The bridal chamber
Absolute masterpiece of the Renaissance the Camera Picta (Painted Room) is placed in the north-eastern part of the Castle. Painted by Andrea Mantegna within nine years from 1465 to 1474 (both starting and finishing dates are written on the walls) combines reality and fiction giving the room an ‘en plain air’ atmosphere and making it look like a loggia.
Who we are
We are guides qualified under the regional law for Mantua and its province. We have a degree in history of art and have succeeded in turning our passion into a job. Our experience in the field has been growing since 1993 and our Guide Centre has become a point of reference to those who wish to discover Mantua with the help of reliable professionals.
The city of Mantua
Situated in the Lombardia region, in 2008 Mantua was enlisted by UNESCO among the World’s Heritage along with the nearby city of Sabbioneta. The Guide Center “I GONZAGA” will take you where each detail turns out to be a secret that will be revealed to you! Our Tours will take you to the discovery of the treasures of both the city and the province, its history and culture.
Visiting the old town
The origins of Mantua date back to the Etruscans – Mantus was a god of Hades. Here was born the great Latin poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro 70-10 B.C.). Visiting Mantua, walking along the old town heart is like stepping back in time. The imposing Piazza Sordello is enclosed by the Ducal Palace.
St. George’s Castle
Built by Francesco Gonzaga between 1395 and 1406 on the project by Bartolino da Novara, it is a square-plan building with four angular towers surrounded by a moat, three gates and their drawbridges. Originally meant for the defence of the city it was to become the residence of the family.
The Ducal Palace
The Ducal Palace Was the main residence of the Gonzaga family, lords, marquises and finally Dukes of the city. Under the Austrian domination with Maria Teresa of Austria it was called Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace). The palace was built in different times starting from the 13th century, first by the Bonacolsi’s and then by the Gonzaga’s.
Te Palace
One of the most beautiful villas in Italy and a masterpiece of the Mannerism palazzo Te was built by Giulio Romano between 1525 and 1535, as a suburban residence for Federico II Gonzaga. “Te” seems to be a place-name and has no relation with the word “tea” (te in Italian means tea). Federico chose this place where the family used to keep their horses and Giulio Romano.
Bibiena theatre
A few meters from the Herbs Square you can reach Dante Square with the overlooking Palace of the Virgilian Academy and its beautiful theatre. The Bibiena Theatre or Scientific Theatre because it was meant for the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts is the masterpiece of Antonio Galli Bibiena.
The Herbs Square
Real heart of the city it takes its name for being the market place since the Middle Ages. Today it still hosts part of the weekly market on Thursdays. Here you can see the beautiful Palazzo della Ragione (the palace of justice) that was built soon after the Mayor’s Palace. The palace was later added a portico and a tower called Torre dell’Orologio (clock tower)
Grandi proposte a piccoli prezzi per tutto il 2019
La foto di testata è di Stefano Saccani
