9 Best Things To Do In Mantua, Italy

Did you know that there are many fun things to do in Mantua, Italy?

Mantua, known as Mantova in Italian, is among the most underrated gems of the country. It offers tons of great activities and is also full of endless beauty and charm. It’s certainly one of the best places in Italy for a more authentic experience.

Located in Italy’s Lombardy region, Mantua is an easy day trip from Milan or Verona so most people go that route (I have actually visited three times: once from Milan, once from Modena once from Verona!).

But if you want to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy all the things to do in this quaint city, you may want to spend at least two or three days there.

Mantua dates back to Roman times, but it flourished under the Gonzaga family’s rule, transforming it into a northern Italy cultural and artistic hub. The Gonzagas’ influence is evident in the city’s grand palaces and ornate churches scattered throughout the city center. It’s also surrounded by three artificial lakes and stunning natural beauty.

There’s something a little different about Mantua and its history, and maybe that’s why I like it so much. As an Italian born and raised in Sardinia, traveling around Italy to an authentic Italian city with good food and a unique history is always a joy.

In this article, I’ll share all the fun things to do in Mantua, from walking the historic streets to admiring the beautiful palaces and castles.

If you’d like to read more about other great off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy, make sure to read my article, Best Hidden Gems in Italy. I talk about all the best gems by region, including Mantua and other similar towns and cities.

The Most Fun Things To Do In Mantua

Visit Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale, or Ducale Palace, is one of Italy’s most impressive castle grounds and one of the unmissable places to visit in Mantua. The property covers roughly 35,000 square meters (approximately five football fields) and has over 1,000 rooms, towers, courtyards, and gardens.

It was initially built in the 13th century as the residence of the Gonzaga family, who ruled Mantua for centuries. The property features a blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The frescoed ceilings, intricate stucco work, and elegantly designed courtyards are some of the best aspects that entice visitors and architects.

The Camera degli Sposi (Bridal Room) is the most famous room in Ducale Palace. It’s located on the main floor and is renowned for its exquisite frescoes by Andrea Mantegna. The ceiling is painted like a clear, blue sky with figures looking down. It’s a beautiful artwork and was a major inspiration for other ceiling paintings.

You can also spend some time in the garden inside the palace. There are rarely many people there, and since it’s rather large, it’s a very peaceful place to relax and take a break.

I recommend taking a tour of Palazzo Ducale to learn more about its history and significance in Mantua. If you decide to do so, check out this 3-hour Guided Tour of Mantova City Center and Ducale Palace. This is a comprehensive walking tour of Ducale Palace and other places in the historic center. The local guide is very informative, and it’s a private tour, so you get the guide all to yourself.

Visit Palazzo Te

Palazzo Te is yet another beautiful palace built for the Gonzaga family. It was built between 1525 and 1535 as a luxurious place to spend leisure time. The villa was explicitly designed for feasts, receptions, and family relaxation.

Given its luxury and opulence, the best thing to do at Palazzo Te is to explore the different rooms and admire the artwork. Each room offers a glimpse into Renaissance art and architecture; several rooms are worth mentioning.

Sala dei Giganti (Hall of the Giants) is a grand hall with stunning frescoes depicting the battle between gods and giants. The frescoes are designed to give the illusion of a three-dimensional space where the giant appears to be breaking through the walls. Sala dei Cavalli (Hall of the Horses) is another room with beautiful frescoes depicting horses and equestrian scenes.

In addition to the palace rooms, you should also spend time in the palace courtyards. They lack the frescoes, but it’s a lovely space.

If you’d like more background information while visiting the palace, I recommend this Guided Tour of Te Palace of Mantua. The private tour is very personal, with an excellent local guide who can share some really interesting stories that really allow you to explore Palazzo Te on a deeper level. This is one of the best tours in Mantua.

Check out the Basilica di Sant’Andrea

The Basilica di Sant’Andrea is one of Mantua’s most important churches and certainly one of the best places to visit in Mantua.

It was designed by Leon Battista Alberti and Luca Francelli in the 15th century (and commissioned by the Gonzaga family) and is often hailed as a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. To this day, the basilica is a symbol of the city’s rich religious and artistic heritage.

The ancient Arch of Trajan inspires the facade of Basilica di Sant’Andrea and features a large central arch flanked by pillars. The inside is just as striking. The church features a grand central nave with vaulted ceilings. The main altar is covered in beautiful sculptures and intricate details.

The Chapel of the Holy Blood is one of the basilica’s most revered areas. It houses a relic that supposedly contains a drop of Christ’s blood.

And, Mantua Cathedral

Visiting Mantua Cathedral is another must, because of its gorgeous architecture and historical significance as one of the city’s oldest buildings.

The cathedral combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, reflecting a long history and multiple reconstructions. Its exterior features classical lines with detailed stonework, while its interior offers a glimpse into medieval design and even some Baroque elements.

The interior is just as splendid as the exterior. It has an aura of grandeur and magnificence, with beautiful frescoes, detailed designs on all walls and in every corner, and high ceilings. The ceiling frescoes are worth noting. They illustrate local history and religious stories in little frames.

Mantua Cathedral is also active and has been a central place of worship for centuries. When visiting any of the churches in Italy, always dress and act respectfully.

Dressing appropriately in churches across Italy is one good tip. If you want more big ones before traveling to Italy, read my article, Planning a Trip to Italy: 10 Best Dos and 10 Donts. You’ll get more insider tips for the planning stage from someone who lives in Italy and has helped many people fall in love with the country.

