A walking tour of the historic center of the city.
Starting from the waterfront of Lake Mantua opposite the Castle of Saint George, surrounded by an ancient moat. This is the main part of the Ducal Palace, with its famous Spousal Bedroom (Camera degli Sposi), painted by A. Mantegna, and rightly considered a masterpiece of Italian painting. The castle was built according to the design of architect Bartolino da Novara in the late 14th century. From here, there is a view of the lakes of Mantua, a result of engineering achievements in hydraulics that diverted the flow of the Minchio River about 900 years ago. The continuation of the tour and a stop in front of the House of the Hunchback Minstrel at the Gonzaga court – Rigoletto. The path leads through some inner courtyards of the Palazzo Ducale (the moat of the castle, St. Barbara Square, Pallone Square). Then, you emerge onto the majestic Sordello Square, with the facade of the oldest part of the Palazzo Ducale (1200). You pass the Cathedral, a multifaceted church embodying numerous architectural styles, the Episcopal Palace, the Bonacolsi Palace, and the Arch of Saint Peter. After passing through the arch, stop to look at the Torre della Gabbia (Cage Tower), equipped with an external cage, an instructive example of prison confinement, built in the late 16th century by order of Wilhelm Gonzaga – the then ruler of the city. From here, you can stroll to the beautiful Bibiena Theater, one of the best examples of Italian Baroque (the visit to the theater is optional and at an additional cost).
Continue the tour at Broletto Square. After admiring the palace of the city head (Palacco del Podesta) and the bas-relief of Virgil behind the pulpit, walk under the impressive portico and emerge onto Erbe Square (herbs), where vegetables and fruits have been traded since ancient times. The square features the Palace of Justice (13th century) with a tower housing ancient astrological clocks from the 15th century. Nearby is the oldest Romanesque church (visit), possibly built on the order of Matilda of Canossa, striking in its severity and unusual round shape (the Rotunda of Saint Lorenzo). Admire the beautiful Merchant’s House located near the church, built in exquisite Venetian style – an example of the Renaissance era. The tour concludes with a visit to the imposing and enchanting Church of Saint Andrew, which took almost 300 years to build. The project of the church was prepared by L. B. Alberti at the request of Ludovico Gonzaga. The church stands on the very spot where almost two thousand years ago the centurion Longinus brought a vessel with soil soaked in the blood of Christ, taken by him at the crucifixion. This most precious relic is still kept here. The church also has the burial chapel of A. Mantegna, decorated with frescoes by his talented pupil – Correggio.
