Discover the Soul of Mantova: Palaces, Frescoes & the Gonzaga Legacy

Explore the top sights of Gonzaga’s Renaissance gem escorted by an expert local guide

Discover the timeless elegance of Mantova, a delightful town embraced by tranquil lakes and steeped in Renaissance architectural treasures. This private 3-hour guided tour offers an immersive journey through its most iconic landmarks, combining architectural marvels with rich historical storytelling.

Your tour begins with a 1.5-hour guided visit and exploration of Palazzo Ducale, a vast complex of interconnected buildings, courtyards, gardens, and over 500 rooms. Your guide will lead you through its most splendid chambers, including the famed Camera degli Sposi, adorned with glorious frescoes by Andrea Mantegna, and halls decorated with intricate Flemish tapestries. As you explore the Complesso Museale di Palazzo Ducale, you’ll uncover stories of court life, artistic patronage, and political intrigue that defined Renaissance Mantova.

For the second half of the tour, you'll enjoy a 1.5-hour walking tour of Mantova's charming city center surrounded by majestic palaces and cobbled streets. You'll start by visiting Piazza Sordello, the city’s central square since Roman times, and admiring the facade of Palazzo del Capitano, an aristocratic residence whose imposing exterior reflects the power struggles and prestige of Mantova’s noble families. 

Your adventure continues with an external visit of the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, the oldest church in the city. This striking circular Romanesque structure dates back to the 11th century and is believed to have been modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Your guide will share insights into its unique history and architectural significance as you take in the facade.

You'll also visit the magnificent Basilica di Sant’Andrea, one of Mantova’s most celebrated churches, designed by Leon Battista Alberti. Here you'll step inside the Basilica to admire its grand barrel-vaulted nave and the revered relic of the Precious Blood of Christ, making this both a spiritual and architectural masterpiece.

By the end of the tour, you'll have a better understanding of the Gonzaga family and how they transformed Mantova into a Renaissance gem.