The 21 best places to visit for arts and culture in Mantua

Sadly closed when I visited. Excellent condition for such an old building!

Beautiful Byzantine church with free entrance and no line to wait, in the centre of Mantova!!!!

Adjacent to the Clock Tower. Free entry. There are two floors : the upper floor is the women's gallery - the space reserved for women however when we were there, just the ground level is open for visiting. Originally it was completely frescoed, now only fragments remain. Faded fresco portraying the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence. Amazing that a church with a thousand year history, was hidden at least for three centuries. 1906 - is the year the municipality of Mantua authorised the construction of a road that connects Piazza Erbe to Porto Catena. For this reason, the houses that were close to the the market square were demolished and this treasure was discovered.

Reminds me of one same that we have here in Greece, in Thessaloniki, and it proves that countries had commercial and architectural relationships.

Small place but should not miss it.

I would love to travel back in time to see this 11th century church when it was new. Sadly it was abandoned as a church in the 1500s. The few remaining frescoes are amazing.

Honestly, I expected more from this palace, as a lot of people I know have always raved about it. The first part of the building is empty, with some dark paintings, therefore very ugly. The second part, however, is really very beautiful. About Camera degli Sposi, I thought it was more beautiful sincerely, but it's still nice to see it btw. However, what I didn't like at all is that you have to leave your umbrellas/things at the entrance, you have to put your backpack in front of you (literally no sense) and they are absolutely faithful to the time of entry. Too many people giving themselves importance in this museum...To then recover the things left at the entrance, you must exit completely and re-enter from where you entered. If it rains you literally get wet. Absolutely an awful management

Great views from the top of castle. If the line to enter is not very long, it's definitely worth the visit.

Gorgeous, stunning, magnificent place - a must-see when in Mantua. It’s a breathtaking walk through other times, passing through the marvellous interiors and seeing incredible frescoed rooms and artworks. The entrance was a bit confusing, since the ticket office is a bit outside but we found no crowd so it was all good. Absolute gem worth visiting.

Great art, not enough info :/ The path is sometimes indicated in a subtle way, so it’s easy to skip parts of the visit. While there are extensive descriptions for the main artworks and rooms, the rest of the labels are quite short and don’t provide much info. You can book tickets online and the queue is shorter, but why don’t allow the purchase online altogether? So: the art, the rooms, the history… all great. But as a museum it should be designed and managed better. Whoever is running things in this potentially fabulous attraction should do better to do it justice.

Great surprise in Montova which Is by no means the best known city of Italy, but this palace felt more as it was at the time than other more re-designed places. And if your kids know their Greek mythology (Illiad and Odyssey) this is like a giant comic strip. Don’t let the kids miss the horses painted on the roof. They change direction when the looker moves! Much more spectacular than Mona Lisa looking your way at the Louvre in Paris!

Truly palatial as we would say, dozens of rooms stuffed with magnificent treasures, entrancing views, stunning tapestries by Raphael, frescoes by Mantegna, Grechetto’s finest canvas, antique sculpture, more painted ceilings than you could ever imagine, secret gardens… it goes on and on. Definitely put it on the top of your list along with the stunning and bizarre Palazzo Te on the outskirts of the city—Guilio Romano had a hand in both projects.

Nice palace with beautiful painted rooms. Famous for camera degli sposi, but the rest of the palace is equally if not even more impressive.

Beautiful inside but plenty of close areas due to processing the renovations.

Well maintained! great view if you come via the highway in a car.

Wonderful Place and a must see in Mantua. Historical and cultural highlight!

Beautiful building with lots and lots of artworks. I am currently in a wheelchair and I could tell the staff really did everything in their power to make sure I was able to see as much of the Palace as possible. Thank you so much for this! Definitely recommend going here.

Stunning! A must visit while in Mantova. Very good English descriptions in every displayed rooms.

