Базилика Сан-Андреа со стороны площади (боковая стена)
1 / 10

Piazza delle Erbe

4.6
·8k reviews·Mantova, Italy

Mantova's vibrant main square, alive with markets, cafes, and stunning Renaissance architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, local charm

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Базилика Сан-Андреа со стороны площади (боковая стена)

Piazza delle Erbe

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, local charm

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Mantova's vibrant main square, alive with markets, cafes, and stunning Renaissance architecture.

4.6
(8k reviews)

"Stunning piazza with lots of life / activities around. Highly recommend wandering the surrounding streets and stop for a coffee."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Coffee & People-Watching

Find a cafe in the piazza and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxing break.

🕰️ Admire the Clock Tower

Don't miss the intricate astronomical clock on the Palazzo della Ragione. It's a unique sight!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palazzo della Ragione & Clock Tower

Palazzo della Ragione & Clock Tower

Piazza delle Erbe

Marvel at the historic Palazzo della Ragione and its iconic astronomical clock. A true testament to Renaissance ingenuity.

Rotonda di San Lorenzo

Rotonda di San Lorenzo

Piazza delle Erbe

Step into one of Mantova's oldest buildings, a charming Romanesque church offering a peaceful escape.

Vibrant Market Atmosphere

Vibrant Market Atmosphere

Piazza delle Erbe

Experience the lively market stalls and cafes that fill the square, offering local flavors and a taste of daily life.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Pace

Piazza delle Erbe is the heart of Mantova, buzzing with life. To truly soak it in, visit on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Grab a coffee and people-watch like a local.

Unlock Mantova's Charm

Consider the Mantova Card for access to multiple attractions. This can be a cost-effective way to explore the city's rich history and landmarks, including those surrounding Piazza delle Erbe.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, local charm
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Seguici su ig: onderoaders #mantova #viaggiacontiktok #imparacontiktok #consiglidiviaggio #italiadascoprire #foryou #fyp #lombardiadascoprire
@onderoaders
13K likes • 446.4K views

☕ Coffee & People-Watching

Find a cafe in the piazza and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxing break. Reddit

🕰️ Admire the Clock Tower

Don't miss the intricate astronomical clock on the Palazzo della Ragione. It's a unique sight! Reddit

Avete mai visitato un museo dedicato ai Vigili del fuoco?! 😍 La Galleria Storica Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco di Mantova, fondata nel 1991, è la più grande esposizione di mezzi e cimeli storici d’Italia! 🚒 Durante la visita, ad offerta libera, i volontari, tutti vigili del fuoco in pensione, vi racconteranno tantissimi aneddoti sui meravigliosi tesori che il museo racchiude! 🧑‍🚒 È davvero entusi...
@viaggiosenzascalo
5.7K likes • 125K views
🇮🇹 E se você quiser um guia definitivo sobre Mantova, comenta aqui “EU QUERO”! Depois de tantos pedidos, estou preparando um material super completo, com informações que você não encontra em nenhum outro lugar da internet. São meses de pesquisa, planejamento e criação… ainda não sei a data de lançamento, mas podem esperar porque vai valer a pena! Mais no meu insta: @leticiapivettabride . . . #ita...
@leticiapivettabride
4.3K likes • 36K views

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Side Streets

Explore the charming alleys surrounding the piazza for hidden gems and local shops. Reddit

💳 Consider the Mantova Card

If you plan to visit multiple sites, this card offers great value. TikTok

2 giorni a Mantova 😍 📍1 GIORNO  *Piazza Sordello *Palazzo Ducale *Castello San Giorgio
*Selfie con la statua del Rigoletto *Passeggiata lungo il castello per ammirarlo in tutta la sua bellezza *Pranzo in una delle tante osterie della zona. Nel reel trovi tutte quelle suggerite dall’app di Travel365 e sono una piú buona dell’altra.
*Visita il Duomo *Piazza delle Erbe piena di gioielli architetton...
@i_weekendieri
1.8K likes • 74.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Coffee & People-Watching

Find a cafe in the piazza and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxing break. Reddit

🕰️ Admire the Clock Tower

Don't miss the intricate astronomical clock on the Palazzo della Ragione. It's a unique sight! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Side Streets

Explore the charming alleys surrounding the piazza for hidden gems and local shops. Reddit

💳 Consider the Mantova Card

If you plan to visit multiple sites, this card offers great value. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Piazza delle Erbe is consistently praised as a vibrant and beautiful heart of Mantova, surrounded by stunning historic architecture and lively cafes. Visitors love its energetic atmosphere and the convenience of exploring nearby landmarks. Some find it can get crowded, especially during peak times.

