Panoramic view of Mantua Photo: stock.adobe.com/dudlajzov
Mantua is not a loud star among Italy's cities - rather an elegant diva that prefers to whisper rather than shout. The jewel on Lake Garda.
Those who visit Mantua will experience art, history, nature and pleasure with an intensity that would make many other destinations envious. Here are 10 reasons why the grande dame between the Po and Lake Garda is well worth a visit.
1. renaissance you can touch
Mantua was once the centre of power of the Gonzaga family - and you can feel it in every corner. The family ruled over Mantua and the surrounding area for almost 400 years. The Palazzo Ducale is not just a palace, but a city within a city - with around 1,000 rooms and 35,000 square metres of space. The highlight: the frescoed "Chamber of the Spouses" by Andrea Mantegn in the adjoining Castello di San Giorgio. Standing here, you lose your sense of space and perspective - and of time anyway. Mantua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo: stock.adobe.com/EyesTravelling
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2. opera flair in the centre of the city
Do you love Verdi? Then you'll love Mantua. "Rigoletto" is set right here. You can stroll through the alleyways where the court jester is said to have lived, visit his listed house - and imagine how "La donna è mobile" echoes through the night.
3. theatre, more beautiful than a dream
The Teatro Bibiena is so beautiful that even the 15-year-old Mozart was speechless. He performed here in 1770 and wrote to his father afterwards that he had never seen a more beautiful theatre. Rococo at its finest, light shows on gold and velvet - a feast for the eyes.
4. giants breaking out of the wall
There is a room in Palazzo Te that leaves visitors breathless: The "Chamber of Giants" is a baroque Gesamtkunstwerk by Giulio Romano. The walls and ceiling merge into a single vortex of bodies, colours, screams and movement.
Photo: stock.adobe.com/wjarek
5. eat like a duke
Risotto from Vialone Nano, pumpkin tortelli with amaretti, the famous sbrisolona (an almond crumb tart to break), the savoury mostarda di frutta, salame mantovano ... Mantua's cuisine is sumptuous, earthy, honest - and absolutely delicious.
6 The "flying Mantuan"
Tazio Nuvolari was one of the greatest racing drivers in history - fast, fearless, an idol of his time. Ferdinand Porsche called him "the greatest driver of all time". A lovingly designed museum in Mantua commemorates this motorsport hero.
7. pure nature - on foot, by bike or boat
Want to get out of the city? The River Mincio and the surrounding moraine hills offer fantastic paths for hiking, cycling or canoeing. Particularly beautiful: the quiet waterways towards Peschiera or the neighbouring village of Castellaro Lagusello, approx. 30 km away.
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Photo: stock.adobe.com/matteo
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8 Where the storks live
Just a few minutes outside the city: the Parco del Mincio. The Bertone forest, where white storks breed, is also located here. A visit to this green retreat is a special nature experience, especially for families with children.
9. book love in the alleys
In September, the city is transformed into a paradise for literature lovers: authors, publishers and readers meet at the Festivaletteratura (more information here: festivaletteratura.it). People read, discuss and perform - in squares, courtyards and theatres. Here, literature becomes a living urban culture.
10. sabbioneta: the perfect little sister
Just a few kilometres away is Sabbioneta, the "ideal image" of a Renaissance city, planned by Vespasiano Gonzaga. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with city walls, Teatro Olimpico, stately palaces and a clear urban layout.
