Unexplored Italy: Mantova. Italy

Italy is one of the many countries that have gained wild popularity among tourists. A huge number of interesting cities, an impressive history, a unique culture, many attractions and entertainment have given this country good reputation. Among the large number of famous Italian cities, we want to highlight Mantua, known as the city of three lakes. You will find all the information necessary for a tourist in the presented article.

Location and features of Mantua

Mantua (in Italian - Mantova) is a small city in Lombardy, which is famous for its history, developed industry and attractions. Previously, the city was an island; in the 12th century, the Italians decided to regulate the flow of the Mincio River, which is why Mantua turned into a peninsula surrounded by picturesque lakes.

Mantova is located just 150 km from Milan, 30 km from Verona, 80 km from Bologna, 160 km from Venice and 300 km from Rimini airport, where most Russian tourists fly. The city can be reached by taxi, train or bus.

The city is mentioned in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, where the main character, Romeo, is sent into exile from Verona to Mantova. The city's patron saint is Saint Anselm. Local residents are not aggressive and treat tourists kindly.

History of Mantua

Mantua is an ancient city, its history began in the 4th century BC. According to legend, the city was founded by Manto, the daughter of the soothsayer Tiresias, who, after the death of her father, fled from Thebes, settled in this area and turned the impassable swamps into Mantua. From the point of view of historians, Mantova is an Etruscan city that served this people as a fortified center. In 388 BC. the settlement was occupied by the Gauls, who were ousted by the ancient Romans in 220 BC. During Roman rule, Mantua was divided into centuries, and acted as an agricultural area.

In the 4th-5th centuries, the territory of Mantua was conquered by the Germanic peoples. In the 9th century the city became the possession of the Franks. In 1116, the city underwent global changes, turning from an island into a peninsula. At the same time, Mantova was fortified with fortress walls.

For 55 years (since 1273) the city was ruled by the Bonacolsi family. During this period, Mantua was transformed. Significant buildings were erected on its territory, many of which we can see today.

In 1328, the Bonacolsi were expelled from the city by the Gonzaga family, who ruled Mantua until 1707. It was the Gonzaga dynasty that invited such great masters as Luca Fancelli, Donatello, Luciano de Laurano, Leon Batista Alberti and others here. Famous architects erected 5 city gates, the Basilica, expanded the Doge's Palace and Broletto, and also strengthened the city walls. Every year Mantua was replenished with new works of art, until the plague struck the city in 1630.

In 1707, Mantua became the possession of the Austrians, who turned it into a fortified city. In 1866, the city's territory was annexed to Royal Italy. Since then, the phrase Mantua - Italy has become inextricable.

Review of hotels in Mantua

All hotels in this glorious town have good reviews from visitors. Mantua has a sufficient number of comfortable hotels for different financial capabilities of the traveler. There are also guest houses, farm houses, country houses, hostels, motels and apartments that can be rented.

Among the popular hotels in the Italian city I would like to highlight the following:

1. Hotel Casa Poli – This 4-star small hotel is located in a 19th century building and has a garden and courtyard. The hotel offers visitors free Wi-Fi, and the apartments have air conditioning and satellite TV. The room rate includes free breakfast. The hotel is located in the central part of Mantova. The Palazzo Ducale and the Cathedral are in the immediate vicinity.
2. Hotel dei Gonzaga - 3-star hotel built in Piazza Sordello, next to the Mantua Cathedral and the Doge's Palace. The rooms have air conditioning and a TV. Guests have free Wi-Fi throughout the building. Free buffet breakfast included.
3. Hotel Broletto – 3-star hotel located 20 m from the Broletto residence and 0.2 km from the Basilica of St. Andrey. The rooms have a minibar, air conditioning and a TV. Visitors to the establishment can use free Wi-Fi; breakfast is not included in the apartment price.
4. La Favorita – 4-star hotel located on the territory of the shopping center of the same name, 2 km from the historical part of the city. Guests are offered a wide range of services to choose from excursions and entertainment activities. All rooms have first class amenities.
5. Casa Museo Palazzo Valenti Gonzaga – a guest house in the center of Mantua, featuring themed apartments with stone walls and Renaissance frescoes. The building is located near the Basilica of St. Andrew, Castle San Giorgio, Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te. The air-conditioned rooms have a TV, refrigerator and laptop computer. Visitors can use Wi-Fi free of charge. Guests of this house also have free access to the Valenti Gonzaga Museum and use of bicycles.

