Thinking of taking a vacation to Mantova? Well, Mantova also known as Mantua is an Italian city and the capital of Mantova province in the region of Lombardy. In 2008 the city was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a population of approximately 50,000 inhabitants and is predominantly a major tourist destination. 

Imperatively the city is surrounded on its three sides by river Mincio, a concept that makes the city a major attraction and an agricultural Center. The city used to be owned for over 400 years by the influential Gonzaga family and remained of the most vital cultural cities during the renaissance period. It still has the same famous monumental building to date. With its continental climate, it is usually warm during the summers and cold during the winter. During the fall and spring the temperature can be said to be favorable. Thus if you are intending to take a vacation to the city, then summer will be the perfect period.

With it fascinating resorts, monuments and scenaries, you are assured of a fascinating experience worth your time and money. Just remember to carry with you a camera to capture this fun filled moments with your loved ones. This article will provide a guide to some of the best sites you can visit while at Mantova as well as available accommodation and best modes of transport. 

Places to visit 

Mantova is rich in cultural heritage and fascinating monuments. These are a must visit places whilst at Mantova.

For visitors traveling before June 27, you can take part in the exhibitions showcasing different and unique exhibition of tapestries, which once belonged to the Gonzaga family. One of the tapestries is the Gli arazzi dei Gonzaga nel Rinascimento.This can be found in the Palazzo Te, Museo di Palazzo Ducale and the Museo Diocesano Francesco Gonzaga. It contains 34 tapestries. The exhibition will cost you somewhere between 8 to 10 euro.

Visit the Il Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Sordello. This is no doubt the main attraction in Mantova as you will notice the moment you get to Mantova due to its size and artistic appearance. The build is such a marveling beauty comprising a mixture of both renaissance and medieval architecture. The building was once the home of Gonzaga family reportedly from 1328 to 1707 .It has more than 500 rooms and thus a visit to such a monument will definitely be worth considering. Visiting the building will probably cost you around € 6.50. The building is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:45Am to 7:15 Pm Italian time. You are strongly advisable book in advance due to the number of visitors expected. It should take you three hours but the most important room, worth visiting is the Camera degli Sposi, known for its famous Mantegna paintings.

You will also need to visit Basilica Di Sant'Andrea, piazza L.B. Alberti or piazza Andrea Mantegna. The big cathedral is believed to have been built in 1472 by the famous architect Leon Battista Alberti. This architect is considered to be a pioneer of the renaissance architecture.

Duomo Di Mantova, Piazza Sordello. This is the Mantova city’s main church or cathedral. It is adorned with statues on the outside and reflects a neoclassical architectural look comprising of different styles such as the renaissance, baroque and the Romanesque. Well you must have heard of mummy and yes you will find them in the side chapel where mummified priest bodies dating as old as 1100AD will be found. 

Palazzo Del Te or Palazzo Te .This is a magnificent palace built in 1525 by duke of Mantova .It can be found at the far end of Mantova. The palace was built importantly as a place of fun for the duke. The palace represents the mannerist architectural style pioneered by architect genius Giulio Romano. The palace is renowned as an international center of art and culture. The Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is magnificently decorated.

Visit the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, the city’s oldest church. The church is believed to have been built in the late 11Th century. The church is believed to have been built on a site, where a Roman Empire temple dedicated to Venus once stood. The church is located south of Basilica di Sant’Andrea, opposite Piazza delle Erbe.

Also visit Chiesa di San Francesco. This is one of the ancient churches located near the railway station. So if you happen to have travelled by rail, this should be your first stop from the railway station. The church is quite big and offers a great atmosphere for relaxation. With the ornamental windows and the wooden roof, you sure will be treated to a magnificent building reflecting a sense of simplicity.

Casa Mantegna: It is believed that the building was built in 1476.Having been given the land by the Gonzaga family in the year 1476, Andrea Mantegna came up with a masterpiece. The building is currently used as an exhibition space. It is comprised of a number of rooms. The rooms are built around a unique cylindrical patio.

As you visit remember to visit the magnificent gardens in the city square and the market in Piazza Erbe. The market is usually open on Thursday and you sure will be spoiled for choice as it offers variety of cheap products.