How to get to Mantua from Milan. Travel information: everything about the Italian city of Mantua. Cuisine and delicacies

Mantua(Italian: Mantova) is a city sung by many famous poets and writers. Virgil and Charles Baudelaire, Dante and Charles Dickens admired its romantic atmosphere, ancient monuments, calm waters of the Mincio River and surrounding lakes and sincerity and goodwill local residents.

First the land of the Etruscans, then the stronghold of the ancient Romans, Mantua has undergone great changes over time. In the twelfth century, in order to provide the city with water, four artificial lakes, fed by the Mincio River, which turned Mantua into an island city.

In the seventeenth century, due to constant floods, the outskirts of Mantua gradually turned into swamps. To rebuild the city, one of the lakes was drained, leaving Mantua surrounded by water on only three sides. IN Lake Superior lotus flowers, characteristic of the East, were planted; here they found suitable habitat and quickly filled the lake. And Lake Mezzo and the Lower Lake are overgrown with water chestnuts, in the shade of which many tourists and locals still rest, watching the calmness of the water surface.

Mantua is the capital of the province of the same name in the Southeast and has approximately 55,000 inhabitants. Mantua is not at all like a metropolis, overflowing with bustle and noise. The city seems to have captured for centuries the austere character that a military fortified city was supposed to have (Mantua was one for almost two centuries).

The symbol of Mantua is the solemn tranquility of the nature that surrounds it. This is a city that you immediately like: the streets here are generally large, spacious, always clean and tidy, and the buildings are usually not too tall, simple, elegant and well-kept.

Walking around the city and stopping from time to time to look around, you can notice thousands of details that make this city so hospitable. The heaviness of the Roman ruins, the superb grandeur of the Renaissance buildings, the echoes of the power of Bonacolsi and the splendor of Gonzaga, are “softened” by the Benedictine churches and quiet cozy alleys of the periphery, which fascinate the visitor, especially in the morning hours.

Mantua

Mantua is a city that you will fall in love with at first sight, quiet and peaceful, which always has something to offer the visitor and where you always want to return.

How to get to Mantua

By plane

The closest airports to Mantova are:

Mantua - Monselice - Padua

By bus

Mantua can be reached by one of the intercity buses from the main cities of Italy.

On a ferryboat

Mantua can also be reached by water, across the Mincio River. The service is provided by Motonavi Andes agency.

Where to stay in Mantua

In addition to all of the above, we recommend visiting the Palazzo d'Arco, located on the square of the same name, the Palazzo San Sebastiano, the residence of Francesco II Gonzaga, where today the city museum is located, the churches of San Francesco, St. Barnabas and San Sebastiano (Famedio) and the ancient towers of the city.

What to try in Mantua

The city of Gonzaga is famous not only for its artistic beauty and natural landscapes, but also for its amazingly delicious food and fine wines.

Below you will find a list of dishes that you really must try if you travel to the only province in all of Italy that produces both Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Pork is the undisputed “star” among local “antipasti”, i.e. meat snacks. Be sure to try the Mantua salami with allspice and garlic, as well as the Spella Cotta. A note for gourmets: if you love meat and are close to the Sabbioneta quarter, the Corte Bondeno restaurant will offer you such a selection of meat dishes that you will simply be left speechless.

As we have already noted, Mantua is the only city in Italy where Grana Padano and Parmigiano are produced simultaneously: enjoy these cheeses accompanied by Mostarda di Mele mustard, which is prepared according to the ancient Gonzaga recipe only here.

"Mostarda di mele." Photo robysushi.com

FIRST MEAL:

It goes without saying that when you're in Mantua you "must" eat a plate of handmade pumpkin ravioli. Although this a traditional dish Christmas Eve, you can find them any day of the year at any restaurant or tavern in town.

Two other dishes not to be missed are the pork-filled agnoli, usually served in broth, and the risotto alla pilota with pesto and sausages.

SECOND COURSES:

What to eat for main course? The best choice- donkey stew "Stracotto d'azino".

Donkey stew is typically served with soft polenta or as a pasta sauce. The stew is made after marinating the donkey meat for a long time in Lambrusco and boiling until the meat is so soft that it can be eaten without using a knife, in general, until it becomes "stracotto", "overcooked".

Seafood lovers can choose from lake fish; we recommend trying pike with sauce.

The most famous sweet dish in Manua is "Sbrisolona": a dessert made with corn flour, almonds and butter. Yes, a little high in calories, but too tasty to deprive yourself of it!

Try the Helvetia cake, which, although not considered a traditional dessert of Mantua, has been prepared here since 1700.

Holidays in Mantua and the provinces

February

Mantua, like many cities in Italy, celebrates Carnival: on this day, “gnocchi” and carnival sweets are distributed in many provincial towns. And in the city of Castel d'Ario they organize a big spaghettata lunch.

March, April

Easter in Mantua is celebrated with a procession in historical costumes. Don't miss the traditional Easter celebrations in the town of Schivenoglia.

Roncoferraro Rodigo celebrates the patron saint of San Bernardino.

June

In June, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is celebrated in Viadana and the traditional rice festival in the town of Villimpenta.

July

The most popular events of the month are the fair of Vadana and the feast of the patron saint of Governolo, which is accompanied by a huge food fair where you can enjoy many good local dishes such as risotto, sausages, polenta and fish.

August

In August, the festival "sacro e profano" is held in Curtatone and a unique celebration-reconstruction of "playing "live" chess" in Ponti sul Mincio. The city of Mantua also hosts an August fair, during which dozens of artists from different countries of the world decorate the asphalt, turning the square into a huge work of art. The event is called "Concordo Madonnari".

