Where to Stay in Mantua

Mantua is a charming Lombardy town that houses a historic centre brimming with sites of considerable interest and numerous artistic treasures. The birthplace of Publius Vergilius Maro, better known as Virgil, Mantua went on to become a significant centre of the Renaissance, a period during which palaces and monuments were constructed that enriched the city’s artistic heritage.

With ancient origins, the city was dominated for centuries by the Gonzaga family and reached its greatest splendour under Isabella d’Este, a noblewoman, patron of the arts and passionate art collector. Wife of Francesco II Gonzaga, Isabella drew to court numerous artists including Andrea Mantegna, Perugino, Leonardo da Vinci, Ludovico Ariosto and Baldassarre Castiglione, making Mantua one of the most important artistic and literary centres of the time.

Mantua’s historic centre

Staying in Mantua allows you to discover this elegant town, which boasts a historic centre on a human scale with various sites of interest and plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and venues. Here, amongst stately palaces, churches and shops, you can reach Palazzo Ducale, which for years served as the heart of the city’s political life during Gonzaga rule. Mantua’s centre offers numerous accommodation options to choose from, including welcoming bed and breakfasts, charming apartments and various hotels. Moreover, when selecting your accommodation, bear in mind that some options are housed within historic palaces that have been converted into lodgings and offer visitors a truly unique experience.

Recommended accommodation in Mantua’s historic centre

Station Area

As an alternative to the historic centre, you might consider accommodation options near the railway station, which is ideal if you want to stay in a central yet convenient location close to the railway. Here you’ll find hotels at slightly lower prices than in the historic centre, though with all amenities, and thanks to frequent bus services or a 15–20 minute walk on foot, it’s easy to reach Piazza Virgiliana, Palazzo Ducale and Mantua Cathedral. Staying near the station could be the ideal solution for those arriving by car, as parking is far easier to find outside the centre.

Staying outside Mantua: Mincio Park or Sabbioneta

The Mincio Park is an area stretching along the banks of the Mincio river for 73 km and encompasses 13 municipalities, including that of Mantua. Those who prefer to stay in a peaceful area during their time in the land of the Gonzagas, not far from the centre and surrounded by greenery, can choose accommodation within the Park near Lago di Mezzo.

Here you’ll find mainly small hotels, bed and breakfasts and farm stays that allow you to enjoy a stay focused on nature and relaxation, whilst remaining close to the city’s main attractions. Unspoilt and very peaceful, even in the evenings, the Mincio Park area is ideal for those wanting to go on outdoor excursions or easily reach other destinations such as Verona, Lake Garda and Modena.

Sabbioneta

Just 30 km from Mantua sits another important gem of Lombardy: Sabbioneta. During the Renaissance, Sabbioneta was governed for years by Duke Vespasiano Gonzaga, a great admirer of the concept of the “ideal city”, and thanks to this vision, the territory was enriched with considerable architectural and artistic heritage.

Thanks to its fascinating Renaissance-era historic centre, Sabbioneta was inscribed alongside Mantua on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The centre of Sabbioneta is therefore well worth exploring, and staying here means taking a genuine journey back in time. The city offers its visitors hotels as well as welcoming bed and breakfasts and apartments at more affordable prices compared to other major Lombard cities.