "must" eat a plate of handmade pumpkin ravioli. Although this is a traditional Christmas Eve dish, you can find them any day of the year at any restaurant or tavern in town.
Two other dishes not to be missed are the pork-filled agnoli, usually served in broth, and the risotto alla pilota with pesto and sausages.
SECOND COURSES:
What to eat for main course? The best choice is the donkey stew "Stracotto d'azino".
Donkey stew is typically served with soft polenta or as a pasta sauce. The stew is made after marinating the donkey meat for a long time in Lambrusco and boiling until the meat is so soft that it can be eaten without using a knife, in general, until it becomes "stracotto", "overcooked".
Seafood lovers can choose from lake fish; we recommend trying pike with sauce.
The most famous sweet dish in Manua is "Sbrisolona": a dessert made with corn flour, almonds and butter. Yes, a little high in calories, but too tasty to deprive yourself of it!
Try the Helvetia cake, which, although not considered a traditional dessert of Mantua, has been prepared here since 1700.
Holidays in Mantua and the provinces
February
Mantua, like many cities in Italy, celebrates Carnival: on this day, “gnocchi” and carnival sweets are distributed in many provincial towns. And in the city of Castel d'Ario they organize a big spaghettata lunch.
March, April
Easter in Mantua is celebrated with a procession in historical costumes. Don't miss the traditional Easter celebrations in the town of Schivenoglia.
Roncoferraro Rodigo celebrates the patron saint of San Bernardino.
June
In June, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is celebrated in Viadana and the traditional rice festival in the town of Villimpenta.
July
The most popular events of the month are the fair of Vadana and the feast of the patron saint of Governolo, which is accompanied by a huge food fair where you can enjoy many good local dishes such as risotto, sausages, polenta and fish.
August
In August, the festival "sacro e profano" is held in Curtatone and a unique celebration-reconstruction of "playing "live" chess" in Ponti sul Mincio. The city of Mantua also hosts an August fair, during which dozens of artists from around the world decorate the asphalt, turning the square into a huge work of art. The event is called "Concordo Madonnari".
"Concordo Madonnari". Photo flickr.com
September
Events in September include the city's Grape Festival, as well as the Gonzaga Millennial Fair, with performances, food and wine, which has been repeated annually since 1640.
November
Don't miss the Feast of Our Lady of Dosso in Casalmoro, a holiday that is also known as the Chicken Festival.
The grandiose architectural complex of Palazzo Ducale, or Ducal Palace, is one of the largest in Europe. It was built as the residence of the rulers of Mantua. All buildings included in the palace complex are interconnected by numerous galleries and decorated with picturesque gardens and courtyards.
The oldest parts of the palace were built at the end of the 13th century - it was then that the Palazzo del Capitano and the “Great House” were erected by order of the captain of the people Guido Bonacolsi. These two buildings form the so-called “Old Courtyard”. Some time later, between 1395 and 1406, the architect Bartolino da Novara built nearby the Castle of St. George, which from the mid-15th century became the residence of the family of Lodovico II Gonzaga (Duke of Nevers).
In the north-eastern tower there is the famous "Marriage Room", which was painted with frescoes in 1465-1474. On the ground floor there is also the first office and the first "grotto (personal apartment) of the wife of Francesco II Gonzaga - Isabella d'Este. In 1480-1484, the "new courtyard" was built, the author of the project was the architect Luca Fancelli. The "new courtyard" included The Ducal Apartments, which were later enlarged and decorated.At the end of the 16th century, the Church of St. Barbara was built in the palace.The palace remained home to the family of the Dukes of Gonzaga for several centuries - from 1328 to 1707.
Palace of the Mind (Palazzo della Ragione)
The Palace of Reason (Palazzo della Ragione) was built in the 13th century and until 1797 was the venue for the city's courts. The largest medieval building amazes with its architectural boldness and working solar calendar clock. The palace hall has an almost rectangular shape, more than 80 meters long and 27 meters wide, the height of Palazzo della Ragione is 24 meters.
The building is arched, its huge roof is supported by columns, and an open loggia surrounds the upper tier. The Palace of the Mind is one of the largest astrological monuments of the Middle Ages. It is assumed that the frescoes were the design of the Paduan astrologer and physician Pietro d'Abano, performed by Giotto. But in 1420, during a fire, the works were severely damaged. Venetian architects restored a cycle of frescoes consisting of 333 squares, which are located on several floors.