Plan to come on a weekday because you can have the bridal chamber to yourself. We could tell that they were used to crowds but there was almost no one there at all. MUST SEE!! Do not skip this amazing palace when you are near Mantua. I can’t post photos of the beautiful interiors, but they will feed your soul.

Luckily, I spend about 5mins alone in the “Bridal‘s chamber”. Except Andrea Mantegna’s work, most impressive part to me is Roma gallery and the Troy apartment.jin

Stunning Mantegna frescos. Best to visit out of season to avoid the crowds and you can spend some wonderful moments with a Veronese master. Unforgettable.

Absolutely breathtaking place! If there's something in Mantova you shouldn't miss, it's this gorgeous colorful basilica. Especially the paintings are extraordinary! The entry is free, just make sure not to visit during the long lunch break.

Fascinating medieval and unique historical buildings.lovely place to visit with children and family.also best with the groups.we(our group)also enjoyed very very long hour lovely wonderful amazing boat ride.it is the wonderful boat ride I ever had in my life.only problem we had 05/05/2019 is the bad weather.heavy rains and bad light effected to our tour.😭😭😭😭

Soul soothing and fulfilling. A feast for the mind and eyes just being in here. I personally prefer visiting churches compared to the Museums or Art galleries - it is usually free of charge, a lot less people and I get to relish their beautiful and unprecedented work of art and architecture. Treasure all around and above - It is best done sitting on one of the long pews and simply look up. There are a staggering collection of beauty and religious significance here. "Do not judge a book by its cover" it is a place that is unassuming on the outside but absolutely phenomenal inside and dominates over the Piazza Mantegna. Here preserves the greatest relic of Christianity: the Sacred Vessels containing the blood of Christ.

It’s a stunning cathedral. One of the most amazing Italian marvels. The facade is modest. The inside is the explosion of classical beauty and creativity. Besides Palazzo Te, it was our best experience in Mantova.

stunning cathedral, mast visit. The splendor of architecture and fine arts, this is a real gem of this city. the frescoes are just amazing.

Free entry, but don't let that fool you. If you want the church to be lightened up for better vision you need to pay. Beautiful, details in painting and sculpture but open up your spiritual eyes and look at all the demonic signs and symbols of the freemasons.

Fantastic place! Many details for observation, amazing painting for enjoying. Helpful staff

The building is not special but the murals are absolutely unique and awe inspiring.

It was an amazing experience! I haven't got any expectations before to go, but I felt in love with the art and the stories, cause we took a guide, which is a must! Now I understood the Renaissance and felt in love from the first sight, I love the story of Giulio Romano, already his fan! Sad that he is dead cause I would invite him to draw my apartment :) cause I love his art! Highly recommend!

Absolutely not to be missed if you’re visiting Mantua!! The palazzo is full of beautifully decorated rooms with ornate artwork, as well as some information about the history of the palazzo itself.

Amazing palace in Mantua. It was very quiet when I visited yesterday. Lovely paintings and of course the room with the giants.

To be visited absolutely. Price of entrance is 13€ but justified. Visit min 1h30. Very nice.

This is a little palace with very nice wall paintings. You need as a minimum 2 h, but you can spend easily more time if you look into details. There is a nice Cafe if you need a break.

Beautiful palace. Definitely worth the visit. Buy the tickets upfront to avoid waiting in line.

Splendid renaissance Palace with gorgeous frescos and paintings. Beautiful simple gardens. Some of the rooms / attractions would benefit from restoration and / or ideas for exhibits

A MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… x 1,000,000 !!!! Especially Sala dei Giganti!!!! An unbelievable piece of virtuosity! You wouldn’t believe it was painted in the 16th century!!! A 3 dimensional masterpiece!!! Do not miss!!!!!

The entrance price is €15. (Not €7, Google map listed wrong). Every displayed room there’s English descriptions. Love the room with giants painting! Mantova’s free bus service takes you to the spot close to Te Palace, though it still requires about 10 minutes of walk.

