Free walking tours in Mantua and what to see

Must-sees

Mantua sits beside three lakes formed by the Mincio river, and for centuries was the capital of the Gonzagas. Its great sight is the Ducal Palace, a huge complex of courtyards, gardens and halls that includes the Bridal Chamber, frescoed by Andrea Mantegna. Next to it opens Piazza Sordello, and close by Piazza delle Erbe, with the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, a small round Romanesque church.

The basilica of Sant'Andrea, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, dominates the centre with its classical façade and great dome. To the south is Palazzo Te, the pleasure villa Giulio Romano designed and decorated for Federico II Gonzaga, with the astonishing Chamber of the Giants. It is worth going into the Teatro Scientifico Bibiena, where Mozart played as a boy. Mantua shares its UNESCO listing with Sabbioneta.

Free tours and guided visits

Mantua has no regular free walking tours. The option on offer is a private guided tour of the centre, useful for understanding the history of the Gonzagas and planning your visit to the Ducal Palace, which is very large.

How long to spend

A day is enough for the Ducal Palace, the squares and Sant'Andrea, but it is tight. Two days is ideal: one for the centre and the Ducal Palace, and another for Palazzo Te, the Bibiena theatre and a walk by the lakes. Leave time for the table: pumpkin tortelli and risotto alla pilota are local dishes. If you have a car, Sabbioneta is under an hour away.

Where to stay

It is best to stay in the historic centre, between Piazza Sordello and Piazza delle Erbe, where there are small hotels, pensioni and apartments in old houses. Everything is on foot, including Palazzo Te with a slightly longer walk. The centre has traffic restrictions, so if you are driving look for accommodation with parking. In the countryside there are quiet agriturismi.