Today we can come to Mantua to Piazza delle Ebre to see one of the most beautiful palaces in Italy, frescoes on astronomical themes, and visit the lively market, which is divided into a square of herbs and fruits. On the ground floor of Palazzo della Ragione there are a huge number of shops and the best wine.
What sights of Mantua did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Fashion District Outlet
The Fashion District outlet in Mantua, opened in 2003, houses the most famous brands, sold at attractive discounts of 30 to 80 percent. Here you can buy clothes, shoes, jewelry, bags, household goods and other things and items. The outlet was built under the influence of the Renaissance and occupies an area of 33,000 square meters, which houses more than 100 different stores.
On the first day of sales, a huge line of cars lined up near the outlet who came here for shopping. These days, no one really leaves without shopping. Here you can buy boots for 60 euros, stylish leather bags from famous brands for 30 euros, Dolce Gabanna shoes for 50 euros, a silk dress from Guy Mattiolo for 70 euros and many other profitable and high-quality items.
Mantua Cathedral has a long history. The first building in its place was built in the era of early Christianity. It did not survive; at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries it was restored and reconstructed. It was at this time that the cathedral had a red stone bell tower and a wonderful, magnificently beautiful classical Gothic façade.
In the 16th century, the building was damaged by fire and again underwent reconstruction. And even later, in the 18th century, the original facade of multi-colored marble was somewhat modified in the Romanesque style and replaced with white marble.
The inside of the cathedral is as beautiful as the outside. It contains a valuable altarpiece by Paolo Farinati, one of the most important painters of Italy in the 16th century. And the interior is decorated with works by famous artists of Mantua.
Bibiena Theater
One of the main attractions of Mantua is the Teatro Academica Bibiena, founded in the 18th century. The creator of this magnificent building was the artist F.G. Bibiena, who was a representative of a famous family of architects and theater decorators. Their "signature" style was the use of "visual deception" techniques and spatial illusion, creating a stunning effect.
The construction of the theater in Mantua took place over two years - in 1767-1769. The building was made in the Baroque style. The interior has four tiers of semicircular boxes that border several columns. The grand opening of the theater took place on December 3, 1769. On this day, Luigi Gatti's work "Virgil and Manto" was staged on the theater stage. The second name of the Bibien Theater is “Scientific Theater”. It is due to the fact that in addition to performances, various meetings, debates and other scientific events were planned to be held here. All this was fully consistent with the educational trends of the era.
A few weeks after the opening, on January 16, 1770, young Mozart, who was then 14 years old, gave a concert in the theater. At the end of the performance, the hall and the theater building were highly praised by the father of the brilliant composer and musician.
The façade of the building acquired its modern neoclassical appearance somewhat later. It was created in 1775 according to the design of the famous architect Giuseppe Piermarini.
The theater is located near the Palazzo Ducale complex.
Church of San Andrea
The Church of St. Andrew the Apostle is the largest in Mantua. It was partially erected in the Middle Ages, but remained unfinished for a long time.
The Church of Sant'Andrea in Mantua became one of the most important buildings of the famous architect and scientist Leon Battista Alberti in Northern Italy. The architect tried in his creation to combine the traditional basilica form of the temple, which is characterized by a large dome. This largest of Alberti's projects was completed already in the 18th century by Filippo Juvarra. Despite the fact that the church was built after the death of its creator, it was in it that Alberti’s original plan was largely preserved than in his other buildings. The facade of the church looks majestic, vaguely reminiscent of a triumphal arch. The interior decoration, interior decor, decoration of both orders - all this is fully consistent with the spirit of High Renaissance architecture.
Palazzo Te
The country palace Palazzo Te is the brightest representative of the Mannerist era. The palace was built by order of the Marquis of Mantua Federico II Gonzaga, under the leadership of a specially invited Roman architect Giulio Romano, who brought to life all his genius and imagination. Romano had no restrictions in terms of financing, and therefore his masterpiece was built in just a year and a half.
The interior of Palazzo Te is decorated with beautiful frescoes, the main one of which belongs to the hand of Romano himself. His image of Jupiter smashing giants with lightning completely covers the surface of the square “Hall of Giants” with a dome on the ceiling.