"Concordo Madonnari". Photo flickr.com

September

September events include the city's Grape Festival, as well as the Gonzaga Millennial Fair, with performances, food and wine, which has been repeated annually since 1640.

November

Don't miss the Feast of Our Lady of Dosso in Casalmoro, a holiday that is also known as the Chicken Festival.

Mantua from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Mantua.

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Mantua (Italians say Mantova) is the capital of the province of the same name in the Italian region of Lombardy. The Etruscans and Gauls lived here for a long time, even before our era. In 70 BC. e. one of the great poets was born here Ancient Rome- Virgil.

For any traveler interested in architecture, art, and the history of Italy, a trip to Mantua is of undoubted interest. The city, due to its geographical location, can easily be included in any tourist route passing through northern Italy. Those who intend to make this city the base for their travel can be offered to stay in any of several dozen hotels, all of which have excellent reviews from guests. You can feel a special aura by choosing one of those hotels that are located in historical buildings protected by the state.

How to get there

The location of the city is very convenient: from here 150 km to Milan, 30 km to Verona, 160 km to Venice, 80 km to Bologna. You can get to these cities by train, bus or car. A slightly greater distance, 300 km, separates Mantua from Rimini, to whose airport most tourists from Russia fly.

Search for flights to Verona (closest airport to Mantua)

A little history

In the Middle Ages, the city became an arena of political and religious struggle; it found itself among the possessions of one or another nobleman, until it passed into the possession of the Gonzaga family, whose name is inseparable from Mantua of the Renaissance.

Rulers from this family are known for their contradictory combination of qualities, like enlightened tyrants. Gonzaga managed to strengthen economic situation Mantua, built magnificent palaces and castles in the city, and collected stunning collections of books, antiquities and artistic treasures in them. The political influence of this family extended throughout Europe, the Mantuan court was one of the most brilliant in Italy, and the representatives of the powerful family themselves were the legislator of morals, fashions and tastes in art.

It was those architects, artists, and poets who worked under the patronage of Gonzaga who became the founders of those trends that became dominant in the art of the Renaissance. By the beginning of the 18th century, the glorious family began to fade away, the younger branch of the family was unable to keep Mantua at the pinnacle of glory and greatness, the city fell into decay and came under the control of the Habsburgs. From a brilliant city of arts, the city turned into a powerful bastion, which created many problems for Napoleon during the conquest of Italy.

Popular hotels in Mantua

Entertainment and attractions of Mantua

The historic center of Mantua is listed World Heritage humanity, the reason for this is the embodiment of the ideas of the Italian Renaissance in the planning and development of the city. Among the city's attractions are numerous cathedrals and palazzos, usually grouped around squares. A special place in the list of attractions is occupied by the Mantua Cathedral, on the site of which more than one religious building was built and destroyed by fire.

After a fire in the 16th century, Giulio Romano reconstructed the interiors of the cathedral, and later its façade was replaced with a new one made of Carrara marble.

The interiors of the cathedral are decorated with paintings by remarkable artists, but the most famous works - the brushes of Paolo Veronese and Giulio Campi - were taken from Mantua. The Cathedral is located in Piazza Sordello.

Basilica of St. Andrea

But the largest church in the city is the Basilica of St. Andrea, built in the Middle Ages on the site of a Benedictine monastery. By order of Lodovico III Gonzago, it was completely rebuilt in 1472 under the leadership of the architect Leon Batista Alberti. As a result, the church became more spacious, the flow of pilgrims increased, who sought to fall to the vessel with the “priceless blood of Christ,” which was kept in this church. Later, the church was completed and rebuilt; in particular, it received its high dome already in the 18th century. But the facade still exactly corresponds to the great architect's plans.

Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale, the Ducal Palace, is a grandiose architectural structure, one of the largest in Europe: the total area of ​​​​all (about 500) rooms is almost 34,000 square meters. m. It was built from 1290 to 1708 as the residence of the rulers of the city; its oldest buildings are located on the Palazzo del Capitano. Corridors and galleries, halls and courtyards are a model of harmony and the embodiment of luxury. The external appearance of the buildings of this palace was determined by various architects, decorating it with colonnades, towers, and porticos. The amazing paintings of the interior of the palace have survived to this day and never cease to arouse the admiration of both ordinary tourists and prominent art critics.

Palazzo del Te

Another palace was the fruit of the work of Giulio Romano: Palazzo del Te, which is located in the southern part of the city. One of the most striking examples of mannerism, this palace was also built for the rulers of the city and fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape. It must be said that Giulio Romano did not have problems with financing, so his work was guided only by inspiration, and the buildings were erected incredibly quickly for those times: this palace, which the architect considered the embodiment of his dream, was built in just a year and a half. After that, the palace was decorated with frescoes, stucco moldings and other decorative details for another 10 years.

Questions about Mantua

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Before visiting Mantua, this Italian town evoked in me associations exclusively with Shakespeare, or rather with the phrase from: “I sent a torchbearer to Mantua!”

Despite the fact that most Russians associate Mantua with nothing else other than Romeo’s forced exile, this city is in fact a real treasure chest: small, but full of treasures, both historical, cultural and gastronomic. points of view.

Let's start with a small, not even historical, but geographical excursion. Initially, the city was not located on the mainland, as it is now, but on an island surrounded by lakes and a tributary of the Mincio River. In Mantua, as in Venice, the streets were adjacent to canals, which were later closed and converted into pavements.

Now there is only one canal in the city, but it is also closed, but the lakes have not gone away, they are located at the entrance to the city and, when you drive past, they seem like two huge mirrors, a sort of water gate of Mantua.

