• Lifestyle
    • Art & Culture

Mantua in a weekend

An unmistakable skyline reflects the history of the city of the Gonzaga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Mantua in 48 hours

From the lakes of Mantua, Palazzo Ducale dominates an unforgettable skyline. It was designed by the Gonzaga together with the greatest artists of the time.

The first and the most courted of them was Andrea Mantegna. Among other works, Ludovico II asked him to paint a fresco to celebrate his dynasty. The artist worked on the “Camera degli Sposi”. After nine years he unveiled the masterpiece and invented the most famous oculus of 15th century art.

Walking, slowly. In Piazza  Erbe there is still the market. Palazzo della Ragione, Palazzo del Podestà, the ancient Rotonda di San Lorenzo take us back to 900 years ago, at the time of the medieval Communes. From the café table you can see the astronomical clock on the tower. In September, the person at the next table could be a star of Festivaletteratura, the event that for the last 20 years has welcomed writers from all over the world, with hundreds of readings in piazzas, theaters and palaces.

On the scale of Giants. Palazzo Te is just outside the city, but it seems to be far away from the places of power. It was the villa where Federico II Gonzaga held his entertainment. Designed by Giulio Romano, the building surrounded by greenery is full of special effects to capture the dreams, obsessions and romances of a client whose life was turbulent. In addition to the spectacular frescoed walls, like the “Sala dei Giganti”, the rich calendar of world-class exhibitions is not to be missed.

The 18th century at the theatre. One of the things that make Mantua unique is the amazing Teatro Scientifico Bibiena. It astonished Mozart’s father («I have never seen a more beautiful room») and the composer himself, when they played there a few months after the inauguration. What is even more incredible is that the architect, Antonio Galli Bibiena, took only two years, from 1767 to 1769, to build and paint the late Baroque masterpiece, now home to concerts and literary meetings.

The Court of Flavours. Another valuable legacy of the Renaissance is Mantua’s cuisine. The pumpkin ravioli with the famous mustard and “amaretti” (almond biscuits) have been handed down directly from the Court of the Gonzaga. Instead, we owe the elvezia cake - made from almond paste and “zabaione” - to bakers from the Swiss Graubünden Canton, who immigrated here at the end of the 18th century. The sbrisolona, a mix of flours and almonds, is a typical peasant cake. To be eaten with your hands, according to tradition.

 

Take me here: Mantua in a weekend

On the same topic

Welcome Card

Guided tour every day (also in the week-end) at 2.30 p.m.
  • Lifestyle
Piazza della Pace

Pavia in a weekend

On the trail of the Longobardi or among the cloisters of the University, without forgetting flavors and traditions
  • Lifestyle
Pavia in a weekend

10 Good Reasons to Visit Mantua

  • Lifestyle
10 Good Reasons to Visit Mantua

Towards the Upper Oltrepò

An itinerary travelling through ancient villages, mountain landscapes and gourmandise
  • Lifestyle
Monte Lesima

Events in Lombardy in August 2025

In August, Lombardy offers special moments with starry nights, music festivals and lakes and mountain hikes
  • Lifestyle
Events in Lombardy in August 2025

5 glamorous experiences in Lombardy

Lombardy offers glamorous experiences that combine the allure of luxury with the discovery of natural and cultural treasures
  • Lifestyle
5 glamorous experiences in Lombardy - Barca a vela Lago di Como

Bergamo to Lake Iseo

Seventy-two hours to discover Bergamo Alta and Lake Iseo, culture, bike rides and delicious tastings
  • Lifestyle
Da Bergamo al Lago d'Iseo

Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

  • Lifestyle
Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

Summertime in Lecco

When the days get warm, refresh yourself going to the lake or to the mountains: Lecco offers a lot of outdoor activities
  • Lifestyle
Have you tried cycling downhill?

10 Good reasons to visit Varese

  • Lifestyle
10 Good reasons to visit Varese

Around the world in Lombardy

Explore Lombardy’s regions like never before, discovering scenery with a remarkably exotic, international feel.
  • Lifestyle
Around the world in Lombardy

Via torino milano

The road to reach the port of Milan is lined with ancient pavè. Follow it and you will not get lost!
  • Lifestyle
Via Torino, Milano

What to see in Lombardy

A remarkable artistic heritage, a variety of landscapes, rich cultural traditions... all waiting to be discovered!
  • Lifestyle
What to see in Lombardy

Halloween in Lombardy

Ghostly villages and palaces, haunted by the spirits of tormented souls, beckon only the bravest to explore their surreal environments. 
  • Lifestyle
Halloween in Lombardy

6 Things to do with children in Monza and Brianza

  • Lifestyle
Centrale elettrica Bertini

Ski area Valmalenco

50 km of slopes make up the ski area of Alpe Palù, which is the calling card of Valmalenco.
  • Lifestyle
Ski area Valmalenco

Lecco in a weekend

Discover Lecco in 48 hours, starting from the traces of a timeless novel, “The Betrothed”. A story within the story
  • Lifestyle
Lecco in a weekend

Paolo sarpi a little bit of china in milan

Oriental atmospheres, Asian deliciousness in this suggestive corner of China in Milan
  • Lifestyle
Paolo Sarpi: a little bit of China in Milan

Sondrio in a weekend

Millennial traditions, roads to discover on foot or by bike, unique flavors. Sondrio, the gate of Valtellina
  • Lifestyle
Sondrio in a weekend

Monza in a weekend

From the Treasure of Theodelinda to the thrill of the Autodromo. Discover Monza in 48 hours: a twospeed city. With amazing masterpieces
  • Lifestyle
Monza in a weekend