Insider Mantua

Seven tips for Mantua and its surroundings to discover the wonders of a UNESCO World Heritage treasure

Mantua and its masterpieces, Sabbioneta and the villages in the north-west of the province. Discover them by following the sug-gestions of a special guide. In the midst of postcard landscapes, fascinating historic buildings and enchanted gardens.

A village not to be missed? “Castellaro Lagusello, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It looks as though it came out of a postcard”. Marco Chiarini is our Insider from Mantua. Twenty-nine years old, from Castiglione delle Stiviere, he works in communi-cation and digital marketing. But above all, since he was a child, he has been a great lover of photography.

To discover other destinations outside the usual routes follow #INSIDERinLombardia on the social networks. With us, apart from Marco, there is a large team of “photo ambassadors” invited to tell you about cities, mountains, lakes, villages, first-hand experi-ences.

PS: If you live in Lombardy, you love photography and also want to become an #INSIDERinLombardia, send us your application!

Here are Marco’s tips (on Instagram for those who are è @_chiaroweb_

Castellaro Lagusello, a postcard village — Castellaro Lagusello, a postcard village «Castellaro Lagusello seems to come straight out of a postcard; you will love it when you visit it. A village near Monzambano, it lies among the morainic hills in the Alto Mantovano in the north-west and is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. A heart-shaped lake and a magnificent castle are the ingredients for a fabulous experience. Don’t forget to try the capunsei, gnocchi made of bread typical of the area!».

Castiglione delle Stiviere and the Red Cros — «The idea of the Red Cross came to Henry Dunant here, after seeing the generosity of the inhabitants in aiding the wounded of the battle of Solferino in 1859. The International Red Cross Museum bears witness to this. Here’s a special recommendation: go up to the castle, from which you can enjoy a great view. The colours of the countryside are magical».

Cycling in the hills of Cavriana — Cycling in the hills of Cavriana «One of the favourite residences of the Gonzagas in which to relax. Ideal for a walk or a bike ride through the vineyards and the moraine hills, Cavriana, a village in the north-west of the province, is dominated by the castle, once one the most important forti-fications in the area. Today, unfortunately, there are only ruins, but the view is breathtaking».

Mantua and its masterpieces — «The city with the most beautiful profile in the world, according to the film director Gianni Amelio. Entering Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is like taking a journey back in time. From Palazzo Te, a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Giulio Romano, to the church of San Barnaba, crowned by a beautiful square with a fountain. Or the San Lorenzo rotunda, the church of Sant’Andrea, Piazza Sordello and the beautiful castle of San Giorgio with Mantegna’s Camera degli Sposi. Mantua enters your heart, and it will stay there for ever!».

Sabbioneta, the Renaissance “ideal city” — «An open-air work of art. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, a Unesco World Heritage site and Bandi-era arancione of the Touring Club Italiano. High town walls and a moat encircle this “ideal city” in the heart of the Mantuan plain. The two immense gateways into town (Porta Vittoria and Porta Imperiale), the Galleria degli Antichi, the Piazza and the Palazzo Ducale, the Palazzo del Giardino, the Olympic Theatre and the church of Santa Maria Assunta are all definitely worth a visit. A true sixteenth-century architectural jewel».

Solferino, on the trail of history — «One of the most important battles of the Second War of Independence was fought here, on 24 June 1859. Piazza Castello is worth a visit, and is reach through an arch between the walls. From the top, on clear days, you can see all the way to Lake Garda! In the square there is the church of San Nicola and the Civic Tower built by the Gonzagas. Take a visit too to the medieval fortress, 23 metres high, which dominates the whole town and houses a museum with war memorabilia».

Volta Mantovana, the Italian castle and gardens — «Even today the medieval castle dominates the centre of this village in the Alto Mantovano, north-west of the city of Mantua. Built around the eleventh century, it preserves the original town walls, with the elegant “Porta Mantovana”. Not to be missed? A visit to the Palazzo Gonzaga-Guerrieri with its Renaissance decorations and the four enchanting Italian gardens that cover the whole hill right to the centre of the village».

Literary suggestions in Lombardy

Wandering around the region, among places, cities and events that have inspired great authors

Art & Culture

Open museums in Lombardy: an ode to female talent

Lombardy’s museums are once again welcoming the public, art lovers, and other visitors with a wealth of exhibitions dedicated to women: artists, works of art, and mythological figures who have inspired exhibitions and shows

Art & Culture

Lorenzo Lotto Itinerary

In Bergamo on the trail of Lorenzo Lotto, one of the leading exponents of the Italian Renaissance

Art & Culture

Cremona drone effect

Booked a weekend in Cremona? Then you can’t afford to miss piazza del Comune, the stunning heart of the city’s historic centre.

Art & Culture

Lago di Iseo: history, nature and…

From the recently rediscovered Roman spa in Predore to the Liberty architecture of Sarnico, via the enchanting town of Lovere and surprising natural phenomena

Art & Culture

Bergamo Brescia: Italian capital of culture 2023

Discover the schedule of events, new museums, projects and exhibitions that promise to take you off the beaten track.

Art & Culture

Theaters Mantua

Sumptuous rooms and golden stages are the setting for the theatrical seasons of Mantua

Art & Culture

Theatre: what’s on stage in Lombardy

In Lombardy, theatres are opening up safely: here are some of the must-see shows and festivals

Art & Culture

The villages of the Lower Valtellina between adventure and relaxation

Art & Culture

Alessandro Manzoni Itinerary

Lombardy blends nature and culture in an itinerary that will take you to the locations of his famous novel The Betrothed

Art & Culture

Theaters Lodi

Lodi is famous not only for its monumental beauties, but also for the lively cultural activity in its theaters

Art & Culture

Lomello and its Christian buildings

Village of strategical importance since ancient times, here you can discover the great Romanesque Lombard architecture

Art & Culture

5 medieval monuments in Lodi

A journey of discovery through the Middle Ages, from Borghetto Lodigiano to Lodi.

Art & Culture

Bergamo Bassa

In Bergamo the visit starts from the bottom of the town, from its historic villages, and goes on by climbing slowly

Art & Culture

Theaters Brescia

Brescia will surprise you with the vitality of its theaters, where are staged prose, ballets and concerts

Art & Culture

6 Discovering Lombardy - virtual tour

Museums and castles to visit from your home

Art & Culture

FAI Landmarks in the Province of Varese

Cultural Treasures in a Stunning Natural Setting

Art & Culture

Milan Design

Not just Salone: where design lives

Art & Culture

Discovering Pordenone

Prosegue il percorso condiviso con le città di Piacenza e Pordenone

Art & Culture

Bergamo in a weekend

A perfect square, the masterpieces of the Carrara Academy, the Venetian Walls Unesco World Heritage Site. Discover Bergamo!

Art & Culture