Mantua: Guided City Tour of the City of the Gonzagas｜Italy

Embark on a guided walking tour through the heart of Mantua, a jewel of Lombardy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and long ruled by the House of Gonzaga. This tour is the perfect opportunity to understand the city's history and admire its major monuments, passing through elegant squares and colorful facades.

The tour begins with the artificial lakes that were part of the city's defensive system. You will then see the Castle of Saint George, recognizable by its four towers and its moat. Continuing towards the vast complex of the Ducal Palace, you will discover the courtyards and interior squares of a monumental complex built over the centuries, the true political and artistic heart of the dukes of Mantua.

The route then takes you to the Piazza Sordello, where you will find the cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, and the House of Rigoletto, in a district steeped in history. You will continue to the iconic squares of the center, including Piazza Broletto and the Arengario, before reaching Piazza delle Erbe, one of the liveliest squares in Mantua, surrounded by civic buildings and beautiful urban architecture.

The highlight of the tour: admission to the Basilica of Sant'Andrea, the majestic church of the Gonzaga family, a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Leon Battista Alberti and the sanctuary of the relic of the "Precious Blood". The tour ends near the Lungorio Canal and the old fish markets (Pescherie) of Giulio Romano, a perfect place to take photos and discover some typical products sold by local producers.

The tour is suitable for everyone and operates even in bad weather, thanks to the arcades that often provide shelter along part of the route.