CITY ATTRACTIONS: CITY CENTER

Despite the fact that the Etruscans and Gauls were the first to settle on the lakes, and it was here, according to legend, that Virgil was born, the heyday of Mantua occurred in the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries, when the Gonzaga family became lords of the Duchy of Mantua. It is to them that Mantua owes so many palaces and castles that the city claims to be the European Capital of Culture in 2019. In principle, you can write at least a couple of sentences about every house in Mantua, but we will focus on the main attractions of the city.

CASTELLO DI SAN GIORGIO

The architect of Castello di San Giorgio was the engineer Bartolino da Navarra. According to his design, powerful walls, decorated, as elsewhere in northern Italy, with Ghibelline signs, were surrounded by a moat filled with water from the surrounding lakes. It is the Castle of St. George that is the first thing you see when entering the city. Despite the fact that very soon the castle began to be used not so much for defensive purposes, but as a place of residence for Gonzaga, and therefore in the 15th century additional rooms were added to the castle, and the interior rooms were decorated with frescoes and paintings - a moat with water and other attributes of a classic fortress have remained here to this day.

Today, the Castle of St. George belongs not even to the government of Mantua, but to the cats that inhabit it - there are even more fat and tailed ones here than tourists, they are not afraid of people, but they do not allow themselves to be petted.

PALAZZO DUCALE

In fact, the Palace of the Dukes (and this is the most correct way to translate the name Palazzo Ducale into Russian) is connected to the Castle of St. George, so in principle it is a single complex of buildings that belonged to the Gonzaga lords, who built a real city inside Mantua.

In the photo: garden in the courtyard of Palazzo Ducale

The fact is that local residents did not favor the Gonzaga family very much, and the lords, fearing an attack from the Mantovans, tried not to go out into the streets of the city unless necessary, and surrounded their palaces with impressive walls. For a long time, Palazzo Ducale was closed to tourists, but today some of the halls are open to the public.

So, behind the walls of the castle there is a luxurious garden, the second garden (suspended) is laid out on the roof of the first floor of the palazzo (just like).

All the rooms and halls of the palace are through and connected to each other by passages, so there is no need to talk about any privacy in the life of the Gonzaga lords. Among the most interesting and noteworthy halls: the hall of hunters with eerie masks on the ceiling, the hall of the zodiac with paintings in the form of animated constellations, the hall of rivers with statues made of sandstone, the labyrinth hall with an encrypted inscription on the ceiling: “Maybe, “Yes,” or maybe “No”, as well as a gallery whose frescoes replicate the corridors of the Vatican.

Since the Gonzagas did not like to leave their monastery, there is also a house church in the complex with the name Santa Barbara, so familiar to Russian ears, although it is closed to the public. But you can see the impressive size bed of the dukes, imported from Milan, a stone bathtub and a marble sink, in which representatives of aristocratic families took baths in the fresh air.

HOUSE OF RIGOLETTO

Opposite the palace is Rigoletto's house: it was at this address that the hunchback, the main character of Verdi's opera, lived.

In the photo: Rigoletto statue in Mantua

In the courtyard of the house there is a bronze statue of Rigoletto, and in the same building you can buy a ticket for mass visit all museums in the city (ticket costs 15 euros).

PIAZZA SORDELLO

One wall of the Palazzo Ducale faces entirely piazza Sordello. The square is amazingly beautiful, but there is one thing: the stones with which it is paved are real cobblestones, so while walking in flip-flops, the soles of your feet experience unbearable torment.

In the photo: giant paving stones on Piazza Sordello

Right there on the square there is also Saint Paul's Cathedral. From the outside, Duomo San Pietro is nothing special, except for the red brick side inserts, but inside the temple you can spend an hour, and not only because in the summer the basilica is pleasantly cool.

The inside of the dome of the cathedral is decorated with frescoes, the altars are decorated with canvases by Lorenzo Costa, and the columns of the temple are made of Carrara marble. In general, the decoration of the cathedral is so rich that it can compete, for example, with Santa Maria Mangiore in Rome. Costa’s painting “The Martyrdom of Saint Agatha” deserves special attention, although, to be honest, this is not the most pleasant Christian story, because Saint Agatha’s breasts were ripped out.

In the photo: the Cathedral of San Pietro in Mantua

On the other side of the square - Torre della Gabbia(the building is easily recognizable by its tower, which for a long time was the tallest in the city), is famous for the fact that during the Middle Ages, criminals were shown to the public in iron cages attached to the wall of the building.

Along the narrow streets, paved with not so deadly cobblestones, we go to the city center through the gallery of arches and find ourselves on Piazza delle Erbe- the second main square of the city. Here are Rotunda of San Lorenzo- the oldest church in Mantua, built in 1082 by order of Matilda di Canossa. By the way, it was discovered only at the beginning of the twentieth century, after the houses built on this site were demolished.

In the photo: Rotunda of San Lorenzo in Mantua

Almost next to the rotunda is another palace - Palazzo Della Ragione, the attention of city guests is mainly attracted by the palace tower with a huge astrological clock.

Well, it’s right there Basilica of Sant'Andrea: a beautiful, but very strange building. Beautiful, because its interior is entirely made of gold, strange, because the basilica is part of a Benedictine monastery that was completed later.

The result is a building of a very peculiar shape, it seems as if the cathedral was surrounded on all sides by giant Lego cubes, and therefore it is not even possible to find the entrance to the basilica the first time. Also from interesting buildings, located in the center of Mantua, I would like to note the Palace of Merchants. Palazzo della Camera di Commercio- not as old as it seems at first glance, it was built only in 1913, but it is a magnificent example of neo-medieval style.