The hotels described above are among the best tourist accommodation in Mantua. For a more complete picture of the city’s hotels, we recommend visiting specialized sites offering room booking services.

Shopping in Mantua

For shopping lovers, Mantova is of particular interest. The city has boutiques of many famous brands: Chanel, Sandro Ferrone, MaxMara co Sportmax, Macbeth, Scylab Outlet, etc.

In the very center of the city there is a Carrefour supermarket, which delights visitors with affordable prices, fresh products and first-class service. In addition, in the vicinity of Mantova there is an Outlet Village, on the territory of which you will find 110 shops with various goods and prices.

Shopaholics around the world are eager to visit the numerous retail outlets that Italy has. Mantua, with its established commercial industry, is no exception.

The best dishes and restaurants in Mantua

For those with a sweet tooth, wine lovers and adherents of gastronomic tourism, Mantova will become one of the favorite Italian cities. We recommend visiting the following restaurants in the city:

1. Pappa Reale di Pozzi Daniele;
2. Lo Scalco Grasso;
3. Carlo Govi ​​Ristorante;
4. Trattoria La Stella;
5. Osteria Dell'Oca;
6. Taverna Cinquecento;
7. Giallozucca;
8. Agriturismo Corte Bersaglio;
9. Antica Osteria ai Ranari;.
10. Tiratappi.

All tourists visiting Mantua must try the following dishes:

• Pumpkin ravioli is one of the first courses. Locals prepare it on Christmas Eve, but you can easily find this dish on the menu of all restaurants in the city.
• Agnoli is a first course consisting of broth and pork filling.
• Alla pilota is a first course with traditional Italian pesto sauce and delicious sausages.
• Stracotto d'azino (donkey stew) is the second course, which is prepared from marinated donkey meat.
• Pike with sauce is the second dish that seafood lovers will love.
• Salami Mantua - appetizer with garlic and allspice.
• Parmigiano and Grana Padano cheeses - you can taste these snacks only in Mantua.
• Mostarda di mele is a mustard made according to a Gonzaga family recipe.
• Sbrisola is Mantova's famous cake, consisting of sugar, yellow and white flour, almond crumbs, butter and yolk.
• Helvetia cake is a traditional dessert of the city, which has been prepared since the beginning of the 18th century.
• Lambrusco and Sprintz wines are the most popular wines of Mantua.

Mantova's cuisine amazes guests with its diversity, appetizing appearance and taste. Don't miss the opportunity to try the best dishes of the northern Italian city in its best restaurants.

Holidays in Mantua

When planning to visit Mantova in one season or another, be sure to check out the festivities that take place in the city and its suburbs during this period.

• September. This month, tourists can visit the Grape Festival, City Day and the Gonzaga Millennial Fair.
• November. Feast of Our Lady of Casalmoro. The second name of this celebration is the Chicken Festival.
• February. State carnival, which is held in many Italian cities.
• March or April. Easter, traditionally city residents dress up in historical costumes and hold a parade.
• May. Feast of San Bernadino.
• June. Rice Festival, as well as a celebration in honor of St. Peter and Paul.
• July. Feast of Governolo, fair in Vadana.
• August. Sacro e profane festival, August city fair, Live Chess festival.

Sights of Mantova

Of course, most travelers visit the city for its attractions. Their detailed description is presented below.

Science Park

An interesting place (for both children and adults), located on the embankment of the Mincio River. In addition to the advantages of natural conditions, tourists will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of physics and become a participant in many intellectual entertainments. On the territory of the park there are working samples of various mechanical devices, with the help of which you can calculate the amount of body energy, get acquainted with scientific paradoxes, learn the operating principles of the presented exhibits, etc.

Palace of the Mind

This building has another name - the Palace of Justice. It is located 0.2 km from Palazzo Ducale. The palace is considered the largest medieval building built in the 13th century. Until the end of the 18th century, it served as a place for judicial proceedings. The building was restored several times and its appearance was changed with the help of added architectural elements, including a clock tower (15th century). Of particular interest to city guests are the unique 13th-century frescoes and sundial. Today the building houses the city museum, restaurants and shops.

clock tower

This building, added to the Palace of the Mind in 1473, is worth a closer look. The tower was built according to the design of Luca Fancelli. The main value of this building is the clock, which was installed in 1493 by the astrologer, mechanic and mathematician Bartolomeo Manfredi. The clock has undergone numerous restoration work, but is still functioning to this day. This “mechanical miracle” shows not only the time, but also the phases of the moon, the current date, and the position of the zodiac constellations and planets. Under the clock, in a special niche, there is a statue of the Madonna. Below it is a marble balcony.

