Mantova is the central city of the province of the same name in the Lombardia region, located on the Mincio River.
The city attracts travelers as the birthplace of the great ancient poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), as well as the city where the artist Rubens (Pieter Paul Rubens) began his journey to greatness at the court of the Gonzaga family.
Story
In prehistoric times, Etruscan and Gallic tribes lived in the province of Mantova. After 220 BC the settlement became part of the Roman Empire.
The city was built in the Middle Ages as an impregnable fortress, which had a quadrangular shape with towers in the corners, surrounded by river waters, lakes and swamps. Since the 11th century, the lands belonged to Boniface III of Tuscany (Kanos, Bonifacio III di Canossa). In 1167, the city acquired the status of a republic and entered the Union of Free Cities of Lombardy. From 1269 to 1328, rule in Mantua captured the genus Bonacolsi. It was during this period that many buildings appeared, which are now the decoration of the city. Since 1328, the city was ruled by representatives of the Gonzaga clan, who were famous connoisseurs of art and philanthropists.
Since 1708, the territory passed to the Habsburger family. During the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte from 1810 to 1814, Mantova belonged to France (France), and from 1814 to 1866 - to Austria (Österreich). Only in 1866 the city returned to the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana).
Sights
Since 2008, the historical quarters of Mantua have been protected by UNESCO as a monument of Renaissance art (Rinascimento). In Mantua, there are many ancient cultural and educational buildings, the most famous are two:
- Vergiliev Academy (accademia di Virgilio), still occupying honorable places in the ranking of educational institutions in Europe (L'europa);
- City Library, founded in 1780 by order of Maria Theresa of Austria;
The theater, designed by Antonio Bibiena at the direction of Maria Theresa, at the opening of which was played by Mozart.
Monuments to great compatriots were erected in Mantua: Virgil, Dante Alighieri and other poets.
Walking along the streets and bridges of the city will introduce travelers to a rare ensemble of medieval public buildings and churches.
Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Paolo), founded in the 13th century and rebuilt during restoration work in the middle of the 16th century, designed by architect Giulio Romano, is located in Piazza Sordello. In the cathedral you can see a sarcophagus made of marble by an unknown master of the 5th-6th centuries.
Here are also the relics of the Italians revered by St. Anselm (Sant'Anselmo), the tomb of the famous medieval rulers of Mantua:
- Ferdinando Gonzaga
- Ercole Gonzaga et al.
Ducal palace
Palazzo Ducale Palace, founded in the 13th century, amazes with its size and interior decoration. Numerous halls, gardens, courtyards make the building majestic and unique. The Palazzo was built from the 13th to the 15th century as a residence of the Gonzaga clan.
The palace contains valuable paintings and tapestries, sculptures and other works of art.
Castle of St. George
The construction of the castle (Castello San Giorgio) took place in 1395-1406, it is distinguished by fortified towers on four sides of the building. The castle retains valuable frescoes by Andrea Mantegna.
Palazzo del te
The Palazzo del Te, designed by Giulio Romano, was built in 10 years, in 1525/35. The principles of such a trend as Mannerism determined the richness of the interior decoration of this country house. The palace has preserved a mural painting by Giulio Romano on the themes of myths and "Metamorphosis" by Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso). In accordance with the mural themes, the halls got their names:
- Hall of the Giants (Sala dei giganti);
- Hall of Cupid and Psyche (Sala di Amore e Psiche);
- Horse Hall (Riunioni di cavalli);
- Hall of the Sun and Moon (Riunioni del Sole e della Luna), etc.
Now in the Palazzo is the city museum of Mantua.
Cuisine and Gourmet
Mantova is the city where the famous cheeses Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano are made, rare varieties of salami, mustard according to a secret local recipe.
Travelers should try local original dishes:
- Handmade ravioli with pumpkin;
- Risotto with pesto sauce and hot sausages;
- Ragout from donkey meat marinated in Lambrusco wine, etc.
Mantova is famous for sweets and unique desserts.
Hotels
Mantova offers over 80 accommodation options. Most of them are in the center, which allows tourists to immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere of the city-monument.
3 stars
3 star hotels offer affordable accommodation in the city center. A feature of hotels is the availability of parking for an additional fee.
Hotel broletto
Hotel Broletto, located in the historical center of the city, offers comfortable rooms with fabric upholstery, air conditioning, TVs, minibars, free cosmetics and Internet access.
Breakfast is served in buffet style. Lunch and dinner are available at nearby restaurants where guests are offered discounts. The hotel has paid parking.
Rechigi hotel
Located in the city center in the middle of a green garden, the Rechigi Hotel amazes visitors with its own gallery of modern art.
The exquisite rooms have air conditioning, TVs, minibars, and free internet access.
Guests are invited to enjoy a buffet breakfast served in the garden in fine weather. The hotel has paid parking.
4 stars
4-star hotels in Mantua offer a high level of service and comfort in rooms with expensive finishes and modern appliances.
Hotel Casa Poli
Housed in a 19th-century house, Casa Poli has a patio and garden, and elegantly decorated rooms. The rooms have air conditioning, TV, spacious bathrooms with free toiletries.
The hotel accepts guests with young children, there is a small library. The hotel's feature is Russian-speaking staff. The hotel can rent paid parking spaces.
La favoriteita
The modern La Favorita building is located 2 kilometers from the historic quarters of Mantua, next to a shopping center of the same name. The comfortable rooms are equipped with all necessary equipment, including air conditioning.
The hotel has conference and conference rooms, a swimming pool, a wellness center, and all facilities for guests with disabilities are created. Staff can help arrange excursions, walks, canoeing and fishing.
Apartments and B&B
The apartment invites you to relax different categories of tourists, including families with children. The advantage of this option is the availability of a diet menu for guests.
B&B Casa del Teatro
Located in the center of Mantua, Casa del Teatro offers air-conditioned rooms with small refrigerators and tea and coffee making facilities.
For guests, a breakfast buffet is offered, and diet meals are also available. Hotel guests have a discount on parking nearby.
La cervetta
The cozy La Cervetta Hotel, housed in an old house, offers rooms with wooden ceilings, modern air conditioning and heating, TV, free Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen space.
The hotel’s special feature is the organization of vegetarian and gluten-free meals, free parking and comfortable accommodation for guests with special physical needs.
How to get there
It is convenient to get to Mantua from Verona or Bologna, using the bus transport. Travel time is 40 minutes.
If you travel by train, the travel time will be 46 minutes, and the ticket cost is 4 euros. Information on trains, their timetables and ticket prices is available at www.trenitalia.com.
