Mantua (or Mantova in Italian) is a tiny medieval city that punches way above its weight in history, architectural, splendor and delicious cuisine.
It lies on the right bank of the Mincio River and it’s surrounded by three lakes. Considered one among the most artistic and cultural hubs in Northen Italy.
The town is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. The Historic Center is noted for its extraordinary art and architecture and is known to many Italians as “La Bella Addormentata” a sleeping beauty that hasn’t changed since Middle Ages.
My family and I drove from Bergamo to Mantua. Once we found a place to park the car, we decided to explore the town on foot. My advise, in order to enjoy the view and the tiny details, is definitely to walk or rent a bicycle. We stayed only a day, but I recommend you to extend your stay if you can. Mantova has a lot to offer.
The main attraction is the Palazzo Ducale which is very large and literally takes an entire afternoon to explore. This enormous residence is not a single palace, but a labyrinthine complex of buildings, including a castle and basilica, courtyards, gardens, galleries, and more than 500 rooms.
You will follow a designated route through the palace and be astounded at how far you will walk. Almost a village in its own right, for 400 years this Palazzo was the home of the Gonzaga family, the dukes of Mantua who ruled until the 18th century with an absolute power.
Most of the complex is closed to the public, but there is still enough on view to easily fill hours. You will walk through grand rooms with frescoes and artwork to view.
Under the House of Gonzaga, Mantua became one of the most important art and culture hubs of the Renaissance. The city attracted famous artists like Leon Battista Alberti, Mantegna, and Giulio Romano who, with many others, shaped the town with breathtaking works of art.
The real treasure of the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua is that the Camera degli Sposi (Bridal Chamber) which has the famous frescos by Mantegna. The frescos go back from 1465 to 1475 and its appearance like they were just finished. The scenes portray members of the Gonzaga family and show the illusion of space with Mantegna’s incredible gift at perspective, especially in the ceiling fresco, so make sure to look up!
There are other places to mention in this beautiful town:
- Palazzo Te was conceived as a hideaway for 16th-century Duke Federico’s trysts with his mistress. Created by one of the greatest Renaissance painters and architects, Giulio Romano, the palazzo has some of the most spectacular frescoes in town.
- Teatro Bibiena was built in 1767…entirely out of wood. Although the pronounced bell shape of its auditorium seems unique today, it was was not uncommon in the 18th century.
Tip: It’s possible to buy a Museum Pass that allows you to visit more sites and save money.
Like all places in Italy, Mantua has its own unique culinary traditions and dishes.
We had such a good lunch at Trattoria Da Claudio.
The ambiance is lovely with seating inside and outside in a covered garden. The restaurant have English and Italian menus. At lunch I turned off my camera and I enjoyed the food. What else can I say? “Tortelli di Zucca” are fresh pasta filled with pumpkin, amaretto biscuit crumbs and served with butter and sage or with mince meat ragout. Che buoni!
Really enjoyed reading about Mantua. Absolutely astounded by that fresco in camera degli sposi.
Thank you for reading! Mantua is one of those hidden towns to visit in Italy, even more if you love art and culture.