It's a nice theater, but if you want to visit it when there's no play ongoing, they will charge you 3 euro and don't let go in much further than the ground floor, i.e. for a 5 min visit.

The marvel !!!! So unique ! Don’t miss. The architect created so many small private boxes given the theater a bell shape :). The boxes are also behind the stage. Mozart ( age 14) very first Italian performance!! A jewel not to missed !

What a gem! So beautiful, a must visit while in Mantova

Amazing place. Beautiful auditorium; a chance to stand on the stage on which Mozart made his performance debut.

Worth visiting. Costs like 3 eur and experience is priceless!

Simply amazing!!! I wish I could have assisted a live performance here, in the same theatre 14 year-old Mozart played!!

A small and beautiful theater full of history!

It is a little jewel. Always worth a visit.

A masterpiece to visit in 10 minutes. Off the beaten tracks and young Mozart favourite. You don't wanna miss this atmosphere.

Breathtaking and intimate space… well worth a visit ! I was the only one at the time, very peaceful but also evoked emotion. I would only hope to hear a concert in these halls one day, I heard they start the itinerary in September

Absolutely stunning theater. In city center, it's relatively small inside, but one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Wooden interiors. Many box seats. 3 eur per person to enter. Definitely worth it. Dogs welcome. Bathrooms inside. Really a must visit.

Excellent restaurant serving classic Mantuan food. The service was impeccable - my wife and I speak limited Italian and arrived with our 1yo son and no reservation, but the staff welcomed us with no hesitation and made us very welcome. Highly recommended

This place was a pure delight. The service was impeccable, the dining room is lovely, and the owner, Mr. Martini, stands nearby in a suit and bow-tie, overseeing everything to ensure all is well. He came and checked on us once, and then stopped to share a story about dogs (we had ours with us). The food was all delicious. It was our first meal in Mantua so we went with as many regional specialties as we could eat. So far, they still have our favorite versions of both Tortelli di Zucca and Contechino. I highly recommend! It's a special and sweet experience.

Probably the best restaurant in Mantova, the food, service, the decor with contemporary touches! A must do!

Excellent service and exceptional menu

One of the best restaurants in Mantova. Il Cigno is simply one of the best restaurants in the city - historical venue nicely decorated, great service and excellent food. The menu is based on historical recipes of Gonzaga family, presented in a modern and elegant twist. Wine list well curated. Beautiful garden. Prices are higher than the average, but the value for money is great. Extremely recommended.

Very small plates 😠. This is how much food they give you for 10 EUR It's a joke

The good Very clean and nice place Host and hostess polite and smiling Food (tahine menu) delicious and sort of fusion with Italian kitchen The less good We had a few language problems not talking Italian but only minor Recommended place

Great place, great food and correct prices!

Amazing food, authentic and fresh. Sitting outside it doesn’t get better. Wow!

Good local food, nice serve

Ok

Of you like taking photos of circles and squares by leaving your phone on the floor, this is the place for you..

De Casa del Mantegna was the private home of the famous renaissance architect and painter Andrea Mantegna, designed by himself. It is well known for its precise geometric shape of a square with an inner lying circle, which functions as a courtyard. At this moment a biennale of light art is being exhibited inside the building, which is also open on saturday nights, for free. In the dark it is even more impressive!

Spartan building with terrible modern "art" exhibition.

Really nice place to see, nice architecture and which is the best - free of charge and with free toilet.

Spectaculair renaissance architecture. The court yard a beauty. Sometimes interesting (free) exhibitions, like the one about Anne Frank (jan-feb 2023).

(Translated by Google) The house is now a private home and cannot be visited. However, the facade is enough to guarantee its beauty. (Original) La casa è oggi un'abitazione privata e non è visitabile. Basta comunque la facciata a garantirne la bellezza.

(Translated by Google) Only open to the outside. The house is used as a private residence. (Original) Visitabile solo l'esterno. La casa è adibita a residenza privata.