Bibiena Science Theater

The building is named after its creator, Antonio Bibien. The scientific theater took 2 years to build: from 1767 to 1769. The building is made in the Baroque style, the interior is equipped with 4 tiers of semi-circular boxes, which are separated by columns. Performances, concerts, as well as debates, conferences, meetings and other scientific events were held here, which is why the theater was called scientific. The facade of the building is made in the neoclassical style, and acquired its current appearance only in 1775. Today at the Bibiena Theater you can attend luxurious musical concerts of local, out-of-town and foreign performers.

Cathedral

Mantua Cathedral of St. Petra is located in Piazza Sordello. During the time of Emperor Constantine, a small temple was located on the site of the building, which was regularly restored, altered, expanded and rebuilt. In 894 there was a fire in the temple, the building itself was destroyed. In the 14th-15th centuries, the building was rebuilt, in its place a magnificent cathedral in the Romanesque style appeared, with the addition of chapels, a multi-colored marble facade in the Gothic style, and a red brick bell tower with lancet window openings in the Romanesque style. In 1545, the temple was damaged by a fire; its restoration was carried out by Giulio Romano and Giambattista Bertani. In the mid-18th century, the Gothic façade was replaced by a Barocan style using Carrara marble. Inside the temple there are 2 rows of chapels, 5 naves and a large number of valuable works of art: frescoes of the baptistery, paintings by famous Mantuan artists, an early Christian sarcophagus, etc.

Palazzo Ducale – Palace of the Dukes

It is an impressive architectural and monumental complex that served as the residence of all the rulers of Mantova. Palazzo Ducale is one of the largest architectural complexes in Europe. Its construction lasted for 4 centuries: from the end of the 13th to the beginning of the 18th century. Palazzo Ducale has an area of ​​34 thousand square meters. m. and 500 rooms. The following structures are located on the territory of the complex:

• Palazzo del Capitano is the oldest part of the palace, built at the end of the 13th century. The building was erected on the orders of Guido Bonacolsi, whose family ruled Mantova from 1273 to 1328. Also among the ancient buildings of the Palazzo Ducale is the “Great House”, which is connected to the Palazzo del Capitano through courtyards and galleries called the “Old Courtyard”.
• Castle St. George - founded at the end of the 13th century by Bartolino da Novar. In the 15th century, the Gonzaga family settled here, carrying out the will of Louis II. The building has a square shape, 4 corner towers and drawbridges. As a result of reconstruction in 1459, the castle lost its defensive function. In the 60s-70s of the 15th century, Andrea Marteña painted the “Marriage Room” with frescoes.
• Basilica of St. Barbarians - the building appeared in the 70s-80s of the 16th century according to the design of Giambatista Bertani. The basilica is decorated with 3 huge arches with a pediment located in the upper tier. Inside, the church has 1 nave and side chapels, as well as a semicircular staircase that leads guests to the building to the altar.
• The new courtyard was created according to the design of Luca Francelli at the end of the 15th century. 110 years later, in 1595, the Ducal Apartments were built here by the Cremonese architect Antonio Maria Viani. Today in the Hall of the Archers you can see stunning pictures of the secularized and closed monasteries and churches of Italy.

Palazzo Te

This building is the country residence of the rulers of Mantova. The palace was built by Giulio Romano in the Mannerist style in the shortest possible time - 1.5 years (from 1524 to 1525). During the Middle Ages, it was located on an island, around the structure were the Mincio floods. Palazzo Te has a square shape, a wide courtyard and a beautiful facade decorated with flat pilasters. The interior is decorated with many valuable frescoes: “The Hall of Giants”, “The Great Horse Hall”, “The Hall of Cupid and Psyche”. During the rule of the Austrians, the palace was looted, its premises were used as barracks, which caused irreparable damage to the entire building. Today, visitors can see the palace's frescoed walls, a collection of ancient medals and coins from the Gonzaga Dynasty, and ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian collections.