Unfortunately, the entire contents of the palace were destroyed by the Austrians in 1630. Since then, the palace was often used as a barracks, which did not have the best effect on the condition of the interiors of many halls.
House of Rigoletto
The action of Verdi's famous opera takes place in Mantua, but its main character - the jester Rigoletto - never actually existed. But it's probably not that important. Finding yourself directly in the center of even operatic, and not entirely historically accurate events, it is pleasant to merge with history with the help of such markers as Rigoletto’s house.
The fake home of the legendary jester is located opposite the Ducal Palace not far from the Cathedral. In the courtyard of this modest 15th-century building stands a statue of Rigoletto, a reminder that Italy is a temperamental and musical country, impossible without art.
The most popular attractions in Mantua with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Mantua on our website.
Mantova is the central city of the province of the same name in the region (Lombardia), located on the Mincio River.
The city attracts travelers as the birthplace of the great ancient poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), as well as the city where the artist Pieter Paul Rubens began his path to greatness at the court of the Gonzaga family.
In prehistoric times, Etruscan and Gallic tribes lived in the province of Mantua. After 220 BC the settlement became part of.
The city was built in the Middle Ages as an impregnable fortress, which had a quadrangular shape with towers at the corners, surrounded by river waters, lakes and swamps. Since the 11th century, the lands belonged to Boniface III of Tuscany (Bonifacio III di Canossa). In 1167 the city acquired the status of a republic and joined the union of free cities of Lombardy. From 1269 to 1328, the Bonacolsi family seized control of Mantua. It was during this period that many buildings appeared that are now the decoration of the city. Since 1328, the city was ruled by representatives of the Gonzaga family, who were famous art connoisseurs and patrons of the arts.
Since 1708, the territory passed to the Habsburg family. During the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleone Buonaparte) from 1810 to 1814, Mantua belonged to France (France), and from 1814 to 1866 - to Austria (Österreich). Only in 1866 the city returned to the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana).
Attractions
The historic quarters of Mantua have been protected by UNESCO as a monument of art (Rinascimento) since 2008. There are many ancient cultural and educational buildings in Mantua, two of the most famous are:
- Virgilian Academy (accademia di Virgilio), which still occupies pride of place in the ranking of educational institutions in Europe (L’europa);
- City Library, founded in 1780 by order of Maria Theresia of Austria;
The theater, designed by Antonio Bibiena and ordered by Maria Theresa, was opened by Mozart.
In Mantua there are monuments to great compatriots: Virgil, (Dante Alighieri) and other poets.
Walking along the streets and bridges of the city will introduce travelers to a rare ensemble of medieval public buildings and churches.
Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Paul (Cattedrale di San Paolo), founded in the 13th century and rebuilt during restoration work in the mid-16th century by the architect Giulio Romano, is located in Piazza Sordello. In the cathedral you can see a marble sarcophagus made by an unknown master of the 5th-6th centuries.
There are also the relics of Sant’Anselmo, revered by the Italians, and the tombs of the famous medieval rulers of Mantua:
- Ferdinando Gonzaga;
- Ercole Gonzaga and others.
The Palazzo Ducale, founded in the 13th century, amazes with its size and interior decoration. Numerous halls, gardens, and courtyards make the building majestic and unique. The palazzo was built from the 13th to the 15th centuries as the residence of the Gonzaga family.
The palace houses valuable paintings and tapestries, sculptures and other works of art.
The construction of the castle (Castello San Giorgio) took place in the years 1395-1406, it is distinguished by fortified towers on four sides of the building. The castle preserves valuable frescoes by Andrea Mantegna.
Palazzo del Te, designed by Giulio Romano, was built in 10 years, in 1525/35. The principles of such a movement as mannerism determined the richness of the interior decoration of this country house. The palace preserves wall paintings by Giulio Romano on the themes of myths and Ovid's Metamorphoses (Publius Ovidius Naso). In accordance with the themes of the painting, the halls received their names:
- Hall of the Giants (Sala dei giganti);
- Hall of Cupid and Psyche (Sala di Amore e Psiche);
- Horse Hall (Riunioni di cavalli);
- Hall of the Sun and Moon (Riunioni del Sole e della Luna), etc.
The Palazzo now houses the City Museum of Mantua.
Cuisine and delicacies
Mantua is the city where famous cheeses (Grana Padano) and (Parmigiano Reggiano), rare varieties of salami, and mustard according to a secret local recipe are produced.
Travelers should try local original dishes:
- handmade with pumpkin;
- with sauce (pesto) and spicy sausages;
- Stew of donkey meat marinated in Lambrusco wine, etc.
Mantua is famous for its sweets and unique dishes.
Hotels
Mantua offers more than 80 accommodation options. Most of them are in the center, which allows tourists to immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere of the monument city.
3 stars
3-star hotels offer accommodation at affordable prices in the very center of the city. A special feature of the hotels is the availability of parking for an additional fee.
Hotel Broletto
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Mantua (Mantova in Italian) is the pearl of Italy, the capital of the province of Lombardy of the same name and just a small, cozy town filled with secrets, intrigue and at the same time the goodwill of the local people. Ancient monuments, churches, theaters and many other interesting places greet tourists who come to this fortified city, which it was in the distant past.
What to see in Mantua on your own?
Beautiful places and main attractions: photos with descriptions in Russian.
Rotunda of San Lorenzo
According to official data, the rotunda of San Lorenzo was built in 1083, although experts date some parts of this structure to the 9th century. It is located on the “square of herbs” Piazza delle Erbe and is named after the Great Martyr Lawrence.
This is a round structure made in the Romanesque style. The main decoration of the rotunda is a cornice in the form of hanging arches. It was built by order of Countess Matilda of Tuscany and is similar to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Inside the rotunda, visitors can examine valuable frescoes from the 11th-12th centuries, which are remarkably preserved. Until 1579, the rotunda was used as a church.
After its closure, like most buildings, the rotunda was turned into a warehouse, and then it was turned into a Jewish ghetto. From 1908 to 1926 the building was completely restored and returned to its original meaning.
- Address: Piazza delle Erbe, Mantova, Italy
- Opening hours
Mon-Fri: 10.00−13.00, 15.00−19.00, Sat-Sun: 10.00−18.00 (Apr-Oct)
Mon-Fri: 10.00−13.00, 14.00−18.00, Sat-Sun: 10.00−18.00 (Nov-Mar) - the entrance is free
Basilica of Sant'Andrea
The Basilica of Sant'Andrea was built on the site of a destroyed Benedictine monastery. Every year, during the holiday of the Ascension of the Lord, it is visited by thousands of pilgrims, since it houses one of the most valuable relics for Christians - a vessel in which, according to legend, the blood of Christ is located.
The basilica was named after one of the apostles, Andrew the First-Called. Its construction began in 1462 and ended only 3 centuries later. Initially, it was supposed to become the tomb of the Gonzaga family, but the need arose to receive numerous pilgrims somewhere and store the relic.
The basilica is built in the form of a Latin cross. The central façade is made in the shape of a Roman triumphal arch. Andrea Mantegna, the greatest painter of the Renaissance, is buried in the funeral chapel of the temple. The frescoes in the main chapel were painted by Giulio Romano and Correggio, but to date they have hardly survived.
Cathedral of St. Peter
Mantua Cathedral or St. Peter's Basilica was built in the 12th century and is a Romanesque style structure. Later in 1395-1401. elements in the Gothic style were added to the façade.
In the 15th century, after a severe fire, the building was reconstructed and became similar to the Basilica of St. Peter's in the Vatican. And in the 18th century, the original facade of multi-colored marble was replaced by white marble. The cathedral is located in Piazza Sordello, near the Palazzo Ducale.
Among the surviving works of art, it is worth noting a sarcophagus in the style of early Christianity, frescoes from the 14th-15th centuries, the Chapel of Our Lady and the sacristy. Inside the cathedral, the altars are decorated with works of famous artists of Mantua. Under the main altar by Paolo Farinati, the body of the patron saint of the city of Mantua, Saint Anselm da Baggio, is kept.
- Address: Piazza Sordello 15, 46100, Mantova, Italy
Bibiena Theater
The Chamber Theater Bibiena is located in the building of the Academy of Music of Mantua, where all meetings of the academy were and are held. Construction of the building lasted from 1767 to 1769 under the direction of the architect Antonio Bibiena. At the opening, an opera by composer Luigi Gatti entitled “Virgilia and Manto” was performed.
