Frescoed apartment of 180 square meters in a seventeenth-century building in the center of Mantua
Frescoed apartment of 180 square meters in a seventeenth-century building in the center of Mantua
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Overview
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
6 guests
Minimum stay varies
The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
House Rules
Pets not allowedNot suitable for childrenNo smoking
Bedrooms
2 Doubles1 Sofa
Bathrooms
2 Full baths
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Reviews (3)
ottovanveen1556
London, United Kingdom16 contributions
Historic Mantua with modern comfort
I don't see how anyone could fail to fall in love with the Appartamento affrescato (previously called Contrada San Domenico), and it's among the most attractive places where I've stayed in Italy, or anywhere else for that matter.
DECORATION AND FURNISHING. The Appartamento is a self-contained flat on the first-floor of a seventeenth-century house in Mantua, and it makes a spectacular impression on the visitor because of its (largely) eighteenth-century frescoed ceilings and walls. These were uncovered by the owners, Luigi Piatti and Francesca Barbera (hope I've got the surnames right), during a meticulous conservation programme that was completed last year. At the same time, modern comforts like underfloor heating, an elegant modern kitchen, and two bathrooms with showers were installed in the height of good design and functionality.
The owners have furnished the flat very elegantly. They also provide far more of the things one might need during a stay than I was expecting, having clearly paid a great deal of attention to detail. This includes piles of interesting books to read, and plenty of information on the city and how to find one's way round it, which was thoughtful. The WiFi connection is completely reliable and easy to set up.
LAYOUT AND QUIETNESS. The flat is spacious with a large sitting room overlooking Via Mazzini and two bedrooms. The one to the rear is particularly substantial, with an arch between an ample seating area with a television and the larger section with a big and comfortable bed. This room is particularly quiet because it's on the more secluded side to the property. The big casement windows throughout the flat are double-glazed so sound insulation is excellent. But it would be quiet anyhow and the flat has a tranquil and relaxing character.
SHOPPING. As regards food shopping, there are plenty of places to go, but it's handy that there's a supermarket not far away, the Carrefour in Piazza 80o Fanteria (easiest to find via Corso della Libertà) that's open twenty-four hours and has a big stock. Francesca told me it's more expensive than other local shops, but it makes up for this in convenience. Of the restaurants in central Mantua, I was bowled over by LaCucina in Via Guglielmo Oberdan and went back there several times.
LOCATION. The Appartamento is in the middle of the city. It doesn't take more than about 15 minutes to walk there from the station. It would be less to walk from the flat to Palazzo Te, or, in the other direction, to Palazzo Ducale. So, if you want to visit the great historical sites in Mantua – or anywhere else in the city – it's in an ideal location. I found it easy to return mid-day to make myself a snack or cup of coffee – part of the convenience of having what's really a home in which to stay rather than a hotel room.
MANAGEMENT. I found the flat through Booking.com and the process was very user-friendly. During my visit Isotta, one of the conservators who had worked on restoring the frescoes, kept an eye on the property and she showed me how everything worked in the flat. Luigi and Francesca, the owners, were attentive and very efficient. I got an immediate response to phone calls or emails, and things ran smoothly. They all speak perfect English, which is very helpful (if also a little shaming). They may ask for a cash deposit to cover possible damage to the frescoed walls – which seems reasonable enough – but I got the feeling it's more an issue if a large group stays, or perhaps a family with children. The request is entirely reasonable, given that the Appartamento is a very special property and I suspect has heavy costs for restoration and maintenance. Overall, I felt very welcome by Luigi, Francesca and Isotta while remaining independent, which was a good mix.
Staying in the Appartamento added a great deal to my visit to Mantua, and rather than just being a place to sleep it became a part of my experience of the city and its history in its own right. In fact, it was tempting just to sit and relax in my elegant surroundings. Perfect.
Visited May 2019
Written 2 June 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
luigi p
DearJeremy,
I have no words to thank you for the wonderful words you used to describe your experience in our home.
You have undoubtedly been one of the best guests we've had and we really hope to have you again as our guest.
Thank you very much for having had so much respect for our home and for appreciating its beauty with such sensitivity.
You will always be the most welcome.
Tnak you!
Written 3 June 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luigi C.
1 contribution
Consigliatissimo
Siamo stati molto bene nell'appartamento con affreschi del 600 finemente rifinito e con tutti i comfort.
In posizione strategica per visitare il centro di Mantova.
Consigliatissimo.
Visited April 2019
Written 27 April 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cecile a
30 contributions
Excellente adresse
Appartement somptueux a deux pas des monuments historiques. Excellente rapport qualité prix. Accueil très facile et agréable. Le propriétaire laisse a disposition tous les produits utiles pour le petit déjeuner.
Idéal avant de visiter la chambre des époux. Logement digne des Gonzague
Encore plus beau en réalité que sur le photos.
Il me tarde de revenir
Visited April 2019
Written 24 April 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
luigi p
Merci beaucoup Cecil, nous sommes très heureux que vous ayez apprécié notre appartement. Vous avez été d’excellents invités et nous vous remercions d' avoir pris soin de notre maison. Nous espérons de pouvoir vous accueillir à nouveau.
Written 8 May 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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What this rental offers
Property features
- Staff on property
Wi-fi and internet
- Wi-fi
Location info
- City getaway
Kitchen and dining
- Refrigerator
- Kettle
- Dishwasher
- Freezer
- Toaster
Indoor amenities
- Internet access
- Air conditioning
- Fireplace
Services
- Housekeeping included
Nearby
- Hiking areas
Bathroom and laundry
- Linens provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Towels provided
- Iron
Map
Getting there
Citta Di Torino Airport
246.7 km
Verona Airport
27.9 km
Restaurants
Poke & Food Experience
2 min
Pappa Reale di Pozzi Daniele
5 min
Lo Scalco Grasso - Osteria Contemporanea
5 min
Antica Osteria ai Ranari
5 min
Attractions
Palazzo Valenti Gonzaga
3 min • Architectural Buildings
Salumeria Giovanni Bacchi
4 min • Speciality & Gift Shops
Museo Tazio Nuvolari
3 min • Speciality Museums
Pescherie di Giulio Romano - Rio
3 min • Points of Interest & Landmarks
About this property
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Frequently Asked Questions about Appartamento affrescato di 180 mq in palazzo seicentesco del centro di Mantova
- Appartamento affrescato di 180 mq in palazzo seicentesco del centro di Mantova is able to accommodate up to 6 guests. See all property details.
- Appartamento affrescato di 180 mq in palazzo seicentesco del centro di Mantova has 2 bathrooms available. See all property details.
- Appartamento affrescato di 180 mq in palazzo seicentesco del centro di Mantova has 2 bedrooms available. See all property details.
- Stays at Appartamento affrescato di 180 mq in palazzo seicentesco del centro di Mantova must last at least one night. See all property details.