Top Mantua Walking Tours

Learn the legends and stories behind one of Italy’s most opulent Renaissance palaces—once home to the Gonzaga Lords— during this private walking tour. Choose between two guided visits for added flexibility: the National Museum of Palazzo Ducal, a masterpiece art collection housed over 500 ornate aristocratic chambers, or the Palazzo Te, a summer villa filled with sensual and illusionist frescoes. Or combine both for the ultimate in-depth experience.

Being in Mantua means to be in a world apart. This city, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, was designed by the famous noble family of Gonzaga together with some of the greatest artists at that time. In fact, history and culture play a very important role in everyday life in Mantua. Take part in this 2-hour walking tour and explore the historical centre of the city. Your tour starts from the courtyards of Palazzo Ducale and you will pass through St. Giorgio Castle as well as Casa del Rigoletto. Then, you will stroll throughout the ancient and small streets and admire the most important and symbolic places of this city, such as Piazza Erbe with its Clock Tower. The walking tour will end in front of Basilica of Sant’Andrea made by Leon Battista Alberti. Join this tour and you will find out not only the most important places but also unknown spots full of intrigues and secrets.

Artistic hub in Mantua, that deserves to be suitably explained is Palazzo Te, a suburban villa devoted to the pleasures of leisure. Architect Giulio Romano, as the heir of his great master Raphael, is called from Rome to build and decorate this Renaissance villa between 1525 and 1535, inspired by ancient Roman villas. Palazzo Te is an exemplary model of the Mannerist style as about architecture and an outstanding example of 16th century Italian painting. The name of the building derives from that of the place where it was built: the “island of Tejeto”, abbreviated as “Te”, where mantuan Lords held the ducal stables for the breeding of famous Gonzaga thoroughbred trained for battlefields and tournaments.

Explore two of Mantua’s star attractions on a privately guided tour of St. George’s Castle and the Ducal Palace. Meet your personal guide and tour St George’s, built by the Gonzaga family in 1406. Admire the towers and interiors, including the ‘Bridal Chamber,’ with its frescoes by Andrea Mantegna. Then, visit the Ducal Palace, the Gonzagas’ royal residence, to take in its history and fresco-painted rooms. St. George’s Castle admission at your own expense.

The UNESCO–listed city of Mantua boasts a colorful history dating back to the Middle Ages, with hidden secrets round every corner. On this walking tour, follow a guide through the Old Town to the city’s top attractions and architectural landmarks, and learn what makes Mantua so special. Wander from the Ducal Palace’s pretty courtyards to the medieval Piazza Broletto, and listen as your guide brings Mantua’s past to life.

The UNESCO–listed city of Mantua boasts an architectural and artistic legacy dating from the medieval era through the days of the Renaissance. On this tour, follow your guide on walk through the city and explore centuries of rich history and culture. Take in top attractions like the beautiful Sant'Andrea Basilica and visit the Ducal Palace (own expense)—home to some of Italy’s most impressive frescoes.

Discover what makes Mantua the magnificent gem of Lombardy on a 2-hour walking tour through the historic city center. Hear legends of the picturesque lakeside town, known as the birthplace of opera, the setting of Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ and the place of banishment for Shakespeare’s star-crossed Romeo. Stroll through romantic piazzas and past medieval landmarks while learning about local culture from an insider guide.

Get an insider’s look into Mantua, a UNESCO-listed town in the Lombardy region, with this private walking tour. Learn about the town’s history as you stroll across squares and see local monuments. Visit top landmarks including St. George’s Castle, the town’s Duomo, and Palazzo Ducale. The itinerary of this private tour can be customized according to your personal interests.

Journey to discover the "Villa degli Ozi", wanted by Federico II as a place of relaxation, quiet, fun and ... much more!

The city in the city, a symbol of the power and wealth of the Gonzagasch dynasty, hides within it small treasures, surprises, games and wonders that will amaze and fascinate you.

You will discover the Unesco city of Mantua from the gardens of the ducal residence of the Gonzaga lords, the magnificent Palazzo Ducale and the cathedral overlooking the cobblestones Visit the fantastic historic center. The tour lasts about 2.30 min more included in the price you will have the ticlet to visit the palace independently.