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Mantua Travel Guide and itinerary tour


Mantua: Things to do.

Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:

Visiting Mantua

Review by Copywriter Travel Blogger Giuseppe Baldassarri.

Here are some suggestions for things to do in Mantua:

Mantua, also known as Mantova in Italian, is a beautiful city in Lombardy, Italy. It's known for its historic architecture, artistic heritage, and its association with the famous poet Virgil. Here are some things you might consider doing during your visit to Mantua:


1. Palazzo Ducale: Start your exploration by visiting the Palazzo Ducale, the city's most iconic landmark. This grand palace was the residence of the ruling Gonzaga family and is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. Inside, you'll find beautiful frescoes, art collections, and the famous Camera degli Sposi, a room adorned with frescoes by Andrea Mantegna.


2. Piazza delle Erbe: Explore the Piazza delle Erbe, the main square of Mantua. It's a lively and vibrant place surrounded by colorful buildings and cafes. You can stroll around, enjoy the atmosphere, and perhaps have a coffee or gelato at one of the outdoor terraces.


3. Duomo di Mantova: Visit the Mantua Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Mantova. This magnificent cathedral showcases different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance. Inside, you can admire beautiful artworks and sculptures.


4. Teatro Bibiena: If you're interested in theater and music, don't miss the Teatro Bibiena. This stunning 18th-century theater is renowned for its architectural beauty and excellent acoustics. Take a guided tour or check if there are any performances or concerts taking place during your visit.


5. Palazzo Te: Take a short trip outside the city center to visit Palazzo Te. This villa was built for the Gonzaga family and is famous for its impressive frescoes, including the Sala dei Giganti, painted by Giulio Romano. The surrounding gardens are also worth exploring.


6. Museo di Palazzo Ducale: If you're interested in art and history, visit the Museo di Palazzo Ducale, located within the Palazzo Ducale complex. It houses a vast collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, providing insights into Mantua's rich cultural heritage.


7. Sant'Andrea Basilica: Another architectural gem in Mantua is the Basilica of Sant'Andrea. This Renaissance church is known for its beautiful facade and grandiose interior, featuring works by artists such as Donatello and Luca Fancelli.


8. Boat tour on the lakes: Mantua is surrounded by three artificial lakes created during the Renaissance. Consider taking a boat tour to explore the lakes and enjoy picturesque views of the city's skyline and surrounding landscape.


These are just a few highlights of what Mantua has to offer. The city is also known for its culinary delights, so be sure to try some local dishes, such as tortelli di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta) and sbrisolona (a crumbly almond cake). Enjoy your visit to Mantua! 

Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:

Tour of Mantua itinerary to discover attractions and local food and wine specialties to taste.

Here's a suggested itinerary for a tour of Mantua that includes both attractions to visit and local food and wine specialties to taste:


Day 1:


Morning:

1. Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, exploring its magnificent halls, frescoes, and art collections.

2. Visit the Camera degli Sposi, a highlight of the palace, known for its stunning frescoes by Andrea Mantegna.

3. Take a leisurely stroll through Piazza delle Erbe and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the square.


Lunch:

4. Enjoy a traditional Mantuan lunch at a local trattoria. Try local specialties such as tortelli di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta), salame Mantovano (Mantuan salami), and risotto alla pilota (risotto with sausage).


Afternoon:

5. Visit the Mantua Cathedral (Duomo di Mantova) and admire its remarkable architecture and artistic treasures.

6. Explore the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, an early Christian church with a unique circular shape.

7. Take a walk along the lakeside promenade and enjoy the scenic views of the lakes surrounding the city.


Dinner:

8. Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local osteria. Sample traditional Mantuan dishes such as cotechino con lenticchie (cotechino sausage with lentils) or bollito misto (mixed boiled meats) accompanied by local wines.


Day 2:


Morning:

1. Visit Palazzo Te, a magnificent villa with beautiful frescoes and gardens outside the city center.

2. Explore the Museo di Palazzo Ducale, which houses an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts.


Lunch:

3. Head to a local enoteca (wine bar) or restaurant and enjoy a wine tasting experience. Sample local wines like Lambrusco Mantovano or the sparkling wine "Chiaretto di Monzambano."


Afternoon:

4. Discover the Teatro Bibiena, an architectural gem known for its beauty and excellent acoustics.

5. Visit the Basilica of Sant'Andrea and admire its stunning facade and interior.


Dinner:

6. Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Mantua, where you can savor refined interpretations of traditional Mantuan cuisine paired with exquisite wines.


Day 3:


Morning:

1. Take a guided boat tour on the lakes surrounding Mantua, enjoying the picturesque views and learning about the history and significance of the lakes.


