About
Mantua, known in Italian as Mantova, is a city in Lombardy in northern Italy. It was once a Renaissance court city, and its historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a set of palaces that give the place its character.
The city sits surrounded by lakes, which shape both its setting and its atmosphere. Walking through its streets, you move between squares, churches and grand residences that reflect the period when the ruling courts commissioned fine architecture and art.
What a visit offers
- Palaces and courtly architecture, the core of the city's UNESCO recognition.
- Lakeside scenery, with water views that surround the old town.
- A compact historic centre, easy to explore on foot.
Planning your trip
Mantua suits a slower visit, where you can spend time looking at the palaces and then walk out to the lakes. It works well as a day trip or as a stop of a night or two, especially for those interested in Renaissance history and the architecture of the old courts. Check opening times for individual palaces before you go, as these are not covered here.