In the photo: Palazzo della Camera di Commercio

PALAZZO TE: OUTSIDE THE CITY CENTER

Away from the center of Mantua is Palazzo Te, another Gonzaga palace designed by Raphael's student Giulio Romano in the sixteenth century. The palace's appearance is more like a villa, surrounded by a lush garden, and the walls are lined with blocks of uncut stone.

Inside the palace there are frescoes and richly painted ceilings, especially the Hall of Horses: the vaults are decorated with carved panels with Greek ornaments, the walls are also decorated with panels depicting horses - the favorite animals of the Gonzaga family. Another interesting thing is the Hall of Winds and the Zodiac, where sixteen medallions depict the signs of the zodiac, as well as figures of the Gods and Elements.

And, of course, the Hall of Cupid and Psyche in the room intended for banquets deserves special attention. Entrance here is, as they say, only for adults, because the love scenes of Cupid and Psyche are depicted in all pornographic details.

In the photo: the Hall of Cupid and Psyche in Palazzo Te

In the Palazzo Ducale there is also a hall of Cupid and Psyche, but everything there is decorous and noble and without positions from the Kama Sutra. By the way, they say that the artist, at the request of the customer, gave the characters in the porn fresco a resemblance to members of the noble families of Italy, so Psyche is the embodiment of Boschetti, and Venus is Isabella d’Este (the Duke’s mother).

SHOPPING

All the main shops of Mantua are located on the street leading to Piazza delle Erbe directly under the arches. There is MaxMara with Sportmax, a Chanel beauty boutique, and many multi-brand stores selling mainly shoes. Of the original Italian brands, I would like to mention the boutique Sandro Ferrone is a Roman brand that produces tunics, overalls, shoes and dresses, reminiscent of MaxMara in style. Things are of high quality, but they are several times cheaper than those from famous neighbors: from 50 to 120 euros.

In the photo: Sandro Ferrone boutique window display

Also near Mantua is the classic Fashion District outlet village with 110 stores of different price categories: from Bottega Veneta to Calzedonia and Adidas. Discounts: from 30 to 70%, store opening hours: from 10.00 to 20.00. Official website: , where you can also order a transfer to the outlet village and back.

GASTRONOMY

After a visit to Mantua, I associate Romeo’s place of exile exclusively with tortellini, and this despite the fact that the birthplace of this type of pasta, which is an Italian variation on the theme of our favorite dumplings, is considered neighboring region Emilia-Romagna.

According to legend, the shape of tortellini should repeat the shape of the navel of Venus (or, according to another version, the shape of the navel of the mistress of the cook who invented this type of pasta), but since then a lot of water has passed under the bridge, so, for example, classic tortellini with pumpkin (a traditional dish of Mantua) have the shape square. Pasta filling: a mixture of boiled pumpkin, salted Parmesan, mustard, nutmeg, and ricotta or amaretto liqueur. By the way, this type of tortellini was originally a traditional treat served on Christmas Eve - on the eve of Christmas, the Catholic Church does not recommend eating meat.

Speaking of meat, or more precisely about antipasti. In Mantua, on sale and in almost any butcher shop, you can find culatello, a meat delicacy similar to ham, which takes 36 months to prepare. Also, lovers of all kinds of sausages are recommended to try salame mantovano - salami in a white pork casing with the addition of garlic, coarse salt and pepper; the sausage is dried for three to six months, depending on the size.

Also among the local specialties is ciccioli mantovani - fried pork fat, very reminiscent of our Russian cracklings, which was originally a dish of the surrounding villages, but over time it has taken root in the city.

Meat dishes are served with mostarda - a sauce made from fruits marinated in mustard or syrup. Although mostarda looks like sweet jam, it tastes more like wasabi, so mustard should be used carefully.

The most famous local sweet is sbrisolòna, a cake whose dough consists of white, yellow flour and sugar in equal parts, to which butter, yolk and almond crumbs are then added.

The cake is very hard, it is impossible to cut it, so the sweetness is broken into pieces with a blow of the fist. The resulting pieces, which taste like macaroons, are eaten dipped in white wine.

The grandiose architectural complex of Palazzo Ducale, or Ducal Palace, is one of the largest in Europe. It was built as the residence of the rulers of Mantua. All buildings included in the palace complex are interconnected by numerous galleries and decorated with picturesque gardens and courtyards.

The oldest parts of the palace were built at the end of the 13th century - it was then that the Palazzo del Capitano and the “Great House” were erected by order of the captain of the people Guido Bonacolsi. These two buildings form the so-called “Old Courtyard”. Some time later, between 1395 and 1406, the architect Bartolino da Novara built nearby the Castle of St. George, which from the mid-15th century became the residence of the family of Lodovico II Gonzaga (Duke of Nevers).

In the north-eastern tower there is the famous "Marriage Room", which was painted with frescoes in 1465-1474. On the ground floor there is also the first office and the first "grotto (personal apartment) of the wife of Francesco II Gonzaga - Isabella d'Este. In 1480-1484, the "new courtyard" was built, the author of the project was the architect Luca Fancelli. The "new courtyard" included The Ducal Apartments, which were later enlarged and decorated.At the end of the 16th century, the Church of St. Barbara was built in the palace.The palace remained home to the family of the Dukes of Gonzaga for several centuries - from 1328 to 1707.

Palace of the Mind (Palazzo della Ragione)

The Palace of Reason (Palazzo della Ragione) was built in the 13th century and until 1797 was the venue for the city's courts. The largest medieval building amazes with its architectural boldness and working solar calendar clock. The palace hall has an almost rectangular shape, more than 80 meters long and 27 meters wide, the height of Palazzo della Ragione is 24 meters.

