Visit 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 get around the city’s various attractions.
From Piazza Sordello to Palazzo Guerrieri
The oldest part of Mantua is undoubtedly the area surrounding Piazza Sordello. Overlooking the square is the Duomo, which features an eighteenth-century facade, created by Nicolò Banchiera, in the pure style of Roman Baroque Mannerism. The bell tower, on the other hand, has a Romanesque structure in harmony with the medieval church that underwent reconstruction in the sixteenth century. On the same square overlooks the Palazzo Ducale, which is made up of several buildings: the Magna Domus and the Palazzo del Capitano; the Palazzo Castiglioni and the Palazzo Guerrieri. Here stands the Torre della Gabbia, the tallest tower in Mantua. It is called so since when Guglielmo Gonzaga, in 1576, had a large iron cage made that 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
The Castle of San Giorgio is an example of the splendor that reigned in this city during the Gonzaga period. It was commissioned in the 14th century by Francesco Gonzaga as a square-shaped brick fortress. With four corner towers, the castle is surrounded by a moat.
In Piazza Virginiana, you arrive by following Via Cairoli. This square is 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, named after the fruit and vegetable market held here.
This is where the Church of Sant’Andrea is located, a building that excellently represents Renaissance architecture. In 1472, it was Leon Battista Alberti who designed it, although it was only completed between 1697 and 1699. The church has only one nave and three chapels on the sides, where you can admire frescoes from the Mantegna and Correggio schools, and where Mantegna’s tomb is located.
From Piazza delle Erbe to Palazzo Te in Mantua
The visit to Mantua in one day cannot miss Piazza delle Erbe where the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo della Ragione, the Torre dell’Orologio, and the Rotonda di San Lorenzo overlook, the oldest church in the city.
The Palazzo del Podestà represents the old town hall whose facade features a niche with a statue of Virginio, dating back to the 12th century.
Mantua houses 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 fully represents the architecture of the era. The beauty and richness of the rooms, frescoed by Giulio Romano and his pupils, are a true attraction.
Where to stay in Mantua
A visit to Mantua cannot be completed in just 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, there is the Hotel Broletto which combines beauty with hospitality. The facility caters to all needs: conventional rooms are complemented by the Junior Suite and the Family Room. Elegant and comfortable, this hotel is highly recommended.
