Mantova, Italy

Casa del Buffone Rigoletto

In a continuation of Northern Italy's Quadrilateral fortress tour, Mantova/Mantua is the second Quadrilateral fortress visited.  Mantua was taken as a day trip by train from our base in Verona.  For the first quadrilateral fortress stop, see Peschiera del Garda.

With only a few hours to spend in Mantua, itself, we purchased the tourist package at the train station before setting off to explore.  The package allowed entry into many of the city's main attractions for one set fee.  Without further ado, on to my whirlwind tour of Mantua.  Some of the sites visited are highlighted in the photo-tour below:

Ducale Palace
A walk through the Ducale Palace is highlighted by the numerous works of art including frescoes, paintings, and statuary throughout the palace.  One such stop is the Hall of Pisanello where some of Pisanello's works are lining the walls.  I spent several minutes scrutinizing both The Tournament of the Castle of King Brangoire and The Legend of Lancelot.

The Legend of Lancelot

The Tournament of the Castle of King Brangoire

Detail of The Tournament of the Castle
 of King Brangoire 

Rotunda de San Lorenzo

A Romanesque church built in the 11th Century.  The oldest church in Mantua.

Torre dell'Orologio
An astronomical clock adjoining the rotunda.  Note the cover above the clock face to shield the clock from weather and the sun.  Besides showing the time of day, the clock displays the phases of the moon, planet location, and follows the sun's path through the signs of the Zodiac.

Basilica di Sant'Andrea
Construction for the church was begun in 1472 on a site occupied by a monastery.  The old monastery bell is seen in the photo below.  The Basilica was built as a repository for a Relic of the Holy Blood and as a place of pilgrimage.

Castello de San Giorgio

The castle was built between 1395 and 1406 for Francesco I Gonzaga. In 1810 the Tyrolean Freedom Fighter, Andreas Hofer was imprisoned here before his execution.  If interested in more background on the Tyrolean Revolt and Andreas Hofer, please visit Peter's blog (Blunders on the Danube: Andreas Hofer) for a vivid account.

Armor Museum

A fine selection of armor is on display in the museum.

After a three hour walk around Mantua, it was time to head back to the train station for our return trip to Verona.  Mantua is definitely a city in which a return visit would be most welcome.  Lovely city.