Mantua’s glory hasn’t faded since the Gonzaga dynasty made this city the seat of its power during the Renaissance. Known as “La Bella Addormentata” (Sleeping Beauty), its intact old town has been protected by a ring of artificial lakes for almost 1,000 years. Today, the centro storico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tours of architectural treasures like the Ducal Palace, Palazzo Te, and Teatro Bibiena top the list of things to do, along with cooking classes to make tortelli di zucca (pumpkin ravioli) and other local specialties.
As it’s off the international tourist trail, Mantua never feels too busy with crowds. That said, this lake-encircled city can feel muggy and mosquito-y in summer, especially for the hot, sticky months of July and August. The late spring and early fall months bring the best weather, especially for sightseeing around the palace and bike rides out in the countryside.
Mantua has direct train links from Milan, Modena, Verona, and Venice. Once there, it’s a small and walkable place, so let your legs take you for an adventure, ambling between piazzas and the ducal palace. Bikes are also a good option, too, with plenty of flat terrain and rental shops around town. The picturesque Mincio bike path starts from Mantua, opening up opportunities for family-friendly cycling trips along the banks of the River Mincio.
If you’re an architecture fan, dedicate a day to some nearby historical treasures. The sleepy walled village of Sabbioneta served as a fortress for the Gonzaga family before their move to Mantua, and today it shares a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List with Mantua. Use the Mantova Sabbioneta Card to cover the 45-minute bus ride there and back, plus entry to the main museums and monuments in each town.
