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City in Lombardy, Italy
Photo: Arbalete, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mantua (Italian: Mantova, Lombard: Mantua) is a world heritage listed city in Lombardy, Italy not far from Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. Because of the power and influence of the Gonzaga family, which used to own the city for over 400 years, Mantua was considered one of the most important cultural cities in the Renaissance and it maintains a lot of the buildings that made it famous during that period.
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Ducal Palace
This complex is a marvel of medieval and Renaissance architecture and artistry. It was the home of the Gonzaga family from 1328 to 1707, extended through the period, and including more than 500 rooms. The famous Camera degli Sposi (Bridal Chamber) is limited to 1,500 visitors per day.
The castle is a part of the Ducal Palace. It hosts the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Arts.
Palazzo del Te
The "Palazzo del T", as it used to be called, is a splendid palace in the south end of Mantua, it is an acknowledged masterpiece of the architect Giulio Romano. The palace is a fine example of Renaissance implementation of Villa Suburbana (suburban residence). It is also famous for its grotesque frescos in a mannerist style, which are rare example of secular paintings of that time. The palace also hosts International Centre of Art and Culture
This world-famous church (dating from 1472 onwards) is the work of the architect Leon Battista Alberti, one of the founders of Renaissance architecture.
Duomo
Built in different architectural styles, from Romanesque, to Renaissance and Baroque.
St Lawrence's Church
Built in the late 11th century. It is the oldest church in the city; restored to its original forms in the early 20th century.
14th-century building by Pinamonte Bonacolsi, a residence of Mantua rulers from 1274 to 1328.
Palazzo del Podestà
13th-century palace, which houses the commune government in Mantua.
Palatium Novum
14th-century building with portico of the 15th century. It used to be a seat of the Court of Justice and notarial archives.
Clock Tower
Hosts Museo del Tempo (Museum of time).
The palace received its Baroque style and decor in 1670.
The house of the Blessed Osanna Andreasi
A rare example of an almost intacty preserved 15th-century house, which was a home to the Blessed Osanna of Mantua. The building in the hands of the Domenican Fraternity
Built in 1784 in neoclassical style. There is a nice garden there. It is also a museum. It is possible for those who have motor disabilities to use a stair lift crawler to visit the floor of the palace -- please call the museum to alert them of arrival time.
Cage Tower
A symbol of the power of families Bonacolsi and Gonzaga, but it was used a prison from the beginning of the 13th century.
Loggia di Giulio Romano
Fishmonger's loggia built by Giulio Romano.
House (built in 1544) of Giulio Romano, the architect of Palazzo Te, he also designed the interior of Duomo.
Casa del Mercante
The building (built in 1455) features a striking facade with decorations of Venetian style.
Domus mercati or Casa del mercato or La casa dipinta
A frescoed (attributed to the school of Andrea Mantegna) Renaissance house built in 1462.
Built in 1476, the building's external walls are square in plan with a circular court. It is used for temporary exhibitions.
"scientific" theatre
Opened in 1769, it is an interesting example of a theatrical interior design of the 2nd half of the 18th century.
Civic Museum
Dedicated to a memory of Tazio Nuvolari, a famous car racer.
The Art Heritage of the Chamber of Commerce
A convenient place to have a pizza while you're waiting for a train. There are some tables at the back court yard.
This pub has become a true institution in town due to the quality of the drinks and the dishes served. Here you will find beer, cocktails and excellent burgers.
An incredible selection of original cocktails in a small club in the heart of the historic centre.
Enjoy a stunning view of the sunset over the lake while drinking a good cocktail. This place usually offers evenings of music and small artistic events.
3-star hotel in front of the train station. Clean rooms, nice furniture and surprisingly good breakfast. Bicycle renting is available and there is free WiFi. Expect to pay around €15 for parking.
This agritourist camp offers both cheap rooms and camping sites to pitch a tent. Super friendly owners/staff, nice food, horse riding available.
Though it looks a bit ugly from the outside, the rooms are quite ok. An ok breakfast buffet is included in the price. There seems to be a curfew of some kind during the week but the nice nightwatchman might allow exceptions.
Elegant atmosphere, minimalist design and quality services.
Street Umberto I
By train
The Verona-Modena railway line passes through Mantova railway station, located in Piazza Don Leoni. It is also the end of the line for trains arriving from Monselice and Cremona.75.15.
By bus
Main bus station is just outside the train station.a. offers many buses that connect the whole province with the city.
By car
Mantua is crossed by the motorway (Autostrada del Brennero), that runs from Modena to Brenner.
By car
A large section of the old town is a limited traffic zone (ZTL) and a pass is required to drive in this area, so it is better to park your car in one of the parking areas that surrounds it.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Caselle (VR) · International · VRN
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