The building is arched, its huge roof is supported by columns, and an open loggia surrounds the upper tier. The Palace of the Mind is one of the largest astrological monuments of the Middle Ages. It is assumed that the frescoes were the design of the Paduan astrologer and physician Pietro d'Abano, performed by Giotto. But in 1420, during a fire, the works were severely damaged. Venetian architects restored a cycle of frescoes consisting of 333 squares, which are located on several floors.

Today we can come to Mantua for Piazza delle Ebre, to see one of the most beautiful palaces in Italy, frescoes on astronomical themes, and visit the lively market, which is divided into a square of herbs and fruits. On the ground floor of Palazzo della Ragione there are a huge number of shops and the best wine.

What sights of Mantua did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Fashion District Outlet

The Fashion District outlet in Mantua, opened in 2003, houses the most famous brands, sold at attractive discounts of 30 to 80 percent. Here you can buy clothes, shoes, jewelry, bags, household goods and other things and items. The outlet was built under the influence of the Renaissance and occupies an area of ​​33,000 square meters, which houses more than 100 different stores.

On the first day of sales, a huge line of cars lines up near the outlet, people who have come here for shopping. These days, no one really leaves without shopping. Here you can buy boots for 60 euros, stylish leather bags from famous brands for 30 euros, Dolce Gabanna shoes for 50 euros, a silk dress from Guy Mattiolo for 70 euros and many other profitable and high-quality items.

Mantua Cathedral has a long history. The first building in its place was built in the era of early Christianity. It did not survive; at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries it was restored and reconstructed. It was at this time that the cathedral had a red stone bell tower and a wonderful, magnificently beautiful classical Gothic façade.

In the 16th century, the building was damaged by fire and again underwent reconstruction. And even later, in the 18th century, the original facade of multi-colored marble was somewhat modified in the Romanesque style and replaced with white marble.

The inside of the cathedral is as beautiful as the outside. It contains a valuable altarpiece by Paolo Farinati, one of the most important painters of Italy in the 16th century. And the interior is decorated with works by famous artists of Mantua.

Bibiena Theater

One of the main attractions of Mantua is the Teatro Academica Bibiena, founded in the 18th century. The creator of this magnificent building was the artist F.G. Bibiena, who was a representative of a famous family of architects and theater decorators. Their "signature" style was the use of "visual deception" techniques and spatial illusion, creating a stunning effect.

The construction of the theater in Mantua took place over two years - in 1767-1769. The building was made in the Baroque style. The interior has four tiers of semicircular boxes that border several columns. The grand opening of the theater took place on December 3, 1769. On this day, Luigi Gatti's work "Virgil and Manto" was staged on the theater stage. The second name of the Bibien Theater is “Scientific Theater”. It is due to the fact that in addition to performances, various meetings, debates and other scientific events were planned to be held here. All this was fully consistent with the educational trends of the era.

A few weeks after the opening, on January 16, 1770, young Mozart, who was then 14 years old, gave a concert in the theater. At the end of the performance, the hall and the theater building were highly praised by the father of the brilliant composer and musician.

The façade of the building acquired its modern neoclassical appearance somewhat later. It was created in 1775 according to the design of the famous architect Giuseppe Piermarini.

The theater is located near the Palazzo Ducale complex.

Church of San Andrea

The Church of St. Andrew the Apostle is the largest in Mantua. It was partially erected in the Middle Ages, but remained unfinished for a long time.

The Church of Sant'Andrea in Mantua became one of the most important buildings of the famous architect and scientist Leon Battista Alberti in Northern Italy. The architect tried in his creation to combine the traditional basilica form of the temple, which is characterized by a large dome. This largest of Alberti's projects was completed already in the 18th century by Filippo Juvarra. Despite the fact that the church was built after the death of its creator, it was in it that Alberti’s original plan was largely preserved than in his other buildings. The facade of the church looks majestic, vaguely reminiscent of a triumphal arch. The interior decoration, interior decor, decoration of both orders - all this is fully consistent with the spirit of High Renaissance architecture.

Palazzo Te

The country palace Palazzo Te is the brightest representative of the Mannerist era. The palace was built by order of the Marquis of Mantua Federico II Gonzaga, under the leadership of a specially invited Roman architect Giulio Romano, who brought to life all his genius and imagination. Romano had no restrictions in terms of financing, and therefore his masterpiece was built in just a year and a half.

The interior of Palazzo Te is decorated with beautiful frescoes, the main one of which belongs to the hand of Romano himself. His image of Jupiter smashing giants with lightning completely covers the surface of the square “Hall of Giants” with a dome on the ceiling.

Unfortunately, the entire contents of the palace were destroyed by the Austrians in 1630. Since then, the palace was often used as a barracks, which did not have the best effect on the condition of the interiors of many halls.

House of Rigoletto

The action of Verdi's famous opera takes place in Mantua, but its main character - the jester Rigoletto - never actually existed. But it's probably not that important. Finding yourself directly in the center of even operatic, and not entirely historically accurate events, it is pleasant to merge with history with the help of such markers as Rigoletto’s house.

The fake home of the legendary jester is located opposite the Ducal Palace not far from Cathedral. In the courtyard of this modest 15th-century building stands a statue of Rigoletto, a reminder that Italy is a temperamental and musical country, impossible without art.

The most popular attractions in Mantua with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Mantua on our website.

Italy is one of the many countries that have gained wild popularity among tourists. A huge number of interesting cities, an impressive history, a unique culture, many attractions and entertainment have given this country good reputation. Among the large number of famous Italian cities, we want to highlight Mantua, known as the city of three lakes. You will find all the information necessary for a tourist in the presented article.

