Weekend in the city and do not know what to do? A trip out of town is the perfect solution
Just two hours from Milan, Mantua is a great choice when you want to spend a day in a different place without going too far. Surrounded by three artificial lakes, on which you can also take some mini-cruises, Mantua is famous for its Renaissance monuments. Here we leave you a small guide to help you decide what to visit.
PIAZZA SORDELLO
Formerly known as Piazza San Pietro, it rises on the area where the ancient city was located. Today, however, is the square overlooked by some of the most important monuments of the city including the Palazzo del Capitano and the Domus Magna, which are part of the Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Acerbi with the Torre del Gabbia and the Duomo.
PALAZZO DUCALE
Piazza Sordello, 40
An ancient residence of the Gonzaga family, it was built between the 12th and 18th centuries and is now considered one of the largest museum complexes in Italy. It is divided into three areas: Castello di San Giorgio, the Corte Nuova and the Corte Vecchia. Since the Gonzaga family hosted important artists, today you can admire all the works that were made for the family. The ticket costs 15€ and includes the visit to the Castle, the Corte Nuova, the Corte Vecchia and the Archaeological Museum. For more information visit the site.
CASTELLO DI SAN GIORGIO
Piazza Sordello, 40
To access the Castle, you pass by the Ducal Palace and it is certainly one of the most famous monuments of the city. Born for defensive purposes, it later became the residence of the Gonzaga family. It contains one of the most important works of art of the city, a must see, the Camera degli Sposi del Mantegna. As mentioned above, the Palazzo Ducale ticket also includes a visit to the Castle and the Bridal Chamber. For further information visit the site.
PALAZZO TE
Viale Te, 13
This Renaissance villa was built in 1500 by Giulio Romano, at the behest of Federico II Gonzaga who wanted a secluded place dedicated to leisure, to get away from the duties of court. However, where does the name come from? Contrary to what one may believe there is no correlation with the famous drink, it is simply the abbreviation of Tejeto, the name of the island where the palace was located. Nowadays the island does not exist anymore, as the lake where it was located has dried up. The palace can be visited and alone is probably worth the whole trip. Not to be missed is the Chamber of Cupid and Psyche. For more information about the palace and visits look at the site.
ROTONDA DI SAN LORENZO
Piazza Erbe
This is the oldest church in the city, built in the eleventh century, which takes its name from its unusual shape. In fact traditionally it is the baptisteries that have a round plan and not the churches. Its history is peculiar, because for many centuries it was hidden among various buildings, until work began on the construction of the Clock Tower, which brought it to light. Today its visit is free.
PALAZZO DELLA RAGIONE E TORRE DELL'OROLOGIO
Piazza delle Erbe
The palace, built around the XI century and modified several times, was used for centuries for the administration of justice, today it has become a museum and an exhibition venue. Adjacent to the palace is the Clock Tower. Work of the mathematician Bartolomeo Manfredi, the clock worked with a complex mechanism, replaced with a simpler one in the eighteenth century. Today inside the tower you can visit the Museum of Time. In order to visit the palace and the Tower there is only one ticket at a cost of 3€.
LOCAL DISHES
Since walking and culture make you hungry, why don't you stop in some trattoria to taste typical dishes? Some of the dishes we recommend are tortelli di zucca, agnoli mantovani and torta sbrisolona. As for the place, under the arcades leading to Piazza delle Erbe, you can choose the most suitable for you.
Again, our guide ends here. Mantua is a small city, but rich in art and culture, so much so that often one day is not enough. If you're looking for other cities to visit near Milan, try checking out our articles on Monza and Bergamo. What else do you recommend seeing in Mantua? Let us know by leaving a comment and be sure to come back and visit us.
Itinerary Map
PS: Have you ever given up your plans for the last day of holiday only because you would have had to carry your heavy and bulky bags around? Did you know you could enjoy your last day in Milan without carrying this weight around the city? PotPot takes care of your luggage and transfers it from the Hotel to the airport or the train station.
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