Visit Mantua in one day
Seeing Mantua in one day is not an easy task as the city has several places of interest. Let's see, however, what to visit in Mantua in one day and how to move between the various attractions of the city.
From Piazza Sordello to Palazzo Guerrieri
The oldest nucleus of Mantua is certainly the area it surrounds Piazza Sordello. The square overlooks the Duomo, which has an eighteenth-century façade, created by Nicolò Banchiera, in pure Roman Baroque mannerism style. The bell tower, however, has a Romanesque structure in harmony with the church of medieval origin which underwent reconstruction in the sixteenth century. The same square overlooks the Ducal Palace, which is made up of several buildings: the Magna Domus and Captain's Palace; the Castiglioni Palace and Guerrieri Palace. This is where you meet the Cage Tower, or the tallest tower in Mantua. It is called that by when Guglielmo Gonzaga, in 1576, had a large iron cage built which was used as a real open-air prison where criminals were locked up.
From the Castle of San Giorgio to the Church of Sant'Andrea
Il Castle of San Giorgio, is an example of the splendor that reigned in this city during the Gonzaga. It was built in the XNUMXth century by Francesco Gonzaga as a square-plan terracotta fortress. With four corner towers the castle is surrounded by a moat.
In Virginiana Square you arrive by following Via Cairoli. This square was dedicated to Virgil and the poet is remembered several times in many other places in the city. It is certainly one of the most beautiful squares in Mantua Piazza delle Erbe, whose name is due to the fruit and vegetable market held here.
This is where the Church of Sant'Andrea, a building that excellently represents Renaissance architecture. In 1472 it was Leon Battista Alberti to design it even though it was only completed between 1697 and 1699. The church has only a nave and three chapels located on the sides, where it is possible to appreciate frescoes from the school of Mantegna and Correggio, and where Mantegna's tomb is located.
From Piazza delle Erbe to Palazzo Te in Mantua
A visit to Mantua in one day cannot be missed Piazza delle Erbe where they overlook the Palazzo del Podesta, That of Reason, Clock tower , Roundabout of San Lorenzo, which is the oldest church in the city.
Il Palazzo del Podesta it represents the ancient municipal seat on whose façade there is a niche with a statue of Virginio, dating back to the XNUMXth century.
Mantua has other suggestive and interesting places. Among these is the Palazzo Te which alone is worth the trip. It was built between 1525 and 1535 and fully represents the architecture of the time. The beauty and richness of the rooms, frescoed by Giulio Romano and his students, represent a real attraction.
Where to sleep in Mantua
The visit to Mantua cannot be completed in a few hours. We recommend staying in one of the many hotels in the city. In the historic centre, a stone's throw from the pedestrian area of the Palazzo Ducale and Piazza delle Erbe, is theHotel Broletto which combines beauty with hospitality. The structure is suitable for all needs: the conventional rooms are joined by the Junior Suite , Family Room. Elegant and comfortable, this hotel is highly recommended.
