Hello, I am planning a trip to Venice next month and plan on taking a day trip to Mantova because we want to see the Palazzo Ducale and Mantegna's frescoes there. Has anyone else made the trip from Venice to Mantova by train? Is the Palazzo Ducale in walking distance of the Mantova train station? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

Kate, I was there about two years ago. As I recall, it is within easy walking distance, and you go through the main piazza first. You are wise in choosing this as a day trip. The Palazzo Ducale is fabulous, one of my favorite in Italy. I also recommend Palazzo Te as a nice counterpoint. It's grounds are lovely, and the palazzo itself has been well restored and maintained. Also the museo civico is contained in Palazzo Te. <BR><BR>Mantova is one of my favorite "undiscovered" towns in Northern Italy. Enjoy.

Tsk. Well, of course I meant "its grounds."

Venice to Mantova requires a change of train in Verona. Check schedules carefully to insure a decent connection time. www.trenitalia.com

I agree with Santa Chiara. It's a very doable day trip, and you should go to the Palazzo Te as well as the Palazzo Ducale. The Basilica of Sant'Andrea, close to the Palazzo Ducale, is a beautiful church designed by Alberti that contains Mantegna's tomb. Between the two palaces you could stop at the house of Giulio Romano, who designed the Palazzo Te, and the house of Mantegna, which has a lovely courtyard, and get a little more of the Mannerist versus Renaissance contrast.

Try to arrive early, because there is a limit of 3000 visitors a day.There were a lot of school children when I was there, in May.It takes 15-20 min to walk from Palazzo Ducale toPalazzo del Te.Take the audioguide in both place.

There is a special shuttle bus operating between the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo Te. Otherwise, it is a 20 minute walk. It's a 15 minute walk from the Palazzo Ducale to the train station. Both Palazzi are fabulous and well worth a day trip from Verona. Take the 8:01 local train from Verona to reach Mantova at 8:40, in time for an early admission to the Palazzo Ducale. Fare is 2.27 Euros each way, second class (there is no first class on these local trains).

Also worth seeing is the "Scientific Theater" which is just a few minutes walk from the Palazzo Ducale. Go to: http://www.andreas-praefcke.de/carth...cientifico.htm for more information.