Location and features of Mantua

Mantua (in Italian - Mantova) is a small city in Lombardy, which is famous for its history, developed industry and attractions. Previously, the city was an island; in the 12th century, the Italians decided to regulate the flow of the Mincio River, which is why Mantua turned into a peninsula surrounded by picturesque lakes.

Mantova is only 150 km from Milan, 30 km from Verona, 80 km from Bologna, 160 km from Venice and 300 km from Rimini airport, where most of the flights arrive Russian tourists. The city can be reached by taxi, train or bus.

The city is mentioned in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, where the main character, Romeo, is sent into exile from Verona to Mantova. The city's patron saint is Saint Anselm. Local residents are not aggressive and treat tourists kindly.

History of Mantua

Mantua – ancient city, its history began in the 4th century BC. According to legend, the city was founded by Manto, the daughter of the soothsayer Tiresias, who, after the death of her father, fled from Thebes, settled in this area and turned the impassable swamps into Mantua. From the point of view of historians, Mantova is an Etruscan city that served this people as a fortified center. In 388 BC. the settlement was occupied by the Gauls, who were ousted by the ancient Romans in 220 BC. During Roman rule, Mantua was divided into centuries, and acted as an agricultural area.

In the 4th-5th centuries, the territory of Mantua was conquered by the Germanic peoples. In the 9th century the city became the possession of the Franks. In 1116, the city underwent global changes, turning from an island into a peninsula. At the same time, Mantova was fortified with fortress walls.

For 55 years (since 1273) the city was ruled by the Bonacolsi family. During this period, Mantua was transformed. Significant buildings were erected on its territory, many of which we can see today.

In 1328, the Bonacolsi were expelled from the city by the Gonzaga family, who ruled Mantua until 1707. It was the Gonzaga dynasty that invited such great masters as Luca Fancelli, Donatello, Luciano de Laurano, Leon Batista Alberti and others here. Famous architects erected 5 city gates, the Basilica, expanded the Doge's Palace and Broletto, and also strengthened the city walls. Every year Mantua was replenished with new works of art, until the plague struck the city in 1630.

In 1707, Mantua became the possession of the Austrians, who turned it into a fortified city. In 1866, the city's territory was annexed to Royal Italy. Since then, the phrase Mantua - Italy has become inextricable.

Review of hotels in Mantua

All hotels in this glorious town have good reviews from visitors. Mantua has a sufficient number of comfortable hotels for different financial capabilities of the traveler. There are also guest houses, farm houses, country houses, hostels, motels and apartments that can be rented.

Among the popular hotels in the Italian city I would like to highlight the following:

1. Hotel Casa Poli – This 4-star small hotel is located in a 19th century building and has a garden and courtyard. The hotel offers visitors free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and satellite TV in the apartments. The room rate includes free breakfast. The hotel is located in the central part of Mantova. The Palazzo Ducale and the Cathedral are in the immediate vicinity.
2. Hotel dei Gonzaga - 3-star hotel built in Piazza Sordello, next to the Mantua Cathedral and the Doge's Palace. The rooms have air conditioning and a TV. Guests have free Wi-Fi throughout the building. Free buffet breakfast included.
3. Hotel Broletto – 3-star hotel located 20 m from the Broletto residence and 0.2 km from the Basilica of St. Andrey. The rooms have a minibar, air conditioning and a TV. Visitors to the establishment can use free Wi-Fi; breakfast is not included in the apartment price.
4. La Favorita – 4-star hotel located on the territory of the same name shopping center 2 km from the historical part of the city. Guests are offered a wide range of services to choose from excursions and entertainment activities. All rooms have first class amenities.
5. Casa Museo Palazzo Valenti Gonzaga – a guest house in the center of Mantua, featuring themed apartments with stone walls and Renaissance frescoes. The building is located near the Basilica of St. Andrew, Castle San Giorgio, Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te. The air-conditioned rooms have a TV, refrigerator and laptop computer. Visitors can use Wi-Fi free of charge. Guests of this house also have free access to the Valenti Gonzaga Museum and use of bicycles.

The hotels described above belong to best places tourist accommodation in Mantua. For a more complete picture of the city’s hotels, we recommend visiting specialized sites offering room booking services.

Shopping in Mantua

For shopping lovers, Mantova is of particular interest. The city has boutiques of many famous brands: Chanel, Sandro Ferrone, MaxMara co Sportmax, Macbeth, Scylab Outlet, etc.

In the very center of the city there is a Carrefour supermarket, which delights visitors with affordable prices, fresh products and first-class service. In addition, in the vicinity of Mantova there is an Outlet Village, on the territory of which you will find 110 shops with various goods and prices.

Shopaholics around the world are eager to visit the numerous retail outlets that Italy has. Mantua, with its established commercial industry, is no exception.

The best dishes and restaurants in Mantua

For those with a sweet tooth, wine lovers and adherents of gastronomic tourism, Mantova will become one of the favorite Italian cities. We recommend visiting the following restaurants in the city:

1. Pappa Reale di Pozzi Daniele;
2. Lo Scalco Grasso;
3. Carlo Govi ​​Ristorante;
4. Trattoria La Stella;
5. Osteria Dell'Oca;
6. Taverna Cinquecento;
7. Giallozucca;
8. Agriturismo Corte Bersaglio;
9. Antica Osteria ai Ranari;.
10. Tiratappi.