Basilica of St. Andrey

This landmark is located 0.2 km from the Palazzo Ducale, and is the largest church in the city. The basilica was built on the site of a Benedictine monastery in the Middle Ages. In 1472, Louis III Gonzaga decided to rebuild the church, for which he invited the architect Leon Batista Alberti. The architect expanded the building, after which it began to receive a large number of pilgrims. In the temple there was a vessel with the blood of Christ. This relic is still in the basilica. The facade of the building is an imitation of the ancient Roman triumphal arch of Titus. The roof of the church is decorated with a Baroque dome, erected by Juvarra at the end of the 18th century. The building also has a bell tower, made in the Gothic style. This building appeared on the territory of the temple at the beginning of the 15th century. The interior of the basilica is striking in its luxury and uniqueness. The huge 28-meter nave in the shape of a Latin cross is covered with a barrel vault. This architectural element is flanked by chapels, many of which are valuable artistic exhibits. The church also has the funeral chapel of Andrea Mantegna, a baptistery decorated with frescoes, an altar, a crypt, etc.

Rotunda of St. Lawrence

The church is considered the oldest building in Mantova, erected in 1083, with some individual parts of the structure dating back to the 4th century. Until 1579, the rotunda was the main parish church for local residents. In that year, Guglielmo Gonzaga ordered the closure of this building, after which it was used as a warehouse, then a Jewish ghetto. In 1908, the rotunda began to be restored; in 1926, it was returned to its original use as a church. The rotunda is a centric structure created in the style of Romanesque architecture. It is decorated with a cornice with hanging arches and an apse resembling the model of the Jerusalem Temple of the Lord. Inside the building, tourists can see valuable frescoes that appeared in the interior in the 11th-12th centuries.

Church of St. Sebastian

This building is located 0.2 km from Palazzo Te. The construction of the church was entrusted to Leon Batista Alberti in 1460. The completion of construction is dated 1529, the work was completed by Luca Fancelli. In 1706, the building began to be used as a warehouse, and later as a granary and barracks. In 1925, the church was restored and turned into a mausoleum in memory of participants in World War I. The facade of the building is equipped with a crypt, 4 pilasters, a front and a central window. Today here you can see the ancient altar of the 16th century, columns of the Tuscan order, as well as many magnificent architectural elements that have survived to this day.

Church of St. Franziska

0.5 km from Palazzo Ducale there is an ancient church built in 1304. In the 15th century, chapels were added to it, after which it became the mausoleum of the Gonzaga family. Due to its purpose, the church was regularly replenished with valuable relics and works of art. In 1797, most of the exhibits were stolen by French soldiers, and the building itself turned into a barracks. After World War II, the church was restored, the typical Lombard Gothic facade was returned, the rose window, portico and side arched windows were restored. The interior of the building has preserved some frescoes dating from the 14th-16th centuries.

Sordello Square

The largest square in Mantua, where many of the city's historical buildings are located. Its construction began in 1330; after the demolition of old buildings, the square was named after the troubadour and Italian poet Sordello, who lived in the 13th century. The square contains the Palazzo Ducale, the Rigoletto House, the Bonacolsi Palace, the Mantua Cathedral, the Acherbi Palace and the Bishop's Palace.

Piazza delle Erbe

Located in close proximity to Sordello and Broletto squares. It is considered the main square of the city's historical center. The construction of Piazzo delle Erbe coincided with the formation of Piazza Sordello. The Palazzo del Podesta was built on the site of the old market. Also located here is the Rotunda of St. Lawrence, merchant houses and the Palace of the Council.

Broleto Square

This landmark was built in the 12th century, during the expansion of Mantova. Previously, in its place there was a spacious yard where livestock was traded. During the construction of the Palazzo Podestà (1227), the square was divided into 2 parts, which were called Piazza Erbe and Broletto. Later, a prison was added to the palace in the form of a municipal tower, turning Piazza Broletto into the administrative center of Mantova. Famous attractions located here include: the Municipal Tower, the Podesta Palace, as well as the houses of merchants. Today there is a small market on the square.

Fashion District Outlet

The suburban village of Mantua is a paradise for shopaholic tourists. Its opening dates back to 2003, Fashion District stores are filled with a variety of products from famous brands. At the same time, prices for goods do not bite. Promotions and sales are often held here, where you can grab an expensive brand item at a discount of 30 to 80%.

Mantua is rich in many stunning and interesting places. Italy, whose attractions are known throughout the world, is one of the best countries for curious and active tourists.

Mantova is the central city of the province of the same name in the region (Lombardia), located on the Mincio River.

The city attracts travelers as the birthplace of the great ancient poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), as well as the city where the artist Pieter Paul Rubens began his path to greatness at the court of the Gonzaga family.

In prehistoric times, Etruscan and Gallic tribes lived in the province of Mantua. After 220 BC the settlement became part of.

