✨ Day Trip to Mantova from Mestre ✨

During my stay at Anda Hostel in Mestre, I took one of my longest day trips by train — to Mantova (Mantua), a hidden gem in northern Italy 🇮🇹. On the way back, I even managed a one-hour stopover in a small town (a great trick if you want to see more places during train transfers 🚆). 🌅 I arrived in Mantova early around 8 AM. First stop: espresso at the bar counter (tip: standing = no table charge ☕). By chance, I found a 100-year-old bakery still serving fresh pastries 🥐💚 — the pistachio croissant was the best of my whole Italy trip! ⛪ Then I headed to the main square and visited the Basilica di Sant’Andrea. One of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen — the 3D-style frescoes on the walls made me stay for over an hour just admiring the details 🎨✨. 📚 Nearby is a free library close to Teatro Bibiena 🎭 — a hidden gem! You can see ancient books, a terrestrial globe, and an astrology globe 🌍🔭. Staff are friendly and happy to show visitors around — also handy if you need a free restroom 🚻. 🏰 I also visited Palazzo Te — stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, perfect for photos and exploring the art of the Gonzaga family 🖼️🌿. Mantova is small but full of history, art, and charm. Perfect for a day trip if you love discovering places beyond the usual tourist trail 🌸✨. 💡 Tips: Check train connections — sometimes you can add a mini-stop in another town 🚆. Stand at the bar for coffee to avoid extra charges ☕. Attractions may close earlier than in big cities ⏰, so plan your timing. #mantova #italytrip #hiddengems #daytripitaly #italianart #tripcommoments #palazzote #basilicasantandrea