Ducale Palace (Palazzo Ducale Mantova) Tours

For centuries, Mantua’s vast Palazzo Ducale was the seat of the Gonzaga dynasty, one of the most powerful during the Renaissance. Explore dozens of the palace’s sumptuous rooms (there are 500 in all), admiring art and lavishly decorated halls such as the whimsically frescoed Camera degli Sposi.
The Basics
A highlight of Mantua walking tours, the Palazzo Ducale is one of the most striking attractions in this UNESCO-listed Renaissance capital. Go with a guide to fully appreciate the palace’s fascinating history and frescoes, or purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance to visit on your own. Many tours of the city center combine a visit to the palace with stops at Piazza delle Erbe and Rotonda di San Lorenzo, Mantua’s oldest church.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Just south of Lake Garda, Mantua is about halfway between Milan and Venice. Palazzo Ducale is located in the city center, about 10 minutes by foot from the train station.
When to Get There
Like many northern Italian cities, Mantua is often damp and cold in winter, and indoor sights like the palace offer a welcome respite from the chilly climate. To enjoy the city at its finest, however, visit in the more temperate spring or fall.
Highlights in the Palazzo Ducale
The palace’s crown jewel is its Camera degli Sposi (Bridal Chamber). In addition, look for the Sala di Troia council chamber decorated with scenes from the Trojan War, Rubens’ Adoration of the Holy Trinity in the Sala degli Arcieri, and the ceiling frescoed with constellations in the Sala dello Zodiaco.
The Basics
A highlight of Mantua walking tours, the Palazzo Ducale is one of the most striking attractions in this UNESCO-listed Renaissance capital. Go with a guide to fully appreciate the palace’s fascinating history and frescoes, or purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance to visit on your own. Many tours of the city center combine a visit to the palace with stops at Piazza delle Erbe and Rotonda di San Lorenzo, Mantua’s oldest church.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A wander through Palazzo Ducale is a must for Renaissance art enthusiasts.
- Expect to walk a lot at the sprawling palace.
- The palace is only partially accessible to wheelchairs—request additional information at the ticket office.
- Large bags and backpacks, umbrellas, and other big objects must be left in the storage lockers at the entrance.
- Photography is allowed—the ornate interiors are a photographer’s dream.
How to Get There
Just south of Lake Garda, Mantua is about halfway between Milan and Venice. Palazzo Ducale is located in the city center, about 10 minutes by foot from the train station.
When to Get There
Like many northern Italian cities, Mantua is often damp and cold in winter, and indoor sights like the palace offer a welcome respite from the chilly climate. To enjoy the city at its finest, however, visit in the more temperate spring or fall.
Highlights in the Palazzo Ducale
The palace’s crown jewel is its Camera degli Sposi (Bridal Chamber). In addition, look for the Sala di Troia council chamber decorated with scenes from the Trojan War, Rubens’ Adoration of the Holy Trinity in the Sala degli Arcieri, and the ceiling frescoed with constellations in the Sala dello Zodiaco.
Address: Piazza Sordello, 40, Mantua 46100, Italy
Admission: Varies
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Ducale Palace (Palazzo Ducale Mantova)
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Palazzo Ducale Mantova - Private Guide led Guided Tour
Learn the legends and stories behind one of Italy’s most opulent Renaissance palaces—once home to the Gonzaga Lords— during this private walking tour. Choose between two guided visits for added flexibility: the National Museum of Palazzo Ducal, a masterpiece art collection housed over 500 ornate aristocratic chambers, or the Palazzo Te, a summer villa filled with sensual and illusionist frescoes. Or combine both for the ultimate in-depth experience.
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From
$136.07
per group
From
$136.07
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Half-day Guided tour of Mantua City Centre and Ducal Palace
The UNESCO–listed city of Mantua boasts an architectural and artistic legacy dating from the medieval era through the days of the Renaissance. On this tour, follow your guide on walk through the city and explore centuries of rich history and culture. Take in top attractions like the beautiful Sant'Andrea Basilica and visit the Ducal Palace (own expense)—home to some of Italy’s most impressive frescoes.
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From
$148.44
per group
From
$148.44
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Mantua Private Walking Tour
You will discover the Unesco city of Mantua from the gardens of the ducal residence of the Gonzaga lords, the magnificent Ducal Palace and the cathedral overlooking the cobbled Piazza Sordello Up to the fabulous lake and Palazzo Te
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From
$167.00
Price varies by group size
From
$167.00
Price varies by group size

Mantova Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a Renaissance gem in Northern Italy that is often skipped in favor of the main cities. As you stroll through the historic center, your expert guide will provide you with the crucial context necessary to truly appreciate this enchanting city. On this 2.5-hour private tour, you'll visit must-see landmarks including St. George's Castle and Palazzo Ducale, residences of the Gonzaga family who ruled the city during the Renaissance, discover lovely piazzas and admire its remarkable churches.
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From
$136.07
Price varies by group size
From
$136.07
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Mantua private walking tour with a local guide
Get an insider’s look into Mantua, a UNESCO-listed town in the Lombardy region, with this private walking tour. Learn about the town’s history as you stroll across squares and see local monuments. Visit top landmarks including St. George’s Castle, the town’s Duomo, and Palazzo Ducale. The itinerary of this private tour can be customized according to your personal interests.
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From
$142.26
Price varies by group size
From
$142.26
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Mantua St. Georges Castle and Ducal Palace Private Walking Tour
Explore two of Mantua’s star attractions on a privately guided tour of St. George’s Castle and the Ducal Palace. Meet your personal guide and tour St George’s, built by the Gonzaga family in 1406. Admire the towers and interiors, including the ‘Bridal Chamber,’ with its frescoes by Andrea Mantegna. Then, visit the Ducal Palace, the Gonzagas’ royal residence, to take in its history and fresco-painted rooms. St. George’s Castle admission at your own expense.
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From
$369.87
per group
From
$369.87
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

CSTRents - Mantova Segway PT Authorized Tour
• 3-hour Segway tour lead by an expert local guide
• See top Mantova. From piazza Marconi to piazza Mantegna that, together with the adjacent piazza Erbe, forms the city centre where stands the Saint Andrew’s Basilica, celebrated work of the Renaissance art.
We get to the picturesque piazza Erbe with its medieval buildings; the Reason’s Palace and Saint Laurence’s Rotunda being the most outstanding ones.
We arrive in piazza Sordello to admire the Ducal Palace or Gonzaga Royal Palace and moreover the Cathedral and Bonacolsi Palace, and then we continue towards the lakes.
Our back course gets onto piazza Castello and provides even more surprises before heading back, along comfortable and safe paths, to the arrival at the Tea Palace.
• Hear tales of colorful history from a knowledgeable guide
• Enjoy a Segway sightseeing tour that’s suitable for all fitness levels
• Small-group tour with a maximum of eight people ensures a personalized experience
…More
From
$138.67
Price varies by group size
From
$138.67
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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