The city was built in the Middle Ages as an impregnable fortress, which had a quadrangular shape with towers at the corners, surrounded by river waters, lakes and swamps. Since the 11th century, the lands belonged to Boniface III of Tuscany (Bonifacio III di Canossa). In 1167 the city acquired the status of a republic and joined the union of free cities of Lombardy. From 1269 to 1328, the Bonacolsi family seized control of Mantua. It was during this period that many buildings appeared that are now the decoration of the city. Since 1328, the city was ruled by representatives of the Gonzaga family, who were famous art connoisseurs and patrons of the arts.

Since 1708, the territory passed to the Habsburg family. During the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleone Buonaparte) from 1810 to 1814, Mantua belonged to France (France), and from 1814 to 1866 - to Austria (Österreich). Only in 1866 the city returned to the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana).

Attractions

The historic quarters of Mantua have been protected by UNESCO as a monument of art (Rinascimento) since 2008. There are many ancient cultural and educational buildings in Mantua, two of the most famous are:

1. Virgilian Academy (accademia di Virgilio), which still occupies pride of place in the ranking of educational institutions in Europe (L’europa);
2. City Library, founded in 1780 by order of Maria Theresia of Austria;

The theater, designed by Antonio Bibiena and ordered by Maria Theresa, was opened by Mozart.

In Mantua there are monuments to great compatriots: Virgil, (Dante Alighieri) and other poets.

Walking along the streets and bridges of the city will introduce travelers to a rare ensemble of medieval public buildings and churches.

Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Paul (Cattedrale di San Paolo), founded in the 13th century and rebuilt during restoration work in the mid-16th century by the architect Giulio Romano, is located in Piazza Sordello. In the cathedral you can see a marble sarcophagus made by an unknown master of the 5th-6th centuries.

Here are also the relics of the Italian-venerated Saint Anselmo (Sant’Anselmo), the tombs of the famous medieval rulers of Mantua:

• Ferdinando Gonzaga;
• Ercole Gonzaga and others.

The Palazzo Ducale, founded in the 13th century, amazes with its size and interior decoration. Numerous halls, gardens, and courtyards make the building majestic and unique. The palazzo was built from the 13th to the 15th centuries as the residence of the Gonzaga family.

The palace houses valuable paintings and tapestries, sculptures and other works of art.

The construction of the castle (Castello San Giorgio) took place in the years 1395-1406, it is distinguished by fortified towers on four sides of the building. The castle preserves valuable frescoes by Andrea Mantegna.

Palazzo del Te, designed by Giulio Romano, was built in 10 years, in 1525/35. The principles of such a movement as mannerism determined the richness of the interior decoration of this country house. The palace preserves wall paintings by Giulio Romano on the themes of myths and Ovid's Metamorphoses (Publius Ovidius Naso). In accordance with the themes of the painting, the halls received their names:

• Hall of the Giants (Sala dei giganti);
• Hall of Cupid and Psyche (Sala di Amore e Psiche);
• Horse Hall (Riunioni di cavalli);
• Hall of the Sun and Moon (Riunioni del Sole e della Luna), etc.

The Palazzo now houses the City Museum of Mantua.

Cuisine and delicacies

Mantua is the city where famous cheeses (Grana Padano) and (Parmigiano Reggiano), rare varieties of salami, and mustard according to a secret local recipe are produced.

Travelers should try local original dishes:

• handmade with pumpkin;
• with sauce (pesto) and spicy sausages;
• Stew of donkey meat marinated in Lambrusco wine, etc.

Mantua is famous for its sweets and unique dishes.

Hotels

Mantua offers more than 80 accommodation options. Most of them are in the center, which allows tourists to immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere of the monument city.

3 stars

3-star hotels offer accommodation at affordable prices in the very center of the city. A special feature of the hotels is the availability of parking for an additional fee.

Hotel Broletto

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Where is

Mantua, the birthplace of the ancient Roman poet Virgil, is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Italy. It is located in the Lombardy region and is the capital of the province of Mantua.

How to get to Mantua

The most convenient way to get here is from. If you travel by car, the travel time will be about 40 minutes. You need to stick to the Brenner highway (highway A 22), exit to “Mantua North”. And if you are coming from Bologna, then “Mantua South”. It is quite difficult to find parking in Mantua, so you need to leave your car in special parking lots outside the city and then transfer to the bus. Or check into a hotel that provides parking services.

You can also get here by train. From Verona Station to Mantua the train takes 46 minutes. The cost of a trip on a regional train is approximately 4 euros. It is better to buy tickets in advance on the website http://www.trenitalia.com (sometimes there are discounts), where you can also find out the train schedule.

