Tour of Mantua and the Ducal Palace

Between the Alps and the Apennines in northern Italy stretches the Padan Plain, on the territory of which there are various small towns. They are like pearls on the string of a valuable necklace, decorating this vast area. In the heart of the plain, is Mantua, which is a separate from all valuable decoration, lost in the middle of the water. It needs to be approached from afar, starting from the surrounding lakes.

Mantua can be compared to an ancient manuscript, in which the original text was sometimes deliberately deleted to write a new one in its place. The Ducal Palace of Mantua, figuratively, is a vivid example of this ancient manuscript, because inside it, there is an abundance of corrections, additions and updates left by the rulers of Gonzaga. After several centuries, it expanded significantly, becoming a city in the form of a building with an area of almost 35,000 square kilometers.

The great history of Mantua is closely associated with the important Gonzaga family, who ruled the city for four centuries, turning the Ducal Palace into their luxurious residence.

Behind the somewhat harsh facade of the Captain's Palace, there is an interweaving of palaces, courtyards and gardens, a maze of numerous halls and galleries.

Going through its portal and beyond its walls, you will see a completely different world filled with magnificent luxury. In the medieval castle of St. George of the XIV century, there is the famous Room of the newlyweds, painted with magnificent frescoes by the famous artist Mantegna, an absolute masterpiece of the Renaissance.

When visiting the Ducal Palace, we can admire some of its many halls and gardens: Pisanello Hall, Mirror Gallery and Labyrinth Hall, Zodiac Hall and River Hall, Hanging Garden and Courtyard of the Four Platans. We will learn about some of the princes of the Gonzaga family, in particular, we will talk about one of the most important female figures of the Renaissance, Isabelle d'Este, wife of Francesco II Gonzaga, the undisputed heroine of cultural life at the court. We'll also learn about some interesting moments from the princes' personal lives.

In the middle of the XVI century, the most talented artist and architect from Rome, Giulio Romano, a favorite student of another famous artist, Raphael Sanzio from Urbino, worked in the Ducal Palace.

The Te Palace, a country villa behind the historic center, a masterpiece of the Renaissance, was designed and fully painted with the wonderful frescoes of Giulio Romano.

In the religious history of Mantua, the Basilica of St. Andrea plays a major role, being an important religious center of the city. This Renaissance-style temple has been recognized by the Cathedral and is without doubt, from an artistic point of view, the most outstanding in Mantua.

We will visit Sordello Square and Grass Square with their medieval palaces and the Round Church of St. Lawrence of the XI century. Walking along the characteristic porticoes of the historic center, we learn a lot about this city, we also learn about some traditional culinary products and dishes of Mantua cuisine.

The excursion program: a visit to the Ducal Palace with the Room of the Newlyweds, a walk through the historical center with a visit to the House of Rigoletto, St. Peter's Cathedral, the Basilica of St. Andrea, the round church of St. Lawrence, the Bibien Theatre.

See you in Mantua,

your guide Christina.

• Visit to the Ducal Palace with the Newlyweds Room (entrance ticket 15 euros).
• Tickets are purchased in advance on the website with the exact time of entry.
• Visit to St. Andrea Basilica (free admission)
• Visit to St. Lawrence Round Church (free entrance)
• Visit to the Cathedral of St. Peter (entry is free)