Castello di San Giorgio — Attraction in Mantua

Tickets are good for specific times only. It is not clear until you come to the entrance - not a short walk on very uneven cobblestone. They turned away a person with a cane. Rude and not accommodating. They also turned away very old ladies struggling with mobility issues. They were rude to them too. There was no place to sit anywhere near the entrance. It’s a harsh, hot, desolate square. We had to walk back to the garden near the ticket office. Nowhere on the website is the information available. Nor were they helpful at the ticket office. The place looks deserted. We would not be crowding their precious rooms. There’s not much to see in the Castello (much less in Palazzo Ducale). One of the very few rooms open was Camera degli Sposi with Mantegna’s frescoes. It is a notable wok of art. Mantegna’s view on the sullen, imperious and unhappy looking lords of Mantova and their retinue (complete with dwarfs and hunting dogs) is priceless. The other room had two interesting portraits- of Francesco II, and Osanna - Isabella ‘s favorite “holy” woman. Isabella d’Este’s Studiola and Grotto were roped off. The architect is the same as in Ferrara. There was so much more to see in Castello of Ferrara. Plus multiple displays told very interesting stories of Ferrara. In Mantova, they are collecting revenue but are not investing back into...

San Giorgio Castle in Mantua stands as a magnificent testament to the city's medieval history, offering visitors a journey through time within its formidable walls. This well-preserved fortress, originally built in the 14th century, exudes an air of timeless grandeur and is a captivating blend of military architecture and artistic sophistication. As you explore the castle, you'll be mesmerized by its strategic towers, imposing walls, and the picturesque drawbridge over the surrounding water. The castle's interiors reveal a rich tapestry of history, with its museum housing an impressive collection of weaponry, armor, and artifacts that provide insight into the region's military past. The panoramic views from the castle towers are simply breathtaking, offering a sweeping vista of Mantua and its picturesque surroundings. The extensive restoration efforts have ensured that San Giorgio Castle maintains its historical integrity while welcoming modern visitors to immerse themselves in the medieval ambiance. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply drawn to architectural marvels, a visit to San Giorgio Castle is a captivating experience that transports you to a bygone era of chivalry and power, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the cultural...

The Palace buildings are superb, and well worth a detour if you are near Mantova. The surviving internal decorations are unlike any ‘stately home’ I’ve visited. Magnificent. Unfortunately our visit coincided with a huge school visit. The whole town was covered/invaded by groups of schoolchildren being ferried around by teachers in groups of twenty or so. There were hundreds of children, and it was impossible to visit the Palace without several of these groups at the same time. In fairness they were very well behaved, but inevitably, as any groups of teenagers are, they were noisy. The issue was the sheer numbers of them! If this is a fixture each early May -avoid not just the Palace but the whole of Mantova...