A year later, fourteen-year-old Wolfgang Mozart performed at the theater. The theater hall consists of 4 tiers of boxes, which create excellent acoustics. The hall was decorated in the Baroque style, but the facade was made in the neoclassical style designed by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini. Previously, in addition to performances and various meetings, scientific debates and other academy events took place there, which is why the theater is called “scientific.”
Currently, the Bibiena Theater hosts concerts of famous opera singers and classical music, as well as the literary festival Festivaletteretura.
- Address: Via Accademia, 47
Church of the Madonna earthquake
On Canossa Square (in Italian: Piazza Canossa) there is a church with the unusual name “Church of the Earthquake Madonna” (in Italian: Chiesa della Madonna del Terremoto). The thing is that in 1693 a strong earthquake actually occurred in Mantua.
When the residents felt the tremors, they turned to the image of the Virgin Mary painted on the wall of one house. They asked Mary to protect them and stop the earthquake. The tremors suddenly stopped abruptly, and in 1754 a small elegant church in the Baroque style was built on this very spot.
The image of the Virgin Mary was removed from the wall and given to the church for storage. Unfortunately, the church is not currently very popular among tourists, but it is worthy of giving it a little attention.
- Address: Piazza di Matilde Canossa 7
Palazzo Bonacolsi
Palazzo Bonacolsi (in Italian: Palazzo Bonacolsi) also has another name - Palazzo Castiglione (in Italian: Palazzo Castiglioni). The huge brick palace was built in the 12th century in the Renaissance style and is located in Piazza Sordello (in Italian: Piazza Sordello). It originally belonged to the first lords of the city of Mantua, the Counts of Bonacolsi. True, this did not last long and after their expulsion the building passed to the Gonzaga family, who came to power after Bonacolsi.
Sometime after 1700, the building was given to the Castiglione family, descendants of the famous Italian author Baldassare Castiglione, who wrote the famous Italian Renaissance treatise On the Courtier. Now the building houses a luxury hotel, which still belongs to the Castiglione family.
- Address: Piazza Sordello
St. George's Castle
The Castle of St. George (in Italian: Castello San Georgio) is located at the entrance to Mantua and is part of the huge Palazzo Ducale complex (in Italian: Palazzo Ducale). This is a large structure made of red stone, which is shaped like a square with three gates and four watchtowers.
Like many castles, it is surrounded by a moat, which was filled with water from neighboring lakes, and served a defensive function, and later became the residence of the Gonzaga family. The castle was built from 1395 to 1406 according to the design of engineer Bartolino de Novara and commissioned by Francesco Gonzaga.
In the mid-15th century, the building was restored by the architect Luca Fancelli in connection with the Council of Mantua. On the ground floor there is a spiral staircase that leads up to the Hall of Coats of Arms. Next to it is the Salon of Frescoes, where you can see images of monsters and centaurs. The most famous room in the castle is the Bridal Chamber. Valuable frescoes created by Andrea Mantegna have survived to this day.
- Address: Piazza Sordello, 40
- Working hours: closed Monday, Tuesday-Sunday 8:15-19:15
Church of San Sebastiano
The Church of San Sebastiano (in Italian: Chiesa di San Sebastiano) began to be built in 1460 according to the drawings of the famous architect Leon Batista Alberti. This was his first work for Ludovico Gonzaga.
The small church is made in the Renaissance style, therefore it is built in the shape of a Greek cross with three apses. The interior space under the vaulted ceiling forms a single space. On the lower level is a crypt, originally intended to be used as a mausoleum for members of the Gonzaga family. Not a single column was built on the façade of San Sebastiano, which is very uncharacteristic for Alberti and for 15th-century architecture in general.
Since 1706, the church building was used as a military warehouse, and then as barracks for soldiers and a granary. Only in 1925 the building was restored and it was turned into a mausoleum in memory of those killed in the First World War.
- Address: Via Acerbi
Palazzo del Te
Palazzo del Te or Tea Palace is the country villa of Federico II Gonzaga. Construction of the building began in 1525 and ended 10 years later in 1535. The palazzo is a square structure with a garden inside.
The walls of the courtyard are decorated with columns, blind windows and niches. The architect decided to combine the style of the palace and the villa, so there were pilasters on the external facades, and a loggia on the eastern facade. The main number of frescoes is concentrated in 3 halls.
