Location: Mantua
Top Things to do in Mantua
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Mantua, Italy
Mantua (Italian: Mantova [ˈmantova] ( listen); Emilian and Latin: Mantua) is a city and comune in Lombardy, Italy, and capital of the province of the same name.
Restaurants in Mantua
1. Teatro Bibiena
Overall Ratings
5 based on 565 reviews
Reviewed By HaNosseah - Basel, Switzerland
The 18th century Bibiena theatre was originally built for scientific meetings, but it has always also been used for musical and theatrical productions - Mozart played here when he was 14 years old. The theatre seems to be modelled after ancient Roman theatres but has boxes on four levels on both sides in addition to the seats in the orchestra. It is a unique Baroque theatre. I've never seen anything like it, and it was one of the big surprises of my visit to Mantua.
2. Skyline di Mantova
Overall Ratings
5 based on 493 reviews
Reviewed By GrandTourPaul - Llangollen, United Kingdom
Th bridge over the river Mincio is endless. A bus (No 12) stops outside the Cathedral and will whisk you across the lake. As you alight, facing you down a slight slope, is a piece of parkland which is semi-natural. Go towards the canoe boathouse. The view of the Ducal palace across the water is absolutely amazing. On a hazy or misty day it hovers above the water like a fairy tale vision. You can seen it from one of the pleasure cruisers which ply the lake but it is best from the far bank. When you cross the road for the bus back you will notice a rather nicely designed garage and cafe. They make good coffee.
3. Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By DonPaulo - Richmond, Virginia
On first blush, the exterior portends great things. But, it also looks to be squeezed into a tight space. Construction of the present church was begun in 1478, on the site of a previous Benedictine monastery. You can still see the bell tower of that monastery adjacent to the church. On closer examination of the facade, it is out of proportion to the much more modest church behind it. Construction was not finished until 1800.
Inside, there is a vaulted ceiling, similar to the one on entrance way. The church also houses the tomb of the great Renaissance painter, Andrea Mantegna. The Crypt also contains a vial of what some believe is the actual blood of Christ.
4. Il Museo Storico dei Vigili del Fuoco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By Federicoangelo
What a nice surprise! Almost an obligatory stop that has to be included in the visit of the city. Here you can learn about an important part of the history of the city.
Honor and glory to all people who from more than a century have protected and saved the city of Mantua by natural disasters and fire using these vehicle, today perfectly restored and preserved.
Amazing models in exposition inside four connected buildings.There are trucks, even very large, cars, bikes and amphibious vehicles . You can also see an helicopter of the 1956. There is also an incredible rare piece exposed: an hand pump of the eighteenth century that was handled by the citizens of Mantova gathered as volunteers at that time.
This place is something really special for the entertainment of children but not only for them.
It is free entry, but the offer is really appreciated ( and for me rightful). Definitely I'll be back.
Opening Hours Sunday: 14:30 to 18:00 Sunday and holidays: 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 18:00
Closed: January 6 to February 15 and from 1 to 31 August; 1st January, Easter and December 25. I recommend it to all visitors in Mantua.
5. Palazzo Te
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By ES1211 - Reading, United Kingdom
We arrived at opening time and for sometime we had the place to ourselves, worth doing. This palazzo was built for entertaining by Guilio Romano (Raphael's pupil) for the Marquis Frederico II Gonzaga. There are series of beautifully frescoed rooms on the ground floor. There is a breathtaking loggia overlooking an enclosed garden with water and a rustic grotto. Upstairs there is an interesting exhibition area. The palazzo is out of the town centre but is an easy walk. It is worth buying a Mantua card as it covers here and several other places, plus the local bus. It really is a must if visiting Mantua.
6. Camera degli Sposi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 921 reviews
Reviewed By DonPaulo - Richmond, Virginia
If we had seen nothing else in Mantua, the Camera degli Sposi would have made the trip worthwhile. The paintings in this room are so important to understanding the evolution of the art. The ceiling fresco shows both the genius and the humor of Andrea Mantegna.
7. Palazzo Valenti Gonzaga
Overall Ratings
5 based on 120 reviews
An extraordinary path enriched by the spectacular frescoes by the Flemish painter FRANS GEFFELS (1625-1694) and the magnificent stucco decorations by GIOVAN BATTISTA BARBERINI (1625-1691), through more than 500 years of history, in a fascinating Baroque atmosphere, discovering one of the most secret pages of the ancient Mantua cultural civilization. PALAZZO VALENTI GONZAGA in Mantua, humiliated by the ruin, oblivion and pillage suffered during the early twentieth century, has been restored to its splendor to show its renewed magnificence. The memory of the Marquises VALENTI GONZAGA'S noble offspring continues to live in the rediscovered dignity of their illustrious dwelling.
8. Rotonda di San Lorenzo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By DonPaulo - Richmond, Virginia
This thousand year old church is probably built on the site of a former Roman temple. It is circular and brings to mind the style of the early churches in Ravenna. There is a women's gallery and the fragmentary remains of wall paintings. The church is still in use and appears to have been well restored. Entrance is free, but donations are possible.
9. Castello San Giorgio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By MAR-AM-UK - London, United Kingdom
This is THE must-do in Mantua - a world heritage site. The Castle along with the palace next door make up a fabulous complex of buildings with fantastic interiors and treasures. Thoroughly worth the visit, a short walk from the centre, make sure you allow plenty of time for the self-guided tour.
10. Museo di Palazzo Ducale.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Mark D - West Bloomfield, Michigan
Buildings of Palazzo Ducale from a different time period, from XIII to XV centuries. Apartments have a lot of paintings and other work of art. The Pisanello rooms with a beautiful frescoes.
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