(Translated by Google) The house that Giulio Romano purchased in 1538 to make it his home is located in what is now Via Poma, the ancient Unicorno district of Mantua. Previously the artist, who had gradually acquired fame and honors among the Gonzagas, had had two other houses in the city, but he renovated and modified this fifteenth-century building to his size, to make it his permanent home. This is how Giorgio Vasari, in 1568, described the house wanted by the artist: «Giulio built a house for himself in Mantua opposite San Barnaba, of which he made a fantastic façade on the outside, entirely decorated with colored stuccoes" (Original) La casa che Giulio Romano acquistò, nel 1538, per farne la sua dimora, si trova nell’attuale via Poma, antica contrada mantovana dell’Unicorno. Precedentemente l’artista, che aveva progressivamente acquistato fama e onori presso i Gonzaga, aveva avuto altre due case in città, ma egli ristrutturò e modificò quest’edificio quattrocentesco a sua misura, per farne la sua dimora definitiva. Così Giorgio Vasari, nel 1568, descriveva la casa voluta dall’artista: «Fabbricò Giulio per sè una casa in Mantova dirimpetto a San Barnaba, alla quale fece di fuori una facciata fantastica, tutta lavorata di stucchi coloriti"

(Translated by Google) A journey🛫 made of art and history, open a door and find a corridor completely covered in frescoes and works set in the architecture, at the end of each corridor you will find large frescoed halls. 👨‍🎨 The geometric textures that distinguish the monuments of Mantua 🇮🇹 and which you will find inside the Palazzo Ducale 🏛 are unmissable. (Original) Un viaggio🛫 fatto di arte e storia, apri un portone e trovi un corridoio completamente vestito di affreschi ed opere incastonate nell'architettura, in fondo ad ogni corridoio troverai ampi saloni affrescati. 👨‍🎨 Imperdibili le texture geometriche che contraddistinguono I monumenti di Mantova 🇮🇹 e che troverete all'interno del Palazzo Ducale 🏛.

(Translated by Google) The Doge's Palace (or rather palatine city) of Mantua is impregnated in every corner with the past glory of the Gonzaga, who transformed this group of buildings to house one of the most lavish courts in Europe and collected one of the most exquisite art galleries that existed, although, unfortunately, many of his masterpieces are now scattered around the world. However, the collection it currently houses is more than enough to get an idea of ​​the refined taste of this family, under whose patronage some of the greatest artists in history such as Andrea Mantegna, Pisanello, Raphael, Giulio Romano and Rubens worked. Needless to say, it is an essential visit if you are passing through Mantua, and you need to invest several hours to enjoy it well, although once will not be enough. (Original) El Palacio Ducal (o más bien ciudad palatina) de Mantua está impregnado en cada rincón de la pasada gloria de los Gonzaga, quienes transformaron este conjunto de edificios para albergar una de las cortes más fastuosas de Europa y recolectaron una de las pinacotecas más exquisitas que haya existido, aunque, lamentablemente, muchas de sus obras maestras se encuentran ahora dispersas por el mundo. Sin embargo, la colección que alberga actualmente es más que suficiente para hacerse una idea del refinado gusto de esta familia, bajo cuyo mecenazgo trabajaron algunos de los artistas más grandes de la historia como Andrea Mantegna, Pisanello, Rafael, Giulio Romano o Rubens. De más está decir, que es una visita indispensable si se pasa por Mantua, y que necesita invertirse varias horas para poder disfrutarlo bien, aunque una vez no será suficiente.

We made a reservation for 15 people but when we got there they said that we never called 🤯 the server was gaslighting us and lying about us calling, we were very confused. They let us in eventually but we had to split up. The pumpkin ravioli was good but they did not give us any cheese to go with it even though I’m lactose intolerant but I wanted cheese anyways. 1 out of 5

This is most certainly one of my favourite dining place in mantova. There is a nice selection of local dishes from the tradition and a very large wine selection, most of which are by the bottle and just a few by the glass. The atmosphere is cosy and informal and the service is good.

