{"id":8195,"date":"2023-05-04T16:24:06","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T16:24:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/why-you-need-to-visit-the-ancient-city-of-mantua-italy\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T09:46:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T09:46:42","slug":"why-you-need-to-visit-the-ancient-city-of-mantua-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/why-you-need-to-visit-the-ancient-city-of-mantua-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Best Things To Do In Mantua, Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Perched in the Lombardy region<\/a> of Italy, Mantua is an ancient Italian city that\u2019s so incredible to see.  There really is so many of the best things to do in Mantua, plus, it has a whopping history too.  After all, being well over 4,000 years old, what else can you expect. \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, in lots of ways, Mantua often gets overshadowed by some of its more popular neighbours of Verona<\/a>, Venice<\/a> and Milan<\/a>. I mean, they\u2019re all northern Italian cities that, in my opinion, often get prioritised by visitors over the some of the lesser-known cities like Mantua. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is why I wanted to show you some of the best things to do in Mantua that are just gorgeous to experience. <\/p>\n

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Plus, you know what, that\u2019s the thing I love most about Italy<\/a>, the fact that you can be \u2018just down the road\u2019 from the well-known spots and undiscovered haunts. <\/span><\/p>\n

After all, Italy isn\u2019t just the likes of; Venice<\/a>, Rome<\/a> or Cinque Terre<\/a> (no matter how amazing they are). <\/span>With that in mind, and before I keep rambling, take a look at some of the best things to do in Mantua, there is so much to see.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See all the best things to do in Mantua, below. \u2764\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n

1.) Watch the sunset over Mantua<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Just across the bridge, and over the water from, Piazza Sordello is one of the best views of the city. Head across around sunset and watch the city transform from day to night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Now, it\u2019s easily walkable but if you do have a car you can park up in the park that\u2019s right next to Rocca di Sparafucile. It really is a gorgeous view and one of the best things to do in Mantua. <\/span><\/p>\n

You’ll love it. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best castles to visit in Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2.) Basilica di Sant’Andrea<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Built way back in the 15th Century this beautiful basilica too over 300 years to complete! The whole building is totally stunning and pretty easy to reach if you\u2019re already in Piazza Mantegna.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s said that the basilica holds a vile of holy blood that was identified as authentic almost 1,000 years ago. To this day, you can see the sacred vessels on Good Friday when they\u2019re brought out for everyone to see. It’s quite an incredible place to explore and easily up there as one of the best things to do in Manuta.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.) Palazzo Te<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Just outside the ancient centre of Mantua is the Palazzo Te. Built by Giulio Romano almost 500 years ago, its one of northern Italy\u2019s most beautiful palaces. <\/span><\/p>\n

Once inside, make sure to see the gorgeous Serlian window, the loggia and the Fall of the Giants. It really is so beautiful to see. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling peckish, pop into the Carlo Govi Restaurant. They serve some of the best local produce from around the region. You won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/span><\/p>\n

4.) Ducal Palace<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Built for the noble people of the region, Ducal Palace was once the royal residence where the Gonzaga family lived for almost 400 years. It really is so stunning to see, especially the Cortile della Cavallerizza.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oh, and don\u2019t forget to visit the Camera degli Sposi whilst you\u2019re in Ducal Palace. It\u2019s a room filled with incredible paintings from Andrea Mantegna.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: Best castles to visit in Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5.) Stay and eat in Mantura<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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If you\u2019re looking for a place to stay in the ancient part of Mantua, then you should head over to Hotel Broletto<\/a> that \u2019s situated within the restricted traffic area of the city (so it\u2019s nice and quiet). The only thing that\u2019ll bother you is your partners snoring! Ha!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Once inside, make the most of their cosy rooms too. Which is totally essential (to me) when travelling. To have that space you come back to after a day on your feet and just feel so conformable. Honestly, I think it can really make a trip. Plus, they have some pretty lovely suites too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, if you’re hankering for some yummy Italian food, pop over to La Piadineria for one of the best piadinas<\/em> in town. Yum!<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Rome<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

6.) Rotonda di San Lorenzo<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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The Rotonda di San Lorenzo is another shining example of why Mantua has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It\u2019s just so unique.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the most ancient church in all of Mantua, the rotunda was originally dedicated to the Goddess, Venus. Once here, make sure you venture inside – it\u2019s easily one of the best things to do in Manuta. <\/span><\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re looking for a little tipple, pop into Alla Buca della Gabbia. They serve up some great local dishes and have a pretty extensive wine selection to boot. It\u2019s a great spot to unwind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

7.) Castello San Giorgio<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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I mean, I have a real thing for castles, with Castello San Giorgio being one of my favourites in Lombardy.  <\/span>Surrounded by a massive moat, the castle was built over 600 years ago and still holds strong to this day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Once here, make sure to see some of the rooms, especially the Sala dei Soli that houses some stunning frescoes by Giulio Romano. <\/span><\/p>\n

8.) Piazza Sordello<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Perched right next to Ducal Palace, Piazza Sordello is a great place to come for afternoon coffee.  <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s something that Italians do so well, that coffee culture of chilling out and just absorbing the place (with a coffee in hand).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Now, the piazza can get pretty bustling on busy days but it isn\u2019t just a spot for visitors\u2026 you\u2019ll see lots of locals here too. <\/span><\/p>\n

Better still, you\u2019ll find a heap of local craft stalls selling everything from hand-made jewellery, soaps and local pottery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

9.) Mantua Cathedral<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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So, the Mantua Cathedral, which is locally known as the Cattedrale di San Pietro, has had a pretty turbulent history. <\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s been many fires and events which has destroyed many aspects of the buildings over a thousand years ago. Some would say it\u2019s had some bad luck!<\/span><\/p>\n

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That being said, the Cathedral, in its current form has stood a whopping 700 years (or so) and is one of the most iconic buildings in Mantua.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Once inside, make sure to see the artwork of Saint Margaret that dates back almost 500 years. It really is one of the best things to do in Mantua and it’s totally stunning and cannot be missed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Read more: The best national parks to visit in Italy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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15 Stunning National Parks In Italy To Visit<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n