Visiting Mantua in One Day
Seeing Mantua in one day is not an easy task as the city has several places of interest. However, let’s see 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 part of Mantua is definitely the area surrounding Piazza Sordello. Overlooking the square is the Cathedral, which features an eighteenth-century façade, created by Nicolò Banchiera, in pure Roman Baroque mannerism style. The bell tower, on the other hand, has a Romanesque structure in harmony with the medieval-origin church that underwent reconstruction in the sixteenth century. On the same square lies the Ducal Palace, which is made up of several buildings: the Magna Domus and the Captain’s Palace; the Castiglioni Palace and the Guerrieri Palace. Here you find the Gabbia Tower, the tallest tower in Mantua. It is called this since when Guglielmo Gonzaga, in 1576, had a large iron cage constructed that was used as an open-air prison where criminals were locked up.
From the Castle of San Giorgio to the Church of Sant’Andrea
The Castle of San Giorgio is an example of the splendor that reigned in this city during the Gonzaga era. It was commissioned in the 14th century by Francesco Gonzaga as a brick fortress with a square plan. With four corner towers, the castle is surrounded by a moat.
In Piazza Virginiana you arrive by following Via Cairoli. This square was dedicated to Virgilio, and the poet is remembered many times in other parts of the city as well. One of the most beautiful squares in Mantua is certainly Piazza delle Erbe, whose name is due to the fruit and vegetable market held here.
Here is the Church of Sant’Andrea, a building that perfectly represents Renaissance architecture. In 1472 it was Leon Battista Alberti who designed it, although it was completed only between 1697 and 1699. The church has only one nave and three chapels located on the sides, where one can appreciate frescoes from the school of Mantegna and Correggio, as well as the tomb of Mantegna.
From Piazza delle Erbe to the Palazzo Te of Mantua
The visit to Mantua in one day cannot miss Piazza delle Erbe where the Palazzo del Podestà, the Ragione Palace, the Torre dell’Orologio, and the Rotonda di San Lorenzo face, which is the oldest church in the city.
The Palazzo del Podestà represents the ancient town hall, on the facade of which there is a niche with a statue of Virginio, dating back to the 12th century.
Mantua holds other suggestive and highly interesting places. Among these is the Palazzo Te which alone is worth the trip. It was built between 1525 and 1535 and represents the architecture of the time in full right. The beauty and richness of the rooms, frescoed by Giulio Romano and his pupils, are a true attraction.
Where to stay in Mantua
The visit to Mantua cannot be concluded in a few hours. We recommend staying in one of the many hotels in the city. In the historic center, just steps from the pedestrian area of the Ducal Palace and Piazza delle Erbe, is the Hotel Broletto which combines beauty with hospitality. The facility caters to all needs: in addition to conventional rooms, there are Junior Suite and Family Room. Elegant and comfortable, this hotel is highly recommended.
