Mantua (map) is a world heritage listed city in Lombardy, not far from Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. Because of the power and influence of the *Gonzaga family, which used to own the city for over 400 years, Mantua was considered one of the most important cultural cities in the Renaissance and it still maintains a lot of the buildings that made it famous during that period.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: mantovatourism.it

In 2008, Mantua’s centro storico (map) and Sabbioneta were declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site.

Palazzo Te (map) (1525–1535) semi-rural palace of Giulio Romano (who lived in Mantua in his final years) in the mature Renaissance style, with some hints of a post-Raphaelian mannerism.

Palazzo Ducale (map), famous residence of the Gonzaga family, made up of a number of buildings, courtyards and gardens gathered around the Palazzo del Capitano, the Magna Domus and the Castle of St. George with the Camera degli Sposi, a room frescoed by Andrea Mantegna.

Basilica of Sant’Andrea (map) was begun in 1462 according to designs by Leon Battista Alberti but was finished only in the 18th century when was built the massive dome designed by Filippo Juvarra.

Duomo (Cathedral of St Peter the Apostle, map). An initial structure probably existed on the site in the Early Christian era, which was followed by a building destroyed by a fire in 894. The current church was rebuilt in 1395–1401. After another fire in the 16th century, Giulio Romano rebuilt the interior but saved the frontage, which was replaced however in 1756–61 by the current Baroque one in Carrara marble.

Castello di San Giorgio (map). The castle is a part of the Ducal Palace. It hosts the Museum of modern and contemporary arts.

*Sabbioneta (map) – a Renaissance ideal town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site on par with Mantua.

APAM – buses around the city and suburbs.

Trenitalia – Your best friend while traveling in Italy.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: How to get around and travel in Italy (italia.it/)

BUS: Abruzzo ⇒ Arpa / Apulia e Basilicata ⇒ Marino / Calabria ⇒ Saj / Lombardy ⇒ Autostradale S.p.A. / Tuscany ⇒ Sena / Sicily ⇒ Sais. + More: Flixbus • EuroLines • Busabout Adventure Coach Travel Europe • Europe by Bus • Buses on the Web.

TRAIN: Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori • Trenitalia + International Rail • RailEurope.

AIRPORT: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport • Ciampino Airport • Milan Malpensa Airport • Linate Airport • Orio al Serio Airport.

FERRY: Grimaldi Lines • Gnv Grandi Navi Veloci • Moby Line • Snav • Emilia Romagna Lines • Saremar.

We continue exploring the most beautiful cities of Northern Italy: today we are in Mantua. Mantua was one of the most prominent cities in Europe for arts and culture during the Renaissance. During medieval times, Mantua was an independent city ruled by the Canossa family, which built a number of churches and monasteries. But it’s under the Gonzaga family, who ruled for 400 years, that the city became one of the most important artistic centres of the entire Europe. The Palazzo Ducale is a proper city within the city.

The palace is formed by numerous buildings and is one of the largest in Europe, in Italy, is second only to the Vatican. Each Gonzaga duke had the habit of expanding, redecorating and adding new buildings to the palace. The bridal chamber – or Camera degli Sposi – located in the Palazzo Ducale and painted by Andrea Mantegna, is the highlight of any visit to Mantua

⇒ video source: Guglielmo Biason / youtube.com /

Useful information on the travel documents required to enter Italy. Consular Services and visas. Visa for entry and stay in Italy.

Our article about the city of Rome. Information about the city’s attractions, culture, events, and activities. Public transport.

Trenitalia offers national rail transport in Italy and international connections to Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland.