This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Often overlooked by tourists, the town of Mantova is known by locals as “la bella addormentata” – “the sleeping beauty.” With three artificial lakes surrounding the town, Mantova provides a perfect base for travelers looking to explore the Lombardy region of Italy.
Hostels and hotels are readily available in Mantova, providing tourists with plenty of options to suit any budget. Get a feel for everyday life in Mantova at one of the town’s hostels, or check out some of the beautiful elegant boutique hotels or charming bed and breakfasts for a more relaxing retreat.
Cultural sites are plentiful in this town, which has seen limited urban development since the middle ages. History buffs can spend hours navigating the majestic Palazzo Ducale, which features a veritable maze of courtyards, gardens, and staircases. Other notable landmarks in Mantova include the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle, the Palazzo Te, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, and the House of Mantegna.
The town provided the setting for Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Rigoletto,” and Mantova even played a role in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” – this charming town was the location of Romeo’s exile, following Tybalt’s slaying in the third act of the play.
Although Mantova seems almost frozen in time, the bars and restaurants that make up the central part of the city feature a fantastic selection of culinary masterpieces. Most visitors to Mantova come for the food – and, in particular, the pumpkin, an iconic ingredient in Mantova’s traditional recipes. Another classic dish in Mantova is a stew cooked with donkey meat, stracotto d’asino, and can be found at many local eateries.
Mantova is easily reached by airport shuttle or railway line to the nearest airport, Verona-Villafranca. Public transport is available within the town, and there are also buses to transport visitors from their local hostels or hotels to some of the nearby villages and towns.
Written by local expertz for Mantova
Jakob Lombardi
