Water, land, buildings, towers, churches, cobblestone pavements, tell you 25 centuries of history. And even if the first pages - Etruscan founders, Gaul, Romans, - have been written in museums, the followings are part of the city itself, which is allmost historical center and let it be read in big chapters, discovering step by step the prerogative of being the capital for more than six centuries, including the communal age.
Palazzo Ducale
One of the greates palace in Europe, with its outbuilding, is composed of about 500 among halls and room, with more than a dozen of squares, courtyard and internal gardens (even hanging gardens).
Palazzo d'Arco
Eminent mantovan family famous house, with rich painting gallery and indoor spaces furnished as when Arcos used to live there.
Palazzo Te
Famous holiday residence of Federico Gonzaga, Francesco and Este's Isabella's son, Mantova marquis. A Giulio Romano ode to life and joy.
National Archaeological Meuseum
Padan territory history, from prehistory to early middle ages, distributed over three floors exhibition.
At the end of the path, Mantova from Etruscan age to Lombard age.
The storks
In to the Mincio park, the Bertone park surprise, Arco Counts' aristocratic garden, with many high trees 100-150 years old and rare essences. The white storks make there their nests, and they can be seen from nearby.
The forest
The biggest (230 hectares) forest remained in Padana Valley is Bosco Fontana, ancient Gonzaga's game preserve.
Only accessible by pedestrians (no cars, motors or bikes), is possible to walk among Pedunculate Oaks, Elms, Wild Cherries, with a very rich brushwood. It is also possible to see many birds and others forest animal like foxes, weasels, stone martens and wild boars.
Sabbioneta
And the Prince ordered: "there be my Sabbioneta". Wonderful Vespasiano Gonzaga's humanistic adventure, once defined "Gonzaga's little Athen".
Science park
The park takes place over the Mid lake bank. First example in Italy, it let young boys and girls approach to science, physics, architecture and ambient themes, through gaming.