All tourists visiting Mantua must try the following dishes:

• Pumpkin ravioli is one of the first courses. Locals prepare it on Christmas Eve, but you can easily find this dish on the menu of all restaurants in the city.
• Agnoli is a first course consisting of broth and pork filling.
• Alla pilota is a first course with traditional Italian pesto sauce and delicious sausages.
• Stracotto d'azino (donkey stew) is the second course, which is prepared from marinated donkey meat.
• Pike with sauce is the second dish that seafood lovers will love.
• Salami Mantua - appetizer with garlic and allspice.
• Parmigiano and Grana Padano cheeses - you can taste these snacks only in Mantua.
• Mostarda di mele is a mustard made according to a Gonzaga family recipe.
• Sbrisola is the famous Mantova cake, consisting of sugar, yellow and white flour, almond crumbs, butter and yolk.
• Helvetia cake is a traditional dessert of the city, which has been prepared since the beginning of the 18th century.
• Lambrusco and Sprintz wines are the most popular wines of Mantua.

Mantova's cuisine amazes guests with its diversity, appetizing appearance and taste. Don't miss the opportunity to try the best dishes of the northern Italian city in its best restaurants.

Holidays in Mantua

When planning to visit Mantova in one season or another, be sure to check out the festivities that take place in the city and its suburbs during this period.

• September. This month, tourists can visit the Grape Festival, City Day and the Gonzaga Millennial Fair.
• November. Feast of Our Lady of Casalmoro. The second name of this celebration is the Chicken Festival.
• February. State carnival, which is held in many Italian cities.
• March or April. Easter, traditionally city residents dress up in historical costumes and hold a parade.
• May. Feast of San Bernadino.
• June. Rice Festival, as well as a celebration in honor of St. Peter and Paul.
• July. Feast of Governolo, fair in Vadana.
• August. Sacro e profane festival, August city fair, Live Chess festival.

Sights of Mantova

Of course, most travelers visit the city for its attractions. Their detailed description is presented below.

Science Park

An interesting place (for both children and adults), located on the embankment of the Mincio River. In addition to the benefits natural conditions tourists will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of physics and become a participant in many intellectual entertainments. On the territory of the park there are working samples of various mechanical devices, with the help of which you can calculate the amount of body energy, get acquainted with scientific paradoxes, learn the operating principles of the presented exhibits, etc.

Palace of the Mind

This building has another name - the Palace of Justice. It is located 0.2 km from Palazzo Ducale. The palace is considered the largest medieval building built in the 13th century. Until the end of the 18th century, it served as a place for judicial proceedings. The building was restored and modified several times appearance with the help of attached architectural elements, including a clock tower (15th century). Of particular interest to city guests are unique frescoes XIII century and sundial. Today the building houses the city museum, restaurants and shops.

Clock tower

This building, added to the Palace of the Mind in 1473, is worth a closer look. The tower was built according to the design of Luca Fancelli. The main value of this building is the clock, which was installed in 1493 by the astrologer, mechanic and mathematician Bartolomeo Manfredi. The clock has undergone numerous restoration work, but is still functioning to this day. This “mechanical miracle” shows not only the time, but also the phases of the moon, the current date, and the position of the zodiac constellations and planets. Under the clock, in a special niche, there is a statue of the Madonna. Below it is a marble balcony.

Bibiena Science Theater

The building is named after its creator, Antonio Bibien. The scientific theater took 2 years to build: from 1767 to 1769. The building is made in the Baroque style, the interior is equipped with 4 tiers of semi-circular boxes, which are separated by columns. Performances, concerts, as well as debates, conferences, meetings and other scientific events were held here, which is why the theater was called scientific. The facade of the building is made in the neoclassical style, and acquired its current appearance only in 1775. Today at the Bibiena Theater you can attend luxurious musical concerts of local, out-of-town and foreign performers.

Cathedral

Mantua Cathedral of St. Petra is located in Piazza Sordello. During the time of Emperor Constantine, a small temple was located on the site of the building, which was regularly restored, modified, expanded and rebuilt. In 894 there was a fire in the temple, the building itself was destroyed. In the 14th-15th centuries, the building was rebuilt, in its place a magnificent cathedral in the Romanesque style appeared, with the addition of chapels, a multi-colored marble facade in the Gothic style, and a red brick bell tower with lancet window openings in the Romanesque style. In 1545, the temple was damaged by a fire; its restoration was carried out by Giulio Romano and Giambattista Bertani. In the mid-18th century, the Gothic façade was replaced by a Barocan style using Carrara marble. Inside the temple there are 2 rows of chapels, 5 naves and a large number of valuable works of art: frescoes of the baptistery, paintings by famous Mantuan artists, an early Christian sarcophagus, etc.

Palazzo Ducale – Palace of the Dukes

It is an impressive architectural and monumental complex that served as the residence of all the rulers of Mantova. Palazzo Ducale is one of the largest architectural complexes in Europe. Its construction lasted for 4 centuries: from the end of the 13th to the beginning of the 18th century. Palazzo Ducale has an area of ​​34 thousand square meters. m. and 500 rooms. The following structures are located on the territory of the complex:

• Palazzo del Capitano - oldest part palace, built at the end of the 13th century. The building was erected on the orders of Guido Bonacolsi, whose family ruled Mantova from 1273 to 1328. Also among the ancient buildings of the Palazzo Ducale is the “Great House”, which is connected to the Palazzo del Capitano through courtyards and galleries called the “Old Courtyard”.
• Castle St. George - founded at the end of the 13th century by Bartolino da Novar. In the 15th century, the Gonzaga family settled here, carrying out the will of Louis II. The building has a square shape, 4 corner towers and drawbridges. As a result of reconstruction in 1459, the castle lost its defensive function. In the 60s-70s of the 15th century, Andrea Marteña painted the “Marriage Room” with frescoes.
• Basilica of St. Barbarians - the building appeared in the 70s-80s of the 16th century according to the design of Giambatista Bertani. The basilica is decorated with 3 huge arches with a pediment located in the upper tier. Inside, the church has 1 nave and side chapels, as well as a semicircular staircase that leads guests to the building to the altar.
• The new courtyard was created according to the design of Luca Francelli at the end of the 15th century. 110 years later, in 1595, the Ducal Apartments were built here by the Cremonese architect Antonio Maria Viani. Today in the Hall of the Archers you can see stunning pictures of the secularized and closed monasteries and churches of Italy.

