Mantova

There is just one reason to visit Mantova/Mantua, located in the region of Lombardy, and that is the 15th-century Ducal Palace. So we made a day trip by train from Verona. And the palace did not disappoint.

A view from the train of the lake that surrounds Mantova on three sides.


Sun-Ling found the interior of the Basilica of Sant'Andrea, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, to be very pleasing; that is, harmonious in design. I agree. Not sure if these photos, the first a photo of the exterior, convey that impression.








Folks get around by bike.




The Ducal Palace was amazing even though we did not get to see the frescoes by Andrea Mantegna in the Camera degli Sposi as all the reserved spots had been booked. Next time. The palace has wall and ceiling frescoes, recently discovered and long appreciated; room after room after room, big rooms and small rooms; gardens, hanging gardens, and bird watchers; starry nights of the zodiac, curious horses; school groups on tour, and Isabella d’Este's devices.



























And we walked back to the Mantova train station along the lake.