I also recommend reading my post The Best Travel Tips For Italy for more tips on what to do and what to avoid when traveling here.

Go for a walk around the historic center

There’s no question that walking around the historical center is one of the best things to do in Mantua. Set aside a few hours to explore all the little nooks and crannies, admire the beautiful architecture, and sit with a coffee while watching the people go by.

A must-see stop in Mantua’s historic center is Castello San Giorgio, a fortress with an impressive moat and towers. The fortress is actually part of the Ducal Palace, where the famous Bridal Room (Camera degli Sposi) is. It’s also located in the historical center, so it’s easy to visit while exploring the city center.

Piazza Sordello (the center square) and Rotonda di San Lorenzo (the oldest church in Mantua) are also in the historic center and worth visiting.

Teatro Bibiena di Mantova (Bibiena Theater) is another must-visit and underrated place in Mantua. It’s an old theater with beautiful architecture, where Mozart gave an incredible concert at 14. Fortunately, the historic center is very walkable.

If you want a more relaxing afternoon, feel free to stop at one of the many picturesque Italian coffee shops or restaurants and lounge while soaking in the quintessential atmosphere of downtown Mantua.

If you’d like to see all the main spots in the historic center on an excellent walking tour, I recommend this Mantova Centro Storico—Walking Tour with Private Guide. It’s a private tour with a local Italian through the historic center (the tour is offered in English, Italian, or French). It’s a longer tour, stopping at all the main attractions like Rotonda di San Lorenzo, Basilica di Sant’Andrea di Mantova, Cattedrale di San Pietro, Piazza delle Erbe, Palazzo Ducale, and Piazza Broletto. You can also add on a quick tour of Teatro Bibiena. It’s the perfect choice for those who are short on time.

Hang out in Piazza Sordello

Piazza Sordello is the heart of Mantua’s historical center. It’s a lively square where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the city’s vibrant ambiance.

It’s surrounded by stunning architecture, including the Mantua Cathedral and the Palazzo Ducale. It’s also dotted with charming cafes and restaurants where you can sit for a nice meal and some good people-watching.

Additionally, the piazza often hosts events and local festivals, adding to its lively atmosphere if you happen to be in the city during one of these. Last time I visited, I was actually there for a Greta Van Fleet concert that took place right in the square (and yes, it was incredible!).

Overall, it’s a great place to experience local culture and see the city come alive.

Take in the views from the Parco del Mincio

Parco del Mincio is a rather large nature reserve in Mantua, Italy. It’s the best (and easiest) way to immerse yourself in nature without traveling too far from the city.

The park offers a little bit of everything, including lush natural landscapes, picturesque views of the Mincio River, walking trails, bike paths, and so much more. The park is also home to various bird species and other wildlife, so it’s an excellent place for birdwatching and related outdoor activities.

Several vantage points throughout the park offer sweeping, panoramic views of the river and the surrounding area, as well as of the city. These spots are usually not too crowded, so they’re excellent for quiet reflection or a scenic picnic.

Admire the Rotonda di San Lorenzo

Rotonda di San Lorenzo was constructed in the 11th century and is one of the oldest standing buildings in the city. Its design reflects a blend of early Christian and Romanesque architectural elements. But that’s not the only thing special about the church.

Rotonda di San Lorenzo is a unique and historical church in Mantua renowned for its distinctive round shape. Unlike most churches, which are typically rectangles or cruciforms, the church stands in a circular pattern.

Inside the church, you’ll find medieval frescoes and simple yet striking designs that reflect its long history. Visiting Rotonda di San Lorenzo truly feels like stepping back in time. Although it has undergone several restorations throughout the years, it has maintained much of its historical significance and design.

Enjoy local cuisine

Mantuan cuisine is a treat for food lovers, so sampling all the best regional food is among the best things to do in Mantua.

Some local specialties include tortelli di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta), risotto alla pilota (risotto with sausage), and mostarda (a fruit and mustard condiment). For sweets, look no further than sbrisolona.

One great way to explore local flavors is to visit one of the local markets. Mercato di Mantova is one of the biggest markets in the historical center. It offers many products, including fresh produce, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and other regional specialties.

When sampling some of the delicious local food, also make sure to pair it with a matching local wine. There are tons of great vineyards in the Lombardy and nearby Emilia-Romagna regions, so you can sip on plenty of delicious wine in Mantua.

Before jumping into local Italian food, read my article, Shocking Misconceptions About Italian Food (From A Local). Italian food isn’t always what foreigners think, so it’s good to come prepared and know what to expect.

Conclusions On The Best Things To Do In Mantua

Mantua may not be one of Italy’s most famous cities, but its quiet charm makes it a hidden gem worth discovering. While it’s smaller and less touristy than other Italian destinations, Mantua’s rich history and architecture are something else.

Mantua is a paradise for art and architecture lovers, with its fascinating history tied into every building and monument. It’s not home to famous Italian landmarks but to some fascinating churches, cathedrals, city squares, and even castles.

Mantua is an easy day trip from Verona, Italy, within reach of Milan, Modena and Florence. But since you can easily spend hours alone at Palazzo Ducale, I recommend staying for at least one night. That way, you have plenty of time for Parco del Mincio, Rotonda di San Lorenzo, and more.

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