Insider Mantua

Seven tips for Mantua and its surroundings to discover the wonders of a UNESCO World Heritage treasure

Mantua and its masterpieces, Sabbioneta and the villages in the north-west of the province. Discover them by following the sug-gestions of a special guide. In the midst of postcard landscapes, fascinating historic buildings and enchanted gardens.

A village not to be missed? “Castellaro Lagusello, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It looks as though it came out of a postcard”. Marco Chiarini is our Insider from Mantua. Twenty-nine years old, from Castiglione delle Stiviere, he works in communi-cation and digital marketing. But above all, since he was a child, he has been a great lover of photography.

To discover other destinations outside the usual routes follow #INSIDERinLombardia on the social networks. With us, apart from Marco, there is a large team of “photo ambassadors” invited to tell you about cities, mountains, lakes, villages, first-hand experi-ences.

PS: If you live in Lombardy, you love photography and also want to become an #INSIDERinLombardia, send us your application!

Here are Marco’s tips (on Instagram for those who are è @_chiaroweb_

Castellaro Lagusello, a postcard village — Castellaro Lagusello, a postcard village «Castellaro Lagusello seems to come straight out of a postcard; you will love it when you visit it. A village near Monzambano, it lies among the morainic hills in the Alto Mantovano in the north-west and is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. A heart-shaped lake and a magnificent castle are the ingredients for a fabulous experience. Don’t forget to try the capunsei, gnocchi made of bread typical of the area!».

Castiglione delle Stiviere and the Red Cros — «The idea of the Red Cross came to Henry Dunant here, after seeing the generosity of the inhabitants in aiding the wounded of the battle of Solferino in 1859. The International Red Cross Museum bears witness to this. Here’s a special recommendation: go up to the castle, from which you can enjoy a great view. The colours of the countryside are magical».

Cycling in the hills of Cavriana — Cycling in the hills of Cavriana «One of the favourite residences of the Gonzagas in which to relax. Ideal for a walk or a bike ride through the vineyards and the moraine hills, Cavriana, a village in the north-west of the province, is dominated by the castle, once one the most important forti-fications in the area. Today, unfortunately, there are only ruins, but the view is breathtaking».

Mantua and its masterpieces — «The city with the most beautiful profile in the world, according to the film director Gianni Amelio. Entering Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is like taking a journey back in time. From Palazzo Te, a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Giulio Romano, to the church of San Barnaba, crowned by a beautiful square with a fountain. Or the San Lorenzo rotunda, the church of Sant’Andrea, Piazza Sordello and the beautiful castle of San Giorgio with Mantegna’s Camera degli Sposi. Mantua enters your heart, and it will stay there for ever!».

Sabbioneta, the Renaissance “ideal city” — «An open-air work of art. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, a Unesco World Heritage site and Bandi-era arancione of the Touring Club Italiano. High town walls and a moat encircle this “ideal city” in the heart of the Mantuan plain. The two immense gateways into town (Porta Vittoria and Porta Imperiale), the Galleria degli Antichi, the Piazza and the Palazzo Ducale, the Palazzo del Giardino, the Olympic Theatre and the church of Santa Maria Assunta are all definitely worth a visit. A true sixteenth-century architectural jewel».

Solferino, on the trail of history — «One of the most important battles of the Second War of Independence was fought here, on 24 June 1859. Piazza Castello is worth a visit, and is reach through an arch between the walls. From the top, on clear days, you can see all the way to Lake Garda! In the square there is the church of San Nicola and the Civic Tower built by the Gonzagas. Take a visit too to the medieval fortress, 23 metres high, which dominates the whole town and houses a museum with war memorabilia».

Volta Mantovana, the Italian castle and gardens — «Even today the medieval castle dominates the centre of this village in the Alto Mantovano, north-west of the city of Mantua. Built around the eleventh century, it preserves the original town walls, with the elegant “Porta Mantovana”. Not to be missed? A visit to the Palazzo Gonzaga-Guerrieri with its Renaissance decorations and the four enchanting Italian gardens that cover the whole hill right to the centre of the village».

Podcast: "Elsewhere in Lombardy"

Boundless beauty

Art & Culture

Monuments Milan

Milan is rich in historical and artistic monuments of the highest value that bear witness to the history of the Lombard capital

Art & Culture

Theatre: what’s on stage in Lombardy

In Lombardy, theatres are opening up safely: here are some of the must-see shows and festivals

Art & Culture

Pavia Photo Gallery

An area full of attractions and experiences to experience

Art & Culture

Contemporary Varese

Una guida alle architetture e nuovi spazi dedicati all'arte contemporanea: i percorsi del contemporaneo tra Varese, Laveno, Maccagno.

Art & Culture

Santo Stefano Ticino

A village to be discovered near Milan

Art & Culture

Varese pursuing new horizons

Art & Culture

11 addresses for villas and parks

Relive the charm of the past between villas, parks and castles in Lombardy

Art & Culture

Itinerary Mincio Po Rivers

A pleasant itinerary to discover the naturalistic and architectural riches of this strip of Lombardy.

Art & Culture

Theaters Lodi

Lodi is famous not only for its monumental beauties, but also for the lively cultural activity in its theaters

Art & Culture

Come to discover Cremona!

A new guide for children and families

Art & Culture

Milan, a novel city

Discovering the writers of the past, between the places and the atmospheres of Milan that have inspired great masterpieces of literature

Art & Culture

Immerse yourself online in art in Lombardy

Visit online the architectural beauties, cities, monuments, museums, exhibitions and places of culture in Lombardy

Art & Culture

The historic houses of Bergamo

Gardens, art, culture and beauty: the historic homes of the noble families of Bergamo are well worth a visit.

Art & Culture

Discovering Pordenone

Prosegue il percorso condiviso con le città di Piacenza e Pordenone

Art & Culture

The Cloister of Voltorre

The monastic art of the Cloister of Voltorre

Art & Culture

Theaters Cremona

Cremona stands out not only for its monumental beauties, but also for its lively cultural activity in its theaters

Art & Culture

Welcome to Cremona!

Cremona is for everyone

Art & Culture

Autumn trip to villas and castles

An autumn adventure of history & beauty: explore the autumn charm of Lombardy's villas and castles.

Art & Culture

What to Do in Mantua and surroundings

Discovering the wonders of Mantua and surroundings

Art & Culture