Mantua

The Ducal Palace of Mantua is a complex of buildings built over a long period – from the beginnings of the 14th all the way to the 17th century. During the latter period, the main ruling family of Mantua, the Gonzaga, experienced their decline. The complex is formed by about 500 rooms and covers a surface of almost 34.000 square meters. To create the palace, the most important artists of the various eras were called by the powerful Gonzaga family with the task to increase the magnificence of their residence. The more significant names are Bartolino da Novara, who projected and directed the construction of San Giorgio Castle, as well as Antonio Pisano, known as Pisanello, who realized a famous cycle of frescoes inspired by the legend of King Arthur, Andrea Mantegna, artist of the famous  Camera Picta or "Chamber of the Newlyweds", and Giulio Romano, famous for both his paintings and the scenographic project of the architectural creations.

Artistic hub in Mantua, that deserves to be suitably explained is Palazzo Te, a suburban villa devoted to the pleasures of leisure. Architect Giulio Romano, as the heir of his great master Raphael, is called from Rome to build and decorate this Renaissance villa between 1525 and 1535, inspired by ancient Roman villas. Palazzo Te is an exemplary model of the Mannerist style as about architecture and an outstanding example of 16th century Italian painting. The name of the building derives from that of the place where it was built: the “island of Tejeto”, abbreviated as “Te”, where mantuan Lords held the ducal stables for the breeding of famous Gonzaga thoroughbred trained for battlefields and tournaments.

Embark on a captivating treasure hunt-style walking tour through the historic heart of Mantua. Starting at the majestic Castello di San Giorgio, let your smartphone guide you through the city's landmarks and hidden corners. Explore the grandeur of the Palazzo Ducale, wander through the charming Piazza Broletto, and uncover the secrets of Piazza delle Erbe and the Rotonda di San Lorenzo. Continue to the enchanting Piazza Mantegna, marvel at the beauty of the Basilica di Sant’Andrea, and follow the riddles to uncover Mantua’s rich history. With 9 intriguing stops, this self-guided tour lets you explore at your own pace, combining discovery with fun. Perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, and families, this experience blends interactive challenges with the timeless allure of Mantua. Capture memorable photos, immerse yourself in the city's unique atmosphere, and unravel its fascinating stories. Discover Mantua like never before—one riddle at a time!

If you're looking for a fun and curious way to visit Mantova, you've come to the right place! With this digital guide created with the support of a local, you will be able to visit all the most important monuments at your own pace. You'll get to know the stories and curiosities of Mantova! But also you will discover everything about local foods, Italian Aperitivo in authentic local restaurants, and much more! What are you waiting for?

Are you looking for a way to see Mantua without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • See a wide range of architectural styles from the opulent residences of the ruling elite to the former Jewish ghetto on this stroll through the UNESCO recognised city centre • Hear from tour producer Mike Conradi, the creator of the "A History of Italy" podcast • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Discover Mantua from a different perspective on sightseeing and scavenger hunt of the city. Solve riddles and clues that lead to the next location, showing all the city highlights. Solve interesting puzzles, have fun, and learn new things about the city. Explore the city and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt. Enjoy the tour in English and Italian!

Guided walking tour in Mantua with a friendly, English-speaking local guide. Food, art, nature and a welcoming atmosphere; that’s what makes Mantua one of the best cities to visit in Italy. Discover the Gonzaga family's incredible legacy, where Shakespeare’s Romeo was banished, Verdi’s Rigoletto was set and Opera was born. Discover an amazing Unesco World Heritage Site and the reason why the greatest Italian Renaissance writer, Torquato Tasso, wrote “…Mantua is a magnificent town, worth a thousand mile travel to see it…”

Discover Mantua, Unesco World Heritage Site since 2008 and 2016 Italian capital of culture. Join this engaging 3-hours tour and explore Mantua city centre and the Ducal Palace, one of Italy's greatest treasures, with a professional private local guide. Mantua surprises its visitors by her exceptional character: Small but spectacular, from every corner the city of Mantua offers an encounter with history and beauty. Visit Mantua, where artistic wonders, great food and sheer beauty conspire to make life sweeter.

Gonzaga's Residences tour. Mantua owes its beautiful Renaissance monuments to the Gonzaga Lords, who ruled the Mantuan Duchy for almost four centuries, and during their reign they made the city into a Court of grand splendor. The Gonzaga loved both luxury and power, and they lived in somptuous residences such as the huge Palazzo Ducale, their royal residence and the amazing Palazzo Te, intended as place of leisure and pleasure. The Ducal Palace with the gorgeous “Bridal Chamber” by Mantegna and the Te Palace by Giulio Romano’s genius, are some magnificent residences built by the Gonzagas, and an absolute must-see.