The Olympic feast of the gods takes place in the Hall of Cupid and Psyche. The Hall of Horses is decorated, as you might guess from the name, with the image of the Duke's trotters. The most famous fresco is located in the Hall of Giants - it is a scene of the storming of Olympus by giants. After the looting in 1630, the palazzo building was empty for a long time, and recently an exhibition about the art of Ancient Mesopotamia was housed within its walls.
- Address: Viale Te 13
- Opening hours: Monday 13:00 - 17:30
Tuesday - Sunday 9:00 - 17:30 - Entrance ticket costs 12 euros per person
Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale is located on the northern outskirts of Mantua and is a complex of several buildings connected by narrow corridors. Its construction began back in 1290, and ended only 4 centuries later in 1708 due to the fact that new buildings and premises were constantly being completed. The palazzo was the main residence of the Gonzaga family.
The territory of the palace is huge, it has more than 500 rooms and is about 34 thousand sq.m. On the facade of the palaces, Pisantello's paintings, which are dedicated to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, have been partially preserved. The most famous room of the Palazzo Ducale is the Camera degli Sposi.
To this day, from the frescoes on the floor and ceiling created by the architect Andrea Mantegna, the entire Gonzaga court looks at us: the Marquis Ludovico, his wife Barbara of Brandenburg, their sons and nephews, court ladies and cardinals, servants and even his beloved dwarf.
- Address: Piazza Sordello, 40
- Opening hours: Monday - closed
Tuesday-Sunday 8:15 – 19:15 - Entrance ticket costs 6.50 euros per person
Palazzo Canossa
Palazzo Canossa (in Italian: Palazzo Canossa) is a three-story building that was built between 1659 and 1673 by order of the Marquis Horace Canossa. It is located in Piazza Matilde di Canossa.
The facade is made of cut stone in the classic Florentine style. On the ground floor there is a large grand staircase in Baroque style. It is decorated with sculptures of Hercules, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto, which were made by Matteo Pedrali. In the 9th-11th centuries, the Canossa family had enormous influence in Lombardy and owned almost all of its territory, as well as part of Tuscany and Lazio.
The most famous ruler from the Canossa family was the Marchioness Matilda of Tuscany. She was also the last, so she bequeathed all her possessions to the Roman church. The emperor was not satisfied with this and began to fight for the inheritance of the marquise. The confrontation between the empire and the papacy escalated into a war between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, which made it possible for many cities to acquire a republican system and actual independence.
- Address: Piazza Matilde di Canossa
Palazzo d'Arco
Palazzo d'Arco (in Italian: Palazzo d'Arco) was built in 1784 for the d'Arco family. The architect Antonio Colonna worked on the construction of the facades. The palazzo is made in the Palladian style. The d'Arco family lived in the building until 1973. The latter the owner donated the palazzo to the city, and it later became one of the famous landmarks of Mantua.
Inside the building there is the Zodiac Hall (in Italian: Sala dello Zodiaco del Falconetto), in which you can see Falconetto's Zodiac. The Zodiac Hall is a large room with stunning paintings on the walls. Each of them characterizes one zodiacal constellation. The order of the frescoes exactly corresponds to the order of the constellations in the firmament. It is believed that the Zodiac Hall was created by Giovanni Maria Falconetto in 1520. Visitors will be surprised by the contents of the frescoes, which have been perfectly preserved to this day.
- Address: Piazza d'Arco 4
- Opening hours: Tue - Fri 10:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 18:00
Sat - Sun 9:30 - 13:00, 14:30 - 18:00
House of Rigoletto
Rigoletto's House (in Italian: Casa Del Rigoletto) is the building in which the jester Rigoletto from the opera by composer Verdi “lived”. The modest mansion was built in the 15th century and is located in Piazza Sordello. In the courtyard there is a bronze monument to the hero of the famous opera. Its action takes place in Mantua and, of course, the main character never actually existed.
According to the work, Rigoletto was a sarcastic buffoon. When the Duke wanted to make the jester's daughter his mistress, Rigoletto decided to hire assassins. However, at the last moment they decided to kill not the Duke, but the first one to enter the door. D
Rigoletto was behind the door and heard everything, so she decided to sacrifice herself because she fell in love with the Duke. The opera ends with the murderers bringing his daughter's head to Rigoletto. On the first floor of the house there is a tourist information office, where you can purchase tickets to visit all the museums of the city. There is a residential apartment on the second floor of the building.
