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The real cathedral in Mantua is the Basilica of Sant Andrea and the official cathedral is drab in comparison. It is not entirely without interest but compared with Sant Andrea and with most Italian cathedrals it's disappointing. The only art I was really impressed by was the modern terracotta stations of the cross, which were beautiful.…
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Date of experience: September 2020
2 Helpful votes
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My main reason for visiting Mantua was chiefly because Giuseppe Sarto was bishop here (1884-1893) before becoming Pope St Pius X, in 1903. Alas, I was disappointed, since his cathedral church only has a very simple altar in his honour. Never the less, the Cathedral is still worth visiting. The current building is of the 11th century (built after the previous building burnt down and excavations show that this was a Christian religious site dating back to the early christians). The numerous modifications it has undergone take away any preset stylistic unity. Very much a mixed bag of Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic. However it is still an imposing building with an enormous amount of frescos. You could spend hours just examining them all. Several members of the Gonzaga family are buried here. Other historical artefacts can be found, with a 4th century sarcophagus being the oldest. The Blessed Sacrament chapel (to the left of the main altar) is also very beautiful and very peaceful.…
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Date of experience: September 2019
2 Helpful votes
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Perhaps we were there at the wrong time or the wrong day but it was exceptionally dark and gloomy inside and we didn't tarry long, particularly after having just visited the bright and majestic Basilica di Sant' Andrea down the road. It is the Duomo so if you collect them then you'll want to poke your head in for five minutes, and the Baroque facade is also worth a look, but if you have time for only one big church if you're on a day trip to Mantova we'd recommend the aforementioned Basilica di Sant' Andrea. You'll go a long way to see a purer Renaissance church in North Italy.…
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Date of experience: September 2019
1 Helpful vote
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One of the nice churches of Mantova. When you are into churches, nice chapels etc. You should go there.
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Date of experience: July 2019
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Seen many more spectacular in Italy. Dull and poorly lit with not much to admire. Go during daylight hours, if at all.
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Date of experience: January 2019
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