Palazzo Te

This building is the country residence of the rulers of Mantova. The palace was built by Giulio Romano in the Mannerist style in the shortest possible time - 1.5 years (from 1524 to 1525). During the Middle Ages, it was located on an island, around the structure were the Mincio floods. Palazzo Te has a square shape, a wide courtyard and a beautiful facade decorated with flat pilasters. The interior is decorated with many valuable frescoes: “The Hall of Giants”, “The Great Horse Hall”, “The Hall of Cupid and Psyche”. During the rule of the Austrians, the palace was looted, its premises were used as barracks, which caused irreparable damage to the entire building. Today, visitors can see the palace's frescoed walls, a collection of ancient medals and coins from the Gonzaga Dynasty, and ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian collections.

Basilica of St. Andrey

This landmark is located 0.2 km from the Palazzo Ducale, and is the largest church in the city. The basilica was built on the site of a Benedictine monastery in the Middle Ages. In 1472, Louis III Gonzaga decided to rebuild the church, for which he invited the architect Leon Batista Alberti. The architect expanded the building, after which it began to receive a large number of pilgrims. In the temple there was a vessel with the blood of Christ. This relic is still in the basilica. The façade of the building is an imitation of an ancient Roman triumphal arch Tita. The roof of the church is decorated with a Baroque dome, erected by Juvarra at the end of the 18th century. The building also has a bell tower, made in the Gothic style. This building appeared on the territory of the temple at the beginning of the 15th century. The interior of the basilica is striking in its luxury and uniqueness. The huge 28-meter nave in the shape of a Latin cross is covered with a barrel vault. This architectural element is flanked by chapels, many of which are valuable artistic exhibits. The church also has the funeral chapel of Andrea Mantegna, a baptistery decorated with frescoes, an altar, a crypt, etc.

Rotunda of St. Lawrence

The church is considered the oldest building in Mantova, erected in 1083, with some individual parts of the structure dating back to the 4th century. Until 1579, the rotunda was the main parish church for local residents. In that year, Guglielmo Gonzaga ordered the closure of this building, after which it was used as a warehouse, then a Jewish ghetto. In 1908, the rotunda began to be restored; in 1926, it was returned to its original use as a church. The rotunda is a centric structure created in the style of Romanesque architecture. It is decorated with a cornice with hanging arches and an apse resembling the model of the Jerusalem Temple of the Lord. Inside the building, tourists can see valuable frescoes that appeared in the interior in the 11th-12th centuries.

Church of St. Sebastian

This building is located 0.2 km from Palazzo Te. The construction of the church was entrusted to Leon Batista Alberti in 1460. The completion of construction is dated 1529, the work was completed by Luca Fancelli. In 1706, the building began to be used as a warehouse, and later as a granary and barracks. In 1925, the church was restored and turned into a mausoleum in memory of participants in World War I. The facade of the building is equipped with a crypt, 4 pilasters, a front and a central window. Today here you can see the ancient altar of the 16th century, columns of the Tuscan order, as well as many magnificent architectural elements that have survived to this day.

Church of St. Franziska

0.5 km from Palazzo Ducale there is an ancient church built in 1304. In the 15th century, chapels were added to it, after which it became the mausoleum of the Gonzaga family. Due to its purpose, the church was regularly replenished with valuable relics and works of art. In 1797, most of the exhibits were stolen by French soldiers, and the building itself turned into a barracks. After World War II, the church was restored, the typical Lombard Gothic facade was returned, the rose window, portico and side arched windows were restored. The interior of the building has preserved some frescoes dating from the 14th-16th centuries.

Sordello Square

The largest square in Mantua, where many of the city's historical buildings are located. Its construction began in 1330; after the demolition of old buildings, the square was named after the troubadour and Italian poet Sordello, who lived in the 13th century. On the territory of the square are the Palazzo Ducale, the Rigoletto House, the Bonacolsi Palace, the Mantua Cathedral, the Acherbi Palace and the Episcopal Palace.

Piazza delle Erbe

Located in close proximity to Sordello and Broletto squares. It is considered the main square of the city's historical center. The construction of Piazzo delle Erbe coincided with the formation of Piazza Sordello. The Palazzo del Podesta was built on the site of the old market. Also located here is the Rotunda of St. Lawrence, merchant houses and the Palace of the Council.

Broleto Square

This landmark was built in the 12th century, during the expansion of Mantova. Previously, in its place there was a spacious yard where livestock was traded. During the construction of the Palazzo Podestà (1227), the square was divided into 2 parts, which were called Piazza Erbe and Broletto. Later, a prison in the form of a municipal tower was added to the palace, turning Broletto Square into administrative center Mantova. Famous attractions located here include: the Municipal Tower, the Podesta Palace, as well as the houses of merchants. Today there is a small market on the square.

Fashion District Outlet

The suburban village of Mantua is a paradise for shopaholic tourists. Its opening dates back to 2003, Fashion District stores are filled with a variety of products from famous brands. At the same time, prices for goods do not bite. Promotions and sales are often held here, where you can grab an expensive brand item at a discount of 30 to 80%.

Mantua is rich in many stunning and interesting places. Italy, whose attractions are known throughout the world, is one of best countries for curious and active tourists.