- Address: Piazza Sordello 23 | Dietro Cattedrale
Palace of the Mind
The Palace of Reason (in Italian: Palazzo della Ragione) is located on the main square of the city, Piazza delle Erbe. It was built in the 13th century and until 1797 city courts were held there, which is why it is sometimes also called the Palace of Justice. Over the course of several centuries, it was rebuilt, restored and new elements were added.
The Palace of Reason is a medieval arched building with a roof supported by columns. It amazes with its architecture. The palace hall is rectangular in shape, 27 meters wide, about 80 meters long and 24 meters high. During a fire in 1420, the frescoes inside the palace were severely damaged. But thanks to the work of the architects, who carefully restored all the elements of the frescoes - 333 square meters - they are now in excellent condition.
Nowadays, the building houses restaurants and souvenir shops on the ground floor, and the exhibition of the local museum on the second floor.
- Address: Piazza delle Erbe
House of the merchant Boniforte da Concorezzo
This private house was built for the wealthy merchant Giovanni Boniforte da Concorezzo in 1455. It is located on one of the streets of Mantua next to Piazza delle Erbe. The house stands out from the rest, as it has an ornate façade.
The building is decorated with carvings depicting goods that Boniforte da Concorezzo was engaged in trading. The house is made in the Gothic style and has a terracotta color. Its special decoration are four columns made of red marble.
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside; you can only admire its façade with pilasters and lace trim. The building features amazing stonework, interesting windows and stunning stained glass. The Boniforte da Concorezzo house is undoubtedly one of the city's jewels.
- Address: Piazza delle Erbe 26
Church of St. Francis
The Church of St. Francis (Chiesa di San Francesco) was built in 1304, and after the additional construction of a chapel in the 15th century, it became a mausoleum for members of the Gonzaga family. Thanks to this, valuable relics and works of art were regularly brought to the church.
In 1797, a significant part of the exhibits was stolen by French soldiers, and the church was turned into a barracks. At that time, the altars were completely destroyed, the carved window in the shape of a rose was covered up, the side windows were covered up, and the marble was moved. It was restored after 1946, as it was almost completely destroyed due to bombing.
The facade of the church is made in the Gothic style. It is now decorated with a rose-shaped window, side arched windows and a portico. Some frescoes dating from the 14th to 16th centuries have survived to this day.
- Address: Piazza San Francesco d'Assisi
House Giulio Romano
The house is named after the famous architect Giuliano Pippi Romano, who moved from Rome to Mantua in 1524. After 2 years, Raphael’s talented student was appointed caretaker of all buildings belonging to the Gonzaga family. Giulio Romano and his assistants built and painted the Palazzo del Te and some rooms in the ducal castle.
He built his own house in 1544. Above the front door there is a statue of Mercury and a ram - this is the family coat of arms of the Romano family. The two-story house has a balanced facade and complex rustication, which is characteristic of the architect. The façade ends with a beautiful frieze.
Now the building is privately owned and therefore closed to the public. But still, the house of Giulio Romano is one of the most important architectural monuments of the city of Mantua.
- Address: Via Carlo Poma, 18
Church of San Maurizio
The church is named after Saint Maurizio (in Italian: Chiesa di San Maurizio) and was built in 1616 by the architect Antonio Maria Viani as part of a neighboring monastery. The current façade was erected only in 1731 and was designed in the Baroque style.
During the Napoleonic occupation, the church was given a satirical name after St. Napoleon. After the liberation, the Church of San Maurizio joined the parish of the Church of San Barnaba. Due to the fighting during the Second World War, it was severely damaged, so it was closed in 1957. The church opened only 50 years later in 2007 on the day of the Virgin Fidelis.
The first chapel contains the tomb of the famous military leader Giovanni Dalle Bande Nere, also known as Giovanni de' Medici. Unfortunately, due to several reconstructions of the church, the grave of Giulio Romano was lost.