Traditional cuisine. The back patio is very nice and the service is attentive but also very quick. We enjoyed our food greatly and the tortelli di zucca were really really good. There is a short selection of wines but what we had (Bianco del Garda) was very nice. They have 2 turns at lunch, one at 12 and the other at 13.40. Book your table and show up at the door at the designated time. You will be called!

I am giving this place four stars instead of five because we had the Storione (sturgeon), and it was so dry I had to add lots of olive oil to it to make it pleasant. The service was fast and friendly, but they left our empty jars and glasses while having dessert with another wine on the table; I thought that was strange, but I appreciate they must have been swamped. The rest was all delicious. My partner was mind-blown by the risotto alla Pilota and the basil gelato with cherries; I loved my Sbrisolona. The dryness of the fish was a real letdown :-(

Lovely atmosphere and delicious food in the heart of Mantova! The best risotto I ever had 😌

WOW out of this world torteli con zucca (pumpkins) and bigoli with bacon. Very reasonable prices. Food can take a while but definitely worth the wait. Friendly staff too. Can recommend.

Was having dinner on the 10th of July, extraordinary warm evening. Food was average; an highlight on Ravioli Amari (stuffed with salvia and rosmarino), and a lowlight (semifreddo alla pesca), pretty “seasoned”, likely due to temperature. And here the good news finish. If I have to define the place and its atmosphere in one word, I would say: sad. Furniture, setup of tables and even the attitude of the staff was to me sad. If you decide to get there, it is suggested to book the table.

This is a great place with good food (prepared in a traditional way), nice people and a relaxed atmosphere. I was very satisfied with everything. ps: they also served the best melon I've had in Mantova.

A dreadful place. The woman in the kitchen can only cook some of the offerings on the menu. The rest are a no go area for her. A really unpleasant experience. Avoid.

Tasty food and good quality for price ratio. Not sure if everything was freshly prepared

Just behind piazza delle Erbe, a small traditional Mantua place. Normally open for lunch and dinner. A few tables outside on street. Make reservation by phone. Perfect for pasta dishes. No parking.

Lovely place and the food was superb. I will definitely go back. We do have quite a wait but it was full which is of course an excellent sign. Prices absolutely fine too.

On a Tuesday night we - a company of two -made the mistake of choosing this restaurant for dinner. Location was lovely. We arrived early and had a free pick of tables. No reservations in sight. When we were ready to order, we were told that we both had to choose the same dish - no exceptions. So we did. However, minutes later another couple arrived. Surprisingly, they were allowed to choose different dishes. We asked the manager how this was possible and he claimed that they were part of a group of three. The supposed third party, an elderly gentleman, obviously had nothing to do with this couple (he was at another table, paid his own bill and left on his own). At least one other couple were allowed to order different dishes. When paying the check, we asked - again - about the differential treatment; this time the manager's explanation was that we had no reservation. To add insult to injury, the quality of the food was low.

Extraordinary food at a place that embodies what an osteria can (and should) be. They do not take reservations and there's a short wait until you can be seated for lunch. While you wait, you can take a picture of the day's menu written out on a blackboard. We didn't have to wait long, and we shared a communal table with a pair of lunch goers. Gorgeous, simple, seasonal, local dishes made perfectly. The house reds, and in particular, the lambrusco, were a perfect complement to our lunch that included savoury crepes, fettucine with seasonal greens, polenta and local fish. Desserts featured an apple cake and chocolate budino. Highly recommend if you happen to be in or even near Mantova (Mantua). And, if you're not, plan a trip so you can stop here for lunch. It's worth it! (pictures show the end of lunch service: when we arrived it was full)

(Translated by Google) Definitely to try Osteria with typical Mantuan cuisine, simple but cheerful atmosphere, especially not the usual restaurant for tourists. Excellent dishes, nice staff and super fair prices. It is only open for lunch. If I go back to Mantua I will eat there again. Highly recommended !!! (Original) Sicuramente da provare Osteria di cucina tipica mantovana, ambiente semplice ma allegro, soprattutto non il solito ristorante per turisti. Piatti ottimi, personale gentile e prezzi super onesti. E' aperto solo per il pranzo. Se torno a Mantova mangerò ancora lì. Consigliatissimo !!!