Lunch:

2. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local agriturismo (farmhouse) in the countryside surrounding Mantua. Taste farm-to-table dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.


Afternoon:

3. Visit the Palazzo d'Arco, a historic palace that houses a museum with a diverse collection of art and antiques.

4. Explore the Civic Museum of Palazzo Te, which showcases archaeological artifacts and art collections.


Dinner:

5. For your final evening in Mantua, dine at a traditional trattoria and savor the flavors of Mantuan cuisine one last time. Don't forget to try the famous sbrisolona, a crumbly almond cake, for dessert.


This itinerary should give you a good mix of exploring the city's attractions and indulging in the local food and wine specialties. However, feel free to adapt it according to your preferences and the opening hours of the attractions and restaurants. Enjoy your tour of Mantua! 

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Giuseppe Baldassarri Destination Marketing & Management Consultant

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Top Italy Things to Do: Explore the Best of Italy
Narration by Baldassarri Giuseppe, Destination Marketing & Management Consultant
"Italy Things to Do | Discover Italy’s Essence"

Introduction to Italy: A Gateway to Culture and History

Italy is not just a destination—it’s a dialogue between the past and present, a journey that begins the moment curiosity awakens. It calls to the traveler’s deeper sense of self, offering not only places to see but emotions to feel. From the cadence of daily life in a sunlit piazza to the majesty of ancient ruins, Italy is a gateway to both discovery and connection.

The Rich Historical Background of Italy

Every stone in Italy tells a story. It’s a country where history is not confined to museums—it lives in the streets, whispers from the amphitheaters, and glows in cathedral stained glass. For the thoughtful traveler, these aren’t just relics of the past—they’re meaningful encounters that spark reflection and awe.

Why Italy is a Must-Visit Destination

Italy moves people, not just through beauty, but through the depth of experience. It satisfies a range of human desires: adventure, meaning, indulgence, and inspiration. Whether it’s a solo traveler seeking introspection or a business guest exploring opportunities, Italy adapts and responds to what each visitor needs, often before they even realize it themselves.

Top Cities to Visit and Things to Do

Rome: The Eternal City

Rome doesn’t ask for your attention—it commands it. Walking through its streets, you're enveloped in a powerful blend of empire, elegance, and everyday life. The Coliseum, the Vatican, the fountains—they’re not just stops on a tour, they’re moments of wonder that shift your inner perspective.

Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance

Florence awakens a traveler’s imagination. This city breathes art, and its streets are an invitation to think, to feel, and to create. Whether gazing at Michelangelo’s David or sipping wine under Tuscan skies, Florence offers the kind of depth that lingers long after your visit ends.

Italy's Natural Wonders and Landscapes

The Majestic Dolomites

There’s something transformative about standing before the Dolomites. These towering peaks inspire both humility and exhilaration. They’re a space where the external journey meets the internal, where stillness and movement co-exist in sublime balance.

The Beautiful Amalfi Coast

This coastline doesn’t just please the eye—it stirs the heart. Clinging to cliffs and kissed by Mediterranean sun, the Amalfi Coast is a sensory poem. Every winding road, every sea breeze, speaks to life’s richness and the joy of slowing down to savor it.

Culinary Delights: Italy Things to Do for Food Lovers

A Journey Through Italian Cuisine

Food in Italy is not merely nourishment—it’s a narrative, a celebration, and often, a love letter to tradition. Sharing a meal becomes a bridge to understanding the culture, the people, and the land itself. It’s where authenticity meets generosity, plate by plate.

Must-Try Dishes Across Italy

From truffle risotto in the north to Neapolitan pizza in the south, every dish tells a regional story. Each bite is a chance to experience place and memory simultaneously, reminding us how powerful and emotional taste can be when rooted in identity.

Cultural Experiences: Engaging with Italian Art and Festivals

Festivals in Italy are not staged performances—they are living traditions. Whether it’s a medieval reenactment in Siena or a contemporary art show in Venice, these events pull you in, not as a spectator, but as a participant in something timeless and heartfelt.

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To fully enjoy Italy, travel with an open mind and a responsive heart. The most enriching journeys are not always the ones most planned—they’re the ones where you allow space for emotion, spontaneity, and unexpected connections. Italy rewards those who travel with awareness, curiosity, and care.

Conclusion: Discover Italy’s Essence

Italy is more than a list of attractions. It’s an emotional experience that evolves with every step, every conversation, every sensation. Italy is the ultimate destination for those who seek not just to see but to feel. And its essence? It lies in how deeply it moves you. 

– Baldassarri Giuseppe

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