- Address: Via Giovanni Chiassi 27
Church of San Barnaba
The Church of San Barnaba (in Italian: Chiesa di San Barnaba) was built in the 13th century and named after the first bishop of Milan, Saint Barnaba. In 1397, Francesco I Gonzaga gave the church to a monastery of nuns of the Servite Order. The monastery owned the building until 1900, when it was destroyed by French troops.
In 1737, the church building was rebuilt according to the design of the architect Antonio Galli Bibiena. Its facade and large dome were made in the Baroque style. The interior of the church is made in light colors (green and pink) and decorated with white stucco. The baroque chapels add even more charm to the nave. The main altar and its fence are inlaid with stones. Having a very modest appearance, the Church of San Barnaba is one of the oldest buildings in the city of Mantua.
- Address: Piazza Bazzani
Tower "Torre della Gabbia"
The Torre della Gabbia (in Italian: Torre della Gabbia) is a medieval tower located on Via Cavour. The tower was built in 1281 by the Aserbi family, although some sources claim that the tower was built in 1302 by the architect Bonacolsi.
Initially it was used as a defensive structure, since at that time it was the tallest building in the city. The building takes its present name from a rectangular metal cage, which was erected in 1576 by order of Duke Guglielmo Gonzaga.
The cage was 2 meters long, 1 meter deep and high. Criminals were kept there. They were put on display to the public for edifying purposes. Some documents indicate that it was used to execute prisoners. According to these data, in 1500, a Dominican monk who was arrested in a house with a bad reputation was executed in a cage... In 1798, the owner ordered the cage to be destroyed as a symbol of tyranny, but at the last moment it was decided to preserve it.
- Address: Via Cavour, 102
Clock tower
The clock tower (in Italian: Torre dell "Orologio) is located in the main square of the city, Piazza delle Erbe. It was built in 1473 next to the Palazzo della Ragione or the Palace of the Mind. In 1493, an unusual clock was installed on the tower. It was designed by Bartolomeo Manfredi, who occupied position of astrologer, mathematician and mechanic at the court of the Dukes of the Gonzaga family. Since then, the tower has been called the “Clock Tower”.
Bartolomeo Manfredid's clock still works today. In addition to the exact time, they show the position of the planets and zodiac constellations, as well as the month and phases of the moon. Above the clock you can see the poorly visible remains of frescoes, and below them is a statue of the Madonna and an elegant marble balcony. If you visit the clock tower, you will not only see the ancient clockwork at work, but also enjoy a stunning panorama of old Mantua.
- Address: Piazza delle Erbe / Palazzo della Ragione
Church of Sant'Orsola
The Church of Sant'Orsola (in Italian: Chiesa di Sant'Orsola) was named in honor of Saint Ursula. The building is made in the Baroque style and has an octagonal shape. This inevitably attracts the attention of tourists. Construction of the church began in 1608 and ended 3 years later in 1611.
The building was designed by the famous architect Antonio Maria Viani, commissioned by Duchess Margherita Gonzago. When she became a widow, she wanted to do charitable deeds for the rest of her life. First, the duchess founded a monastery, and then, on her orders, a new church was built.
The monastery complex once occupied an entire block and was home to more than a hundred nuns. From 1782 to 1786, the monastery building served as barracks, and then it was turned into a city hospital. Currently, only the Church of Sant'Orsola remains of the entire complex.
- Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 45
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria
The Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria (in Italian: Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria) was built in 1496 by order of Francesco Gonzaga in memory of the battle with the French army of Charles VIII at Fornovo.
The two-story building is designed in the Gothic style by the architect Bernardino Ghisolfi. Previously, this place was the home of the Jewish moneylender Daniele da Norsa. Daniele copied the fresco on the façade with the image of the Virgin Mary onto his coat of arms. For this he was sentenced to death and his house was destroyed. Francesco Gonzaga pardoned the Jew, but on the condition that he would finance the construction of the church.
The artist Andreo Mantegna painted the painting Madonna della Vittoria, which was located in the altar area. During the Napoleonic attack, the church was looted and the painting was taken to Paris. From 1798 to the present, she has been exhibited at the Louvre. Inside, the walls of the church are decorated with frescoes, which have been remarkably preserved thanks to restoration. The building now hosts exhibitions.
- Address: Via Domenico Fernelli, 15
Spacious streets, well-kept buildings, calm waters of the surrounding lakes will leave an indelible impression in your memory, and the city's secrets and legends will attract you here again and again.