Mantua, 'the City on Water of the Gonzagas'. This tour's highlights: Piazza Sordello with Duomo, Bishop’s Palace, Palazzo Ducale with its courtyards and gardens, Piazza Broletto and Piazza Erbe with Palazzo Comunale and Palazzo della Ragione, Clock Tower, Rotonda of S. Lorenzo and Basilica of S. Andrea, Via Orefici with the Canal “Rio”. On request visit to the Academy Theatre (Teatro Bibiena) entrance ticket €. 2,00

The activity combines physical training, immersion in nature, discovery of the city of Mantua and relaxation. Parco del Mincio is a magical place that changes every season. The B & BCasanonni is the starting point located where the Mincio opens into Lake Superior, creating a unique habitat that hosts a very rich biodiversity protected by the Ansa e Valli del Mincio Nature Reserve. In particular we will observe the ISLAND OF THE RED HERONS. The habitat that will be observed is unique starting from the approach and immersion of the lotus flowers, skirting the island of the purple herons or also called heronry, then approaching wooded shores. Focus of interest: description of the humid environment, lotus flower characteristics, other aquatic plant species of interest, close-up observation of a heronry of red herons with the possibility of seeing the nests built on the gray willow islands or on the reeds.

Journey to discover the "Villa degli Ozi", wanted by Federico II as a place of relaxation, quiet, fun and … much more!

Your English-speaking driver will pick you up at your hotel in Verona and in about 30 minutes you will arrive to Valpolicella. First stop to Vogadori one of the best winery of the area. The tasting of Valpolicella and Amarone della Valpolicella wines will make you the flavors and aromas of this area, our cellar is the perfect setting: surrounded by vineyards, you will be accompanied to appreciate and discover Valpolicella with its wines. Then from Valpolicella your driver will take you to the discovery of Lake Garda, the largest of the Italian lakes. The intense color of the water, with a strong blue color and transparency which are hard to find, make Garda Lake a unique destination capable of hosting visitors and lovers for relaxing holidays, sport, entertainment and the joy in discover its many sites. Before returning to Verona, your driver will stop in Sirmione where you can taste a good Italian ice cream.

During this private tour the guide will accompany you to discover the splendid city of Mantua, one of the capitals of the Italian Renaissance. The tour will take place through the historic center, between the gardens of the Ducal residence of the Gonzaga lords, the magnificent Palazzo Ducale and the cathedral that overlook the cobblestones of Piazza Sordello, up to the fabulous lake.

Immerse yourself in a private dining experience at a local's home, enjoy an exclusive show cooking and taste authentic recipes from Mantua treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian Mammas. Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people. Enjoy a 4-course menu including starter, pasta, main course with side dish, dessert with drinks included (water, selection of red and white wines from regional cellars and coffee). This experience is held by Cesarine: Italy’s oldest network of 1000+ home cooks all over the country in more than 500 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

Dive into Mantua like a local foodie. Explore your Cesarina's most trusted artisanal food shops, tasting as you go. Visit a selection of small local shops, learn about the typical products of the city while tasting them. A delicious way to discover Mantua and its gastronomy! • Street food tasting tour • Explore your Cesarina's most trusted artisanal food shops • Sample some of Mantua typical street food staples • Do some sightseeing in Mantua as you walk from tasting to tasting • Small-group tour with a maximum of 12 people for an authentic food experience Le Cesarine is Italy’s oldest network of home cooks all over the country in more than 120 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

Your day in Mantua is just winding down, the sun's about to set… It's time for an Aperitivo. This glamorous Italian tradition is loved all over the world, and this is your chance to learn how to prepare it for yourself, the perfect souvenir.  Preparing the perfect aperitivo is an art; you will learn how to prepare a selection of five elegant nibbles to pair with with a refreshing glass of fizz, ideal for sharing with friends in the early evening. Your aperitivo will be a bite-size representation of its local culture, using typical regional ingredients and local wines, such as a sparkling prosecco or a light red. This experience is held by Cesarine: Italy’s oldest network of 1000+ home cooks all over the country in more than 500 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

You can't visit Italy without trying at least one pasta dish… So, we'll teach you two! Learn how to roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) by hand and how to prepare 2 simple different kinds of pasta (filled pasta + fresh pasta) from scratch with your Cesarina. As the icing on the cake you will learn to prepare also the iconic Tiramisu. Share your passion for the Italian cuisine as you make new friends in this hands-on cooking class. It's a great way to truly experience Italian culture. • Learn to roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) by hand • Learn to make 2 iconic pasta types • Learn to make the iconic tiramisu • Small-group cooking class with a maximum of 12 people. Share your passion for the Italian cuisine with other lovely guests • Enjoy an Italian Aperitivo to warm-up Cesarine is Italy’s oldest network of home cooks all over the country. They are welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.

The city in the city, a symbol of the power and wealth of the Gonzagasch dynasty, hides within it small treasures, surprises, games and wonders that will amaze and fascinate you.

Don't lose the opportunity to become a "pizzaiolo" (pizza-maker) and a great tiramisu maker! Enter a local home, connect with an expert home cook and discover how Italian mamma and nonnas used to prepare awesome pizza at home. With this private hands-on cooking class, you will learn how to make pizza and tiramisù from scratch from a real Italian family. To complete your feast, enjoy what you have prepared for lunch or dinner with a selection of local wine included. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test and amaze your friends and family with a pizza party once you come back home! This experience is suitable for families with children of all ages. Le Cesarine is Italy’s oldest network of home cooks all over the country in more than 120 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.