"Nice square circled by a few of the best landmarks of the city"

Didem YUCEL

"Stunning piazza with lots of life / activities around. Highly recommend wandering the surrounding streets and stop for a coffee"

Pauline Malcouronne

"I can see why this is one of the 300 most beautiful cities in Italy. The clock is amazing. The history is so interesting and the people so nice. I recommend visiting on a weekday (tues-frid)"

Judith Wyo

What People Like

Beautiful historic architecture
Lively atmosphere
Central location

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Piazza delle Erbe is centrally located in Mantova's historic center, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. If arriving by car, look for parking garages on the outskirts of the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk in. Public transport options are also available, with buses stopping near the main squares. TikTok

Absolutely! Piazza delle Erbe is a pedestrian-friendly square, perfect for strolling and exploring. The surrounding streets are also very walkable, allowing you to discover more of Mantova's charm. Reddit

Mantova's historic center, including Piazza delle Erbe, is generally flat and walkable. While some older buildings might have steps, many main attractions are accessible. Consider a guided tour that caters to mobility needs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Piazza delle Erbe itself is a public square and is free to enter. However, attractions within or bordering the piazza, like the Palazzo della Ragione or Rotonda di San Lorenzo, may have admission fees. TikTok

As a public square, Piazza delle Erbe is always accessible. However, the shops, cafes, and surrounding attractions will have their own operating hours, typically from morning until evening. Reddit

The Rotonda di San Lorenzo is generally free to enter, though donations are appreciated. It's a beautiful, ancient church that offers a peaceful respite. TikTok

The Mantova Card can typically be purchased at tourist information points or at the entrance of major attractions like Palazzo Ducale. It's a good investment if you plan to see several sights. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning architecture of the Palazzo della Ragione and its clock tower. The Rotonda di San Lorenzo also makes for beautiful shots, especially from the exterior. Don't forget to photograph the lively market scenes! TikTok

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that bathes the piazza in a warm glow, perfect for photography. Mornings can also be lovely with fewer people. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed in the public square. However, inside churches or private establishments, it's always best to check for specific rules. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Piazza delle Erbe is lined with numerous cafes and restaurants offering local Mantuan cuisine. Look for places serving 'tortelli di zucca' (pumpkin ravioli) or 'risotto alla pilota'. TikTok

Yes, you'll find several 'gelaterias' around Piazza delle Erbe offering delicious Italian gelato. It's a perfect treat on a warm day. TikTok

Beyond tortelli di zucca and risotto alla pilota, try 'sbrisolona' (a crumbly almond cake) and local salumi. Many restaurants in Piazza delle Erbe will feature these dishes. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piazza delle Erbe is a great starting point for families. The open space allows children to move around, and the market can be visually stimulating. Consider visiting the Galleria Storica Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco for an engaging experience with its collection of fire trucks. TikTok The Mantova Card can also be a good option if you plan to visit multiple family-friendly attractions like parts of the Palazzo Ducale. Pack snacks and water, as exploring can be tiring for little ones.

🚶‍♀️ Travelers with Limited Mobility

Mantova's historic center, including Piazza delle Erbe, is relatively flat and pedestrian-friendly, making it accessible for those with mobility challenges. Reddit The Rotonda di San Lorenzo is also generally accessible. When visiting larger complexes like the Palazzo Ducale, inquire about accessible routes or elevators. Many cafes in Piazza delle Erbe offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance without extensive walking. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Piazza delle Erbe itself is free to explore, and you can enjoy the atmosphere by simply walking around and people-watching. Reddit Many of the surrounding churches, like the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, are also free to enter. TikTok Look for local trattorias away from the main piazza for more affordable meal options. The Mantova Card can be a good investment if you plan to visit several paid attractions, offering a discount compared to individual tickets. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Mantova: Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is more than just a square; it's the historical and social nucleus of Mantova. For centuries, it has been the city's main marketplace, a tradition that continues today with vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs. The architecture surrounding the piazza is a stunning showcase of Mantova's rich history, featuring medieval and Renaissance buildings that tell tales of its past glory. TikTokReddit

Dominating the square are the Palazzo della Ragione and its magnificent astronomical clock, a marvel of 15th-century engineering that still tracks celestial movements. Adjacent to it stands the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, one of the city's oldest churches, dating back to the 11th century. Its circular design and Romanesque style offer a starkly beautiful contrast to the surrounding Renaissance facades. TikTok

Visitors often describe the piazza as 'full of life' and a 'stunning piazza with lots of life/activities around.' Reddit It's the perfect spot to pause, enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the many outdoor cafes, and simply soak in the atmosphere. The energy of the piazza, especially during market days, is infectious and provides a true taste of Mantuan life. TikTok

Navigating Mantova: Beyond the Piazza

While Piazza delle Erbe is a central hub, Mantova offers a wealth of attractions that are easily accessible from this point. The Palazzo Ducale, a vast complex of buildings, courtyards, and gardens, is a must-visit, showcasing incredible art and history, including the famous Camera degli Sposi by Andrea Mantegna. TikTok+1 The Castello di San Giorgio, part of the Ducal Palace complex, is also a significant landmark. TikTok

For those interested in unique museums, the Galleria Storica Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco (National Historical Museum of Firefighters) offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of firefighting in Italy, with a vast collection of vintage vehicles and equipment. TikTok Exploring Mantova is also about appreciating its unique geography; the city is surrounded by lakes, offering beautiful views and opportunities for leisurely walks along the waterfront. TikTok

Many visitors recommend the Mantova Card for a comprehensive experience, as it grants access to multiple attractions and can be a cost-effective option for exploring the city's treasures. TikTok The city's compact nature makes it ideal for walking, allowing you to stumble upon hidden courtyards and charming streets that might otherwise be missed. Reddit

You may also like