In the heart of the Po Valley stands one of the most beautiful and unjustly underrated cities in Lombardy and all of Italy: Mantua. A lively cradle of arts and politics during the Renaissance, Mantua today impresses not only for the testimonies of its brilliant past but also for the natural wonders that make it unique in Italy. So, let's see what the things to do in Mantua are during a weekend to (re)discover and appreciate this magnificent city!
Discover Its Waterways
Even before venturing into the historic center of the city, among castles, palaces, churches, and frescoes, it’s right to discover Mantua for its most distinctive and fascinating feature: its location.
Mantua, in fact, is built on a crossroads of waters. The city was constructed on a peninsula surrounded by three lakes: the Upper Lake, the Lower Lake, and the Middle Lake, and is then crossed by the Mincio River. For this reason, it is often considered a small Venetian city of Lombardy and, like the famous Venetian city, it boasts a large number of bridges.
The most famous bridge is that of San Giorgio which leads into the city, separating the Middle Lake from the Lower Lake. The bridge can be easily crossed on foot for romantic and relaxing walks. If you choose to take the excursion at sunset, you can enjoy a truly breathtaking view of the city, illuminated by the evening lights.
An unmissable experience is the cruise on the lake waters. Throughout the year, it is possible to take part in these trips, which become even more spectacular during the summer months. The waters surrounding Mantua, in fact, between July and August, are covered with lotus flowers in many colorful shades.
This trip could then take you as far as Curtatone, the village on the Upper Lake where Francesco I Gonzaga had the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Grace built as a vow to the Madonna against the plague that was raging. The interior of the church is rich in ex-votos, among which the most peculiar stands out: a crocodile hanging in the central nave!
Following the Mincio, you can even reach the nearby Lake Garda, where you can relax, stroll through the villages along its shores, or practice sports!
Stroll Through the Historic Center
Mantua boasts a historic center full of buildings with many stories to tell and unique secrets. Here are the places you simply must visit during a trip to Mantua.
Ducal Palace
The Ducal Palace is the jewel of Piazza Sordello, the heart of Mantua city, where many important buildings overlook, such as the Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, and the Acerbi Palace, famous for its Cage Tower.
However, the Ducal Palace is undoubtedly the most majestic, a true palace with more than 500 roomsThe original core, now called what Meeters has planned for you in Mantua and throughout Italy!