Mantua: Italy's Best-Kept Secret
Welcome to Mantua, a charming city that straddles the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna in Italy. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful nature, it's no wonder that Mantua's old town, Centro Storico, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Are you ready for an adventure filled with art and nature? Join me on this journey to uncover the magic of Mantua! 💓
Mantua’s Natural Beauty
Did you know Mantua is almost entirely surrounded by water? The city is cradled on three sides by artificial lakes, which were created back in the 12th century as a defense system. These lakes add a serene, almost magical quality to the city.
After exploring Lago Inferiore, make your way to Riserva Regionale Vallazza, a national park brimming with vibrant birdlife and lush landscapes. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers to unwind and soak in the beauty of the Italian countryside.
Getting to Riserva Regionale Vallazza
Dive into Mantua's Artistic Treasures
Now that we've enjoyed the natural side of Mantua, let’s explore its artistic wonders. Mantua’s rich history is reflected in its breathtaking buildings, which are protected by UNESCO for their uniqueness. Trust me, one day won’t be enough to see it all!
(Sorry for the pictures on wrong side, the site doesn't allow me to publish vertically)
Must-See Spots in Mantua
1. Palazzo Ducale + Castle of St. George:
This iconic residence of the Gonzaga family is a treasure trove of stunning art and history. Set aside a couple of hours to fully appreciate its grandeur.
💲 Ticket Price: Adults (15 €), Students and those under 25 (9 €). The ticket also includes access to the Archaeological Museum.
2. Basilica of Sant'Andrea:
This Roman Catholic co-cathedral is a masterpiece of 15th-century Renaissance architecture. The best part? It’s free to enter!
3. Teresiana Library:
Every Saturday, you can join a free guided tour of this historic library. Tours run hourly until 12:30 PM.
More to Explore Next Time...
Mantua has so much to offer that I couldn’t fit it all into one visit. Here are some spots to save for your next trip:
🔵 Palazzo Te
🔵 Teatro Bibiena
🔵 Mantegna's House
🔵 National Gallery Of Historical Firemen
…and so many more!
How to Get to Mantua
🚅 The best way to reach Mantua is by train. Trenitalia offers great connections from major cities like Milano and Bologna, making it easy to get here from almost anywhere.
A Taste of Mantua
After all that exploring, you’ll definitely want to indulge in Mantua’s delicious traditional sweets.
🍽️ What to Try and Where?
Treat yourself to some local specialties like L'Anello di Monaco, La Torta delle Rose, La Sbrisolona, L'Elvezia, and La Torta Greca. I recommend grabbing these at Scaravelli Forneria—they make the best in town! 🧁🥧
☕ Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, head over to Ortika cafe for a coffee. They offer specialty brews from around the world—I tried a Brazilian coffee, and it was absolutely divine!
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