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Italy
Lombardy
Province of Mantua
Mantua
Mantua Attractions
Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova

Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova, Mantua

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Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova

See all things to do
See all things to do
Basilica di Sant'Andrea di Mantova
4.5
2,156
#3 of 152 things to do in Mantua
Religious Sites
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What people are saying
“Most beautiful church in Mantua”
Sep 2020
The basilica is beautiful, very much more so than the cathedral. Unfortunately when we visited there was some sort of conference going on - anyway there were priests, nuns and lay people gathered in small groups around the interior, so it was not possible to look at the artwork or architecture near them without disturbing them. Obviously this is a problem with all churches that are tourist attractions - the churches are places of worship and it's ridiculous to complain if they're being used as such, but perhaps they should appoint some hours during the day when all the church is open to tourists.
“Historical basilica that is worth a visit”
Jul 2020
We visited this basilica twice, and were fortunate the 2nd time to be given an extensive tour and oral history by one of the volunteer guides. As it was July 2020, there were very few people visiting.
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The area
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4.5
2,156 reviews
Excellent
1,518
Very good
551
Average
79
Poor
4
Terrible
4
JVR77
St. Albans, UK128 contributions
Most beautiful church in Mantua
Sep 2020
The basilica is beautiful, very much more so than the cathedral. Unfortunately when we visited there was some sort of conference going on - anyway there were priests, nuns and lay people gathered in small groups around the interior, so it was not possible to look at the artwork or architecture near them without disturbing them. Obviously this is a problem with all churches that are tourist attractions - the churches are places of worship and it's ridiculous to complain if they're being used as such, but perhaps they should appoint some hours during the day when all the church is open to tourists.
Written 22 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
elwoodvogt
Vigevano, Italy35 contributions
Historical basilica that is worth a visit
Jul 2020
We visited this basilica twice, and were fortunate the 2nd time to be given an extensive tour and oral history by one of the volunteer guides. As it was July 2020, there were very few people visiting.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anthony L
Aiken, SC457 contributions
Great Historical Visit
Oct 2019
After lunch, we walked to this Renaissance church which has a vast vaulted interior. We witnessed monks and monks-in training walking toward and later inside the Basilica. On the basement level we entered a chapel were a mass was in progress honoring the relic of the sacred blood of Christ which is kept in this Basilica.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DamCar65
90 contributions
an absolute must!A
Sep 2019
An absolutely magical minor basilica which is a must for any visitor to Mantua. Built in the Renaissance style it is literally covered with frescos and paintings. Incredibly impressive from the moment you walk in the door. Definitely overshadows the Cathedral – unfortunately! Ensure you allow enough time to visit it SLOWLY. On top of the usual features in many basilicas, there is an octagonal balustrade coving the altar in the crypt where a relic of the Precious Blood of Jesus is kept. According to Catholic tradition, it was brought to Mantua by the Roman centurion Saint Longinus (the one who opened Christ’s side with a lance), who had scooped up the earth containing the blood. The sacred vessels, containing the relic are carried in procession through the city on Good Friday. A beautiful place to pray and reflect – make the most of your time. Unfortunately the crypt was closed when I visited and nobody was available to open it. (Visit by reservation only on weekdays; Open Saturday 10:30 – 11:30 & 3pm – 5:30pm; Sundays 3pm – 5:30 pm). For people who believe, it will be a spiritual highlight, for non-believers it can still be a historical and artistic highlight.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
oslohammer
Oslo, Norway6 contributions
Study trip architecture
Oct 2019 • Business
Fantastic surprisingly beautiful and powerful artistic Basilica situated in a charming north italian city, with Market square, Basilica, a Castle and ancient towers appearing all over the place. Decent restaurants.
Written 27 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Christopher C
Gravesend, UK182 contributions
Huge church
Oct 2019
We had very little time to visit as the basilica shut at midday so we had a few minutes. It was filled with plenty of art and splendid architecture. Wish we had more time to explore.
Written 17 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
coconutugly
Marbella, Spain1,394 contributions
As always, breathtaking. But allow photos!
Oct 2019 • Family
Why oh why oh why do they not allow photography? 😡Even without flash it was not permitted and that bugged me because it is a seriously gorgeous Basilica.There was a mass going in and a sombre atmosphere but still worthy of a peek in to take in all of the Italian BEAUTY! Italy rocks. ❤️
Written 16 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Terry E
York, UK311 contributions
Astonishing decoration
Oct 2019 • Couples
A great space with a mixture of trompe d'oeuil and the real thing. Like any religious building, tourists will be turned out for services. Would have been wonderful to listen to some sacred music in there. The acoustics must be incredible.
Written 14 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AllanJGJ
Wellington, New Zealand3,340 contributions
Astonishing decoration
Sep 2019
This Basilica is comparatively new - construction only commenced in 1472 - and is probably as pure a Renaissance church as you will see, other than the bell tower which is a half century older having been inherited from a Benedictine monastery which had been on the site in earlier times. The interior decoration is quite astonishing and remarkably comprehensive and consistent and makes for a much brighter, lighter church than many of the Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals you'll see in Western Europe. And if slivers of the true cross and the bones of martyrs are getting a little passe for you it claims to have a quite astonishing relic - two vials containing Christ's blood brought here by Longinius, the legionary who pierced Christ's side with a lance. Throw in the tomb of Mantegna, the local painter par excellence, and there's a fair bit to see here.
Written 25 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Francesca B
3 contributions
Great holiday
Sep 2019 • Family
Absolutely wow! Amazing place, we had a great time and enjoyed every single minute visiting all possible monuments
Written 22 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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