Mantua: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour

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ID: GYG59406-83205
Category:
Country: Spain

Duration: 02:00 hours


Description

Explore the birthplace of Virgil and the setting for Verdi’s “Rigoletto” on a 2-hour walking tour of Mantua. See historic monuments such as the Casa di Rigoletto and marvel at the medieval palaces and Renaissance buildings of public squares.
Discover the birthplace of Virgil, the city where Shakespeare’s Romeo took refuge, and the setting for Verdi’s dramatic opera, “Rigoletto” on a 2-hour guided walk of Mantua.

Surrounded by 3 small lakes, Mantua rises magically from the waters of the River Mincio, and the lakes and medieval canal of the "Rio." Learn how water and earth are interwoven to form the character of the town in public squares and at churches that only locals know.

Start at the Casa di Rigoletto, chosen by the wealthy Gonzaga family as the residence of the legendary fool in Verdi’s opera. Continue to the Castle of St. George (San Giorgio) and the ducal palace of the Palazzo Ducale di Mantova. Marvel at public spaces of outstanding interest, such as Piazza Castello, Piazza Santa Barbara, and Piazza Lega Lombarda.

Admire the façade of the ducal palace on Piazza Sordello. Then, go to Mantua Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Peter. Marvel at the facing Palazzo Bonacolsi, before going to Piazza Broletto to see the medieval palaces of the Palazzo del Podesta, Palazzo del Massaro, and Arengario.

Next, visit Piazza dell Erbe to look at the Astronomical Clock Tower and the palaces of the Palazzo Cervetta and Palazzo della Ragione. See the imposing church of the Rotonda di San Lorenzo (Mantua’s oldest religious building). Admire the massive dome and Renaissance exterior of the Basilica of Sant'Andrea, and continue to Piazza Leon Battista Alberti to see the former cloister of Sant'Andrea Monastery.

On request, you can also visit the beautiful Bibiena Theater where Mozart played when he was only 13 years old, and with an extraordinary auditorium designed in the late Baroque or early Rococo style by Antonio Galli Bibiena.

Highlights

  • Discover the birthplace of Virgil and the site of Verdi's "Rigoletto"
  • Stroll through some of the most beautiful squares of Mantua
  • Take walk through the courtyards of the Ducal Palace
  • Look inside the baroque interior of the Bibiena Theater
  • Admire the Clock Tower of Piazza del Erbe
  • Learn more about the noble and wealthy Gonzaga family

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Please note that churches close at 12:00 and reopen at 15:00
• To enter churches, shoulders must be covered. A wide shawl is suggested. Shorts are not allowed
• If you wish to visit Bibiena Theater, please inform your guide to better optimize the itinerary
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You are required to bring and wear a mask
Meet at Rigoletto's House (Casa di Rigoletto), Piazza Sordello 23, Mantua
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.