Mantua (ital. Mantova) was a settlemt on the banks of River Mincio in Etruscan times. In Roman times veteran soldiers were placed here. About 70 BC the Roman poet Virgil (aka "Publius Vergilius Maro") was born nearby.

After the end of the Roman Empire Mantua was invaded in turn by Goths, Byzantines, Longobards, and Franks. In the 11th century, Mantua became a possession of Boniface of Canossa, marquis of Tuscany.

During the 12th century the course of the River Mincio was altered, creating lakes, to reinforce the city's natural protection. Three of these lakes still remains today.

Under the House of Gonzaga, that ruled Mantua for more than three centuries (sometimes in a very despotic way), the city developed and became a center of Renaissance art. At the end of the long war of the Mantuan Succession the city was under Austrian rule.

Mantua was part of the Napoleon's Kingdom of Italy. Mantua returned to Austria in 1814. Agitation against A revolt against the Austrians lasted from 1851 to 1855, but it was finally suppressed by the Austrian army. Finally in 1866 Mantua and the Lombardy were incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy.

Under the shady arcades, that connect the different piazzas, are numerous pavement cafes and restaurants.