• Art & Culture
    • Cycle Tourism
    • Lifestyle

What to Do in Mantua and surroundings

I f you're in the Mantua area, make sure you pay a visit to Sabbioneta. The town was designed in accordance with the renaissance principles of the "ideal city" by patron of the arts prince Vespasiano Gonzaga in 1556, and was built following an urban layout based on the modern and functional vision of the renaissance.

Mantua and Sabbioneta were both recognised as UNESCO sites in 2008. The stunning Palazzo Ducale has a long white marble portico and the Teatro all'Antica is Europe's oldest free-standing theatre. The remains of other Gonzaga residences can also be found in other towns such as Revere, Castel Goffredo and Pomponesco.

The Mantua area has some of Italy's most beautiful little towns. These include the fortified village of Castellaro Lagusello (veiled in a heavy Virgilian atmosphere and complete with a large gateway at the entrance that used to have a drawbridge until the 18th century) and San Benedetto del Po, which is famous for the Polirone Abbey, also known as the Lombard Cluny.

Canneto sull'Oglio is a real never-never land. Its famous Toy Museum has over 1,000 objects on display, including dolls, rocking horses, toy carts, wooden puppets, tin cars, building games and marionettes.

This area is great if you like cycling and there are lots of long cycle paths to match all levels of ability, from beginner to expert. The Mantua – Peschiera cycle path takes you through some stunningly beautiful landscape. This 42.5 km panoramic cycle trail is great for families with little children too and it follows the River Mincio along to Lake Garda.

When it comes to Mantua's food, pumpkin rules over all other ingredients and is used in the preparation of delicious tortellini, bread, veggie balls and fritters. Other local dishes include risotto alla mantovana (risotto with sausage), pasta con fagioli e salsicce (pasta with sausage and beans) and stufato alla mantovana (Mantua stew). Mantua's most famous cake is the Torta Sbrisolona or Torta delle tre tazze (a "three-cup" cake that uses equal quantities of white flour, yellow flour and sugar, measured out in cups). Mostarda (preserved spiced fruits) is served with meat-based first and second courses.
The area's most famous wines include Lambrusco Mantovano and  Garda Colli Mantovani wines.

Take me here: What to Do in Mantua and surroundings

On the same topic

The show is online in Lombardy

The show continues at home, in Lombardy. Discover the plays, films, concerts, videos and podcasts available for free online
  • Art & Culture
The show is online in Lombardy

The Lombard seigniories: key figures, history and places

Gonzaga, Visconti, Sforza: a journey through cities steeped in history and culture
  • Art & Culture
Gonzaga - Palazzo Ducale Mantova - ph: analisidellopera.it

Following Leonardo's footsteps in Milan

  • Art & Culture
Following Leonardo's footsteps in Milan

16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

4 settembre - 10 ottobre 2021
  • Art & Culture
16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

Lorenzo Lotto Itinerary

In Bergamo on the trail of Lorenzo Lotto, one of the leading exponents of the Italian Renaissance
  • Art & Culture
Lorenzo Lotto Itinerary, following his trails

Como by foot, by boat

A walk in Como between lake, neoclassical houses, a statue of Canova and a Grand Tour by boat
  • Art & Culture
Como by foot, by boat

FAI Landmarks in the Province of Varese

Cultural Treasures in a Stunning Natural Setting
  • Art & Culture
Aerial photograph of Villa Panza in Varese, showcasing the main building with its elegant neoclassical architecture and well-maintained geometric garden. The image features hedges, symmetrical flowerbeds, fountains, and a large park with lush trees, surrounded by historic buildings and the urban landscape in the background.

12 masterpieces in Lombardy

Among paintings, Monasteries, Basilicas: a treasure to be discovered in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture
Hunting for 12 masterpieces in Lombardy

School trips

Cremona is the ideal destination for your school trip
  • Art & Culture
School trips

5 medieval monuments in Lodi

A journey of discovery through the Middle Ages, from Borghetto Lodigiano to Lodi.
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo Rho_Borghetto Lodigiano

Come to discover Cremona!

A new guide for children and families
  • Art & Culture
Come to discover Cremona!

Monuments Lodi

In the center of Lodi you can see buildings and monuments that are real architectural and decorative jewels
  • Art & Culture
Monuments Lodi, ideas for visiting

Mantua Culture Capital 2016

Mantua city of art, capital of culture
  • Art & Culture
Mantua Culture Capital 2016, discover its wonders

Museums Brescia

Brescia: the ideal destination for those who love art. Countless opportunities to visit exhibitions and to attend cultural events
  • Art & Culture
Museums Brescia, hints on visiting

Bergamo Brescia: Italian capital of culture 2023

Discover the schedule of events, new museums, projects and exhibitions that promise to take you off the beaten track.
  • Art & Culture
Bergamo Brescia: Italian capital of culture 2023 - Teatro Grande Brescia - inLombardia

Bernardino Campi in Pizzighettone

Frescoes in the San Bassiano Church in Pizzighettone
  • Art & Culture
Bernardino Campi in Pizzighettone

The sound of Stradivari

Live performances with the instruments of the collections of the Violin’s Museum.
  • Art & Culture
Clarissa Bevilacqua

Theaters Mantua

Sumptuous rooms and golden stages are the setting for the theatrical seasons of Mantua
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Mantua, experiences in Lombardy

Monuments Cremona

Cremona: a splendid city of art with a sober elegance and many monuments, to be visited on foot or by bicycle
  • Art & Culture
Monuments Cremona, visiting Lombardy

Varese UNESCO

4 siti UNESCO, indissolubilmente legati al paesaggio: Monte San Giorgio, Isolino Virginia, Monastero di Torba, Sacro Monte di Varese.
  • Art & Culture
Quinta cappella al Sacro Monte di Varese