Decent restaurant. Full of locals. The polenta was good and the applied pie was a combo pie and cake and was amazing.

Capitati per caso e.......bella sorpresa! Cucina casalinga, ambiente informale con buoni piatti Pietanze semplici ma buone Il prezzo? Con 22€ mangi primo secondo e dolce (fatto in casa) Beh meno male ci sono ancora posti così! Bravi! Consigliatissimo

Cosy and authentic, 10/10

I went there during christmas market of mantova. Yeah I come to mantova several times and it's normally beautiful. But during christmas it went from normally beautiful to amazingly beautiful

Nice chill park, close to both the historical centre and the beautiful lake area, with the dominant of the Virgil statue.

What a splendid park. Peaceful, calm and skillful craftmanship. Literally looks real.

A really nice square. I visited it during the Christmas markets and I don't think it's the best time to see it, as it is literally full of mud. I'm sure visiting in spring or summer is better, as it is more well-maintained than in winter

Nice place to cool down on a hot hot summer day

Beautiful park wit Christmas market

I was expecting a statue and it was quite an impressive monument - anyone who once studied Latin and the classics should visit. I felt a lot of nostalgia…

It's a nice green oasis in the city center near the lake. Big statue at the lake end. Lots of places to sit and relax. Worth a visit.

I came to Mantua in the footsteps of Pope Saint Pius X (who was bishop here) but enjoyed visiting other attractions. Many know of Mantua after Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but few remember it is also the town of Verdi’s Rogoletto! Rigoletto’s House is now the local tourist office, but well worth a short visit while you are in Mantua. At the entrance is a nice little walled garden with the statue of Rigoletto himself to welcome you.

The house where Verdi's Rigoletto is set. You can find a statue of Rigoletto in the garden!

Small museum with a mediocre exhibition; expected more.

Nice renaissance palazzo.

Apart from few sculptures there is not much things to see, since the ticket to Palazzo Te is a combined ticket to visit this, we entered. Most of the frescos in the place is transferred to Palazzo Ducale. Will not take more than 30 minutes

The architecture is interesting, but there are works being done around it, so it was difficult to take it all in. Also was closed and didn't find any info if it's possible to enter there.

Alberti, Need appointing before enter

(Translated by Google) It is a beautiful temple filled with medieval history and architecture that is enchanting for the eye and the heart. And I recommend to see for silence that it is. And a welcoming and friendly guide in front of the entrance. I was enchanted by what I saw. (Original) E un tempio bellissimo pieno di storia e architettura medievale che è un incanto per occhio e per cuore. E raccomando di vedere per silenzio che è . E una guida accogliente e amabile davanti a ingresso. Sono stata incantata dal quello che ho visto.

Beautiful exercise in proportion and scale.

(Translated by Google) I think it is the most beautiful room in Palazzo Te!! (Original) Penso sia la più bella sala di Palazzo Te!!

(Translated by Google) Beautiful. I didn't imagine such an enveloping space. Between the design of the apartment, room and painting you feel like you are in the middle of them. The place very well preserved. Not only this room but the others that are part of the Palazzo also have outstanding paintings. (Original) Hermosa. No imaginaba un espacio tan envolvente. Entre el diseño del piso, habitación y pintura uno siente que se está en medio de ellos. El lugar muy bien conservado. No solo este salón sino los demás que forman parte del Palazzo también tienen pinturas sobresalientes.