If you are coming from the airport, Parma or Bergamo without a car, you will have to use several types of public transport, making transfers.

Where to stay

You can come to the city of Mantua in one day, see all the sights and leave. If you want to stay for one or several nights to leisurely explore all the sights and immerse yourself in the rhythm of the city, then in the city you can find hotels to suit every taste and budget. In an inexpensive hotel, the cost of one room for two with breakfast can be 40-60 euros. Of course, it all depends on the season, date of booking and hotel promotions.

What to see in Mantua

Mantua is a very picturesque city due to the fact that it is surrounded on all sides by lakes. In the 12th century, it was decided to organize the defense of the city using the Mincio River, on the banks of which Mantua stands. In this way, four artificial lakes were created. And this has become a real gift for local residents and tourists: in addition to the beauty, the lakes provide coolness on a hot summer day.

The city is very rich in attractions that have preserved their medieval appearance to this day, as if untouched by people and time over many centuries. The historical center of Mantua consists of four squares smoothly flowing into one another. With adjacent buildings and structures it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The complex of the historical center includes the main square - Piazza Sordello, on which the Ducal Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, is located. The palace belonged to the rulers of the city - the Gonzaga family, with which the main attractions of the city are associated. Now the palace is a museum; on its territory you can relax in small parks and courtyards, or accidentally end up in a fairly large area. This is a whole complex, which you can enter by paying 12 euros in advance. It is advisable to spend at least two hours to visit the palace.

Opposite is the episcopal palace - Palazzo Vescovile, as well as a palace very similar to Palazzo Ducale, which belonged to the dynasty that ruled before the Gonzaga family - Bonacolsi. In Piazza Sordello there is the city's cathedral - St. Peter's Basilica, and you can also see the Tower of the Cage, which once served as a place of punishment for guilty citizens who were put in cages that hung on this tower. Also at the end of the square you can see Rigoletto's house, where various art exhibitions take place.

In the remaining squares of the historical center, it is worth visiting the Podestà Palace, the Palace of Justice with the Clock Tower showing the phases of the Moon and the zodiac constellations, and the round Church of St. Lorenzo - the oldest church in the city, dating back to the 11th century. You can go inside the church completely free of charge.

While walking around the city, you can visit the green square-park, in which there is a statue of Virgil, on both sides of which there are two fountains; see the Basilica of St. Andrew, built in the 15th century; the square of herbs located opposite the basilica is a picturesque place where a fruit and vegetable market is currently located; one of the symbols of Mantua is the Te Palace, surrounded by a garden; St. George's Castle, as well as many other medieval churches, palaces and other buildings.

It is very interesting to walk around Mantua randomly, without a pre-prepared plan. Nature inspires visitors with peace and tranquility. The city's street sidewalks are made in the form of galleries, above which the second floors of houses are located. You never know what amazing place the next spacious street or “gallery” might lead you to. And there are a lot of places that are not included in any guidebook, but are cozy and pleasing to the eye.

Before visiting Mantua, this Italian town evoked in me associations exclusively with Shakespeare, or rather with the phrase from: “I sent a torchbearer to Mantua!”

Despite the fact that most Russians associate Mantua with nothing else other than Romeo’s forced exile, this city is in fact a real treasure chest: small, but full of treasures, both historical, cultural and gastronomic. point of view.

Let's start with a small, not even historical, but geographical excursion. Initially, the city was not located on the mainland, as it is now, but on an island surrounded by lakes and a tributary of the Mincio River. In Mantua, as in Venice, the streets were adjacent to canals, which were later closed and converted into pavements.

Now there is only one canal in the city, but it is also closed, but the lakes have not gone away, they are located at the entrance to the city and, when you drive past, they seem like two huge mirrors, a sort of water gate of Mantua.

CITY ATTRACTIONS: CITY CENTER

Despite the fact that the Etruscans and Gauls were the first to settle on the lakes, and it was here, according to legend, that Virgil was born, the heyday of Mantua occurred in the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries, when the Gonzaga family became lords of the Duchy of Mantua. It is to them that Mantua owes so many palaces and castles that the city claims to be the European Capital of Culture in 2019. In principle, you can write at least a couple of sentences about every house in Mantua, but we will focus on the main attractions of the city.

