Mantua, Italy

Mantua Italy

Mantua, or Mantova in Italian, located halfway between Milan and Venice in the Lombardy region, lies on the banks of the Mincio, Po, and Oglio rivers. It is one of those cities that remain in the shadow of the major stops on Italy’s tourist circuits. Together with Verona, Cremona, Modena, and Parma, it forms a circular route worth visiting if you already know Milan, Rome, or Venice. In Mantua, the plot of the opera Rigoletto takes place. It is also the birthplace of the poet Virgil, and its Renaissance urban layout, promoted by the medieval Gonzaga family, is a prime reason to keep it in mind when planning a trip through Lombardy. In 2008, UNESCO recognized Mantua (together with Sabbioneta) as a World Heritage Site, and in 2016 it was designated Italy’s Capital of Culture, attracting investment to restore its artistic heritage and highlighting the city’s growing prominence. Festivaletteratura is a literary event held every year in Mantua and is a national point of reference on the Italian literary and cultural scene.
Recommended airport
Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)
Points of interest
Nearby destinations
  • Verona a 35.21 km
  • Carpi a 41.78 km
  • Bardolino a 44.09 km