Mantova

Why choose this tour

Mantua, the city of the Gonzaga family, is a hidden gem that captivates all who visit. With its understated charm and rich history, it offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Together with Sabbioneta, it has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its exceptional historic center, a labyrinth of palaces, churches, and squares that narrate the story of the powerful Gonzaga family.
Mantua stands as an island amidst the lakes formed by the Mincio river, before it continues its journey towards the Po river. According to legend, it was founded by Ocno, the son of the Tiber and the fortune-teller Manto. Multiple discoveries attest to the Etruscan origins of the site. The renown of this small city in northern Italy is primarily linked to the Gonzaga family, who ruled it for over three centuries (1328-1707) and attracted the most renowned artists of the time to their court.
The Gonzaga family left us two of Italy’s most extraordinary palaces: the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo Te. Each palace houses exceptional works of art, such as the Camera Picta by Andrea Mantegna or the frescoed rooms by Giulio Romano.

Details

Here is a program to visit Mantua with a private guide
First of all, the Castle of San Giorgio and the Camera Picta, also known as the Camera degli Sposi, a work by Andrea Mantegna that was created over nine years (1465-1474) to celebrate the Gonzaga dynasty. Right next door is Piazza Sordello, where the city’s religious and public buildings are concentrated: St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Ducal Palace. Piazza Broletto, a short distance away, was the administrative, political, judicial, and economic center of the city. The third square we encounter is Piazza delle Erbe, the center of economic and social relations. Right next to it is the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, a true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It was designed by Leon Battista Alberti, considered together with Brunelleschi the founder of Renaissance architecture.
Before leaving Piazza delle Erbe, don’t miss the opportunity to enter San Lorenzo, a church dating back to 1083. The religious building remained closed for several centuries, almost hidden among the houses, until the last century…
The last building on this tour is Palazzo Te. Designed by Giulio Romano between 1525 and 1534 in a suburban area called Teieto, it is the most remarkable of the grandiose Gonzaga villas. The halls, all frescoed, will leave you breathless: the vast and sumptuous Hall of Horses, the Hall of Psyche and the Hall of Giants. Palazzo Té seems to have been made for those who love mythology and painting. Book your private visit in Mantova!