CASTELLO DI SAN GIORGIO

The architect of Castello di San Giorgio was the engineer Bartolino da Navarra. According to his design, powerful walls, decorated, as elsewhere in northern Italy, with Ghibelline signs, were surrounded by a moat filled with water from the surrounding lakes. It is the Castle of St. George that is the first thing you see when entering the city. Despite the fact that very soon the castle began to be used not so much for defensive purposes, but as a place of residence for Gonzaga, and therefore in the 15th century additional rooms were added to the castle, and the interior rooms were decorated with frescoes and paintings - a moat with water and other attributes of a classic fortress have remained here to this day.

Today, the Castle of St. George belongs not even to the government of Mantua, but to the cats that inhabit it - there are even more fat and tailed cats here than tourists, they are not afraid of people, but they do not allow themselves to be petted.

PALAZZO DUCALE

In fact, the Palace of the Dukes (and this is the most correct way to translate the name Palazzo Ducale into Russian) is connected to the Castle of St. George, so in principle it is a single complex of buildings that belonged to the Gonzaga lords, who built a real city inside Mantua.

In the photo: garden in the courtyard of Palazzo Ducale

The fact is that the Gonzaga family was not very favored by local residents, and the lords, fearing an attack from the Mantovans, tried not to go out into the streets of the city unless necessary, and surrounded their palaces with impressive walls. For a long time, Palazzo Ducale was closed to tourists, but today some of the halls are open to the public.

So, behind the walls of the castle there is a luxurious garden, the second garden (suspended) is laid out on the roof of the first floor of the palazzo (just like).

All rooms and halls of the palace are through and connected to each other by passages, so there is no need to talk about any privacy in the life of the Gonzaga lords. Among the most interesting and noteworthy halls: the hall of hunters with eerie masks on the ceiling, the hall of the zodiac with paintings in the form of animated constellations, the hall of rivers with statues made of sandstone, the labyrinth hall with an encrypted inscription on the ceiling: “Maybe, “Yes,” or maybe “No”, as well as a gallery whose frescoes replicate the corridors of the Vatican.

Since the Gonzagas did not like to leave their monastery, there is also a house church in the complex with the name Santa Barbara, so familiar to Russian ears, although it is closed to the public. But you can see the impressive size bed of the dukes, imported from Milan, a stone bathtub and a marble sink, in which representatives of aristocratic families took baths in the fresh air.

HOUSE OF RIGOLETTO

Opposite the palace is Rigoletto's house: it was at this address that the hunchback, the main character of Verdi's opera, lived.

In the photo: Rigoletto statue in Mantua

In the courtyard of the house there is a bronze statue of Rigoletto, and in the same building you can buy a ticket for a mass visit to all the museums of the city (the ticket costs 15 euros).

PIAZZA SORDELLO

One wall of the Palazzo Ducale faces entirely piazza Sordello. The square is amazingly beautiful, but there is one thing: the stones with which it is paved are real cobblestones, so while walking in flip-flops, the soles of your feet experience unbearable torment.

In the photo: giant paving stones on Piazza Sordello

Right there on the square there is also St. Peter's Cathedral. From the outside, Duomo San Pietro is nothing special, except for the red brick side inserts, but inside the temple you can spend an hour, and not only because in the summer the basilica is pleasantly cool.

The inside of the dome of the cathedral is decorated with frescoes, the altars are decorated with canvases by Lorenzo Costa, and the columns of the temple are made of Carrara marble. In general, the decoration of the cathedral is so rich that it can compete, for example, with Santa Maria Mangiore in Rome. Costa’s painting “The Martyrdom of Saint Agatha” deserves special attention, although, to be honest, this is not the most pleasant Christian story, because Saint Agatha’s breasts were ripped out.

In the photo: the Cathedral of San Pietro in Mantua

On the other side of the square - Torre della Gabbia(the building is easily recognizable by its tower, which for a long time was the tallest in the city), is famous for the fact that during the Middle Ages, criminals were shown to the public in iron cages attached to the wall of the building.

Along the narrow streets, paved with not so deadly cobblestones, we go to the city center through the gallery of arches and find ourselves on Piazza delle Erbe- the second main square of the city. Here are Rotunda of San Lorenzo- the oldest church in Mantua, built in 1082 by order of Matilda di Canossa. By the way, it was discovered only at the beginning of the twentieth century, after the houses built on this site were demolished.

In the photo: Rotunda of San Lorenzo in Mantua

Almost next to the rotunda is another palace - Palazzo Della Ragione, the attention of city guests is mainly attracted by the palace tower with a huge astrological clock.

Well, it’s right there Basilica of Sant'Andrea: a beautiful, but very strange building. Beautiful, because its interior is entirely made of gold, strange, because the basilica is part of a Benedictine monastery that was completed later.

