Mantova is a city that is full of attractions and artistic treasures. It is elegant and sophisticated but at the same time it is authentic and composed. Art, culture, nature and the local cuisine all win over the traveler at any time, surrounding him with intense, pleasant stimuli for his senses.

THE OLD CITY CENTER

Mantova’s history goes back to the far-off period of the first Etruscan settlements, passing through the Lombard rule (8th century) and the glorious centuries when the city was ruled by the Gonzaga family (1328-1707), the greatest period of splendor for Mantova.

A walk around the old city center is the best way for getting to know this city and its large number of historical buildings that are part of it, such as Palazzo Te, the wonderful Renaissance Villa built on the site where the Paiolo lake could once be seen, later dried up, and Palazzo Ducale the old Gonzaga family residence that extends over 34,000 square meters, an almost city within the city.

Piazza Sordello, where it is possible to admire the cathedral and the thirteenth-century Palazzo Bonaccolsi and Piazza delle Erbe, where Palazzo della Ragione, the clock tower, the Casa del Mercante and the Church of San Lorenzo, the city’s oldest church, stand, are also so pleasant and charming to look at.

Mantua offers a rich treasure of Art such as: Bibiena Theatre, the Museum of the Fire Brigade, the Tazio Nuvolari Museum, Palazzo D’Arco, Casa del Mantegna, Palazzo S. Sebastiano with the temple, the Basilica of St. Andrew, Cube in Piazza Sordello.

AROUND MANTUA

Coming out from the city instead you can visit: Fort Pietole (boat ride on 15th August), Castellaro Lagusello Morainic hills, Solferine, Palace of Revere, locks Governolo, Commessaggio, Rivarolo Mantovano, Ponti Sul Mincio, Gardaland / Sigurtà, Bosco Fontana / Bertone Park.

South of Lake Garda, between the banks of the River Mincio, it is possible to see the wonderful Parco del Mincio that is home to several species of flora and fauna. We recommend a boat trip along the river to see the trees and bushes that grow along the banks of the River Mincio in flower, just one of the many nature trips that you can make in this area.

The towns named Sabbioneta, a wonderful example of Renaissance architecture and San Benedetto Po, where it is possible to visit the Polirone Abbey, the large Sanctuary dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie about 7 km from Mantova, are both interesting from a historical and cultural point of view.

MANTUA’s FOOD AND WINE TRADITIONS

Mantova’s cuisine is much liked due to its variety of recipes and its strong, intense tastes. Some of the most common ingredients used are pumpkin, the basic ingredient of the pies and risottos prepared here, pike, that is served grilled or prepared in a sauce, and the type of rice called Vialone Nano, which is cultivated in the fertile land around Mantova and the famous mustard.

The most popular local cheeses are Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano, both made in this area since ancient times. Pork meat, the historical resource used incessantly in this area, deserves a section all of its own. No part of a pig is wasted here: cotechino sausage, Mantova salami, pork crackling and the famous gras pistà: pork lard mixed with garlic and parsley and served on slices of toasted polenta.

Touring by Bicycle and Art

Mantova is the destination for many bicycle enthusiasts who travel through Italy enjoying the wonderful natural landscapes and amazing architecture. Hotel Casa Poli is near the European Eurovelo network (EV7 and EV8), which is part of the new bike paths that crisscross the area beyond the PO.

Traveling to Mantova is a chance to discover the Renaissance architecture of Leon Battista Alberti at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea or the affreschi of Giulio Romano at the Museo civico di Palazzo Te.