We discovered Mantova on our way to Germany to visit friends. We were late leaving Lucca and Mantova just happened to turn up just as it was getting dark. I had heard the name but knew nothing about the town. It is not on the tourist track, but it should be, it is lovely and there are lots of interesting things to see and do.
Piazza beside the Ducal Palace
The Ducal Palace is huge and well worth a visit. It was raining the day we visited Mantova and this was a good way to stay dry. We stayed for hours, wandering around endless rooms filled with wonderful things.
Mantova skyline
We were lucky enough to be in town on Saturday morning when there was a farmers’ market. The produce was excellent and we bought some local Barbera wine from a producer for 3 euro a bottle. It was amazingly good. All the food presented looked delicious and it left me wishing we lived closer to Mantova.
We had a great dinner at Gialla Zucca in Corte dei Sogliari off Via Umberto 1. It was modern Italian food at its best
Another reason to visit Mantova is Grom on Via Umberto 15. Grom makes superb gelato. We went twice.
Jim waiting patiently at Grom
Mantova is not far from Verona. We visited for a second time when we went to Verona for Vinitaly – the largest wine show in the world. We loved it just as much the next time and will become a regular place to visit. Jim went back to the market to get some more of the Barbera.
A Mantova doorway
Sad that much of the Ducal palace is closed because of last year’s earthquake
By: Francis on July 24, 2013
at 5:40 pm
We were lucky to see it when we did.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 25, 2013
at 9:31 am