The result is a building of a very peculiar shape, it seems as if the cathedral was surrounded on all sides by giant Lego cubes, and therefore it is not even possible to find the entrance to the basilica the first time. Also among the interesting buildings located in the center of Mantua, I would like to mention the Palace of Merchants. Palazzo della Camera di Commercio- not as old as it seems at first glance, it was built only in 1913, but it is a magnificent example of neo-medieval style.

In the photo: Palazzo della Camera di Commercio

PALAZZO TE: OUTSIDE THE CITY CENTER

Away from the center of Mantua is Palazzo Te, another Gonzaga palace designed by Raphael's student Giulio Romano in the sixteenth century. The palace's appearance is more like a villa, surrounded by a lush garden, and the walls are lined with blocks of uncut stone.

Inside the palace there are frescoes and richly painted ceilings, especially the Hall of Horses: the vaults are decorated with carved panels with Greek ornaments, the walls are also decorated with panels depicting horses - the favorite animals of the Gonzaga family. Another interesting thing is the Hall of Winds and the Zodiac, where sixteen medallions depict the signs of the zodiac, as well as figures of the Gods and Elements.

And, of course, the Hall of Cupid and Psyche in the room intended for banquets deserves special attention. Entrance here, as they say, is only for adults, because the love scenes of Cupid and Psyche are depicted in all pornographic details.

In the photo: the Hall of Cupid and Psyche in Palazzo Te

In the Palazzo Ducale there is also a hall of Cupid and Psyche, but everything there is decorous and noble and without positions from the Kama Sutra. By the way, they say that the artist, at the request of the customer, gave the characters in the porn fresco a resemblance to members of the noble families of Italy, so Psyche is the embodiment of Boschetti, and Venus is Isabella d’Este (the Duke’s mother).

SHOPPING

All the main shops of Mantua are located on the street leading to Piazza delle Erbe directly under the arches. There is MaxMara with Sportmax, a Chanel beauty boutique, and many multi-brand stores selling mainly shoes. Of the original Italian brands, I would like to mention the boutique Sandro Ferrone is a Roman brand that produces tunics, overalls, shoes and dresses, reminiscent of MaxMara in style. Things are of high quality, but they are several times cheaper than those from famous neighbors: from 50 to 120 euros.

In the photo: Sandro Ferrone boutique window display

Also near Mantua is the classic outlet village Fashion District with 110 stores of different price categories: from Bottega Veneta to Calzedonia and Adidas. Discounts: from 30 to 70%, store opening hours: from 10.00 to 20.00. Official website: , where you can also order a transfer to the outlet village and back.

GASTRONOMY

After a visit to Mantua, I associate Romeo’s place of exile exclusively with tortellini, and this despite the fact that the neighboring region of Emilia-Romagna is considered the birthplace of this type of pasta, which is an Italian variation on the theme of our favorite dumplings.

According to legend, the shape of tortellini should repeat the shape of the navel of Venus (or, according to another version, the shape of the navel of the mistress of the cook who invented this type of pasta), but since then a lot of water has passed under the bridge, so, for example, classic tortellini with pumpkin (a traditional dish of Mantua) have the shape square. Pasta filling: a mixture of boiled pumpkin, salted Parmesan, mustard, nutmeg, and ricotta or amaretto liqueur. By the way, this type of tortellini was originally a traditional treat served on Christmas Eve - on the eve of Christmas, the Catholic Church does not recommend eating meat.

Speaking of meat, or more precisely about antipasti. In Mantua, on sale and in almost any butcher shop, you can find culatello - a meat delicacy similar to ham, which takes 36 months to prepare. Also, lovers of all kinds of sausages are recommended to try salame mantovano - salami in a white pork casing with the addition of garlic, coarse salt and pepper; the sausage is dried for three to six months, depending on the size.

Also among the local specialties is ciccioli mantovani - fried pork fat, very reminiscent of our Russian cracklings, which was originally a dish of the surrounding villages, but over time it has taken root in the city.

Meat dishes are served with mostarda - a sauce made from fruits marinated in mustard or syrup. Although mostarda looks like sweet jam, it tastes more like wasabi, so mustard should be used carefully.

The most famous local sweet is sbrisolòna, a cake whose dough consists of white, yellow flour and sugar in equal parts, to which butter, yolk and almond crumbs are then added.

The cake is very hard, it is impossible to cut it, so the sweetness is broken into pieces with a blow of the fist. The resulting pieces, which taste like macaroons, are eaten dipped in white wine.