In Mantua, you can climb the dome of the Basilica of St. Andrew

Since December 19, in Mantua, it has been possible to climb the dome of the Basilica of St. Andrew, the Renaissance masterpiece by Leon Battista Alberti: this new itinerary, which combines spirituality and culture, represents one of the most relevant interventions put in place by the Diocese of Mantua for the Jubilee of 2025. The basilica, the religious heart of the city and an important stop on pilgrimages to Rome, is thus enriched with a unique experience for Mantuans, visitors and pilgrims, with a careful eye on safety and accessibility.

The path up to the dome is designed to take visitors on a symbolic ascending journey. Starting from the underground crypt, where the Sacred Vases with the relic of the Precious Blood of Christ are kept, it is possible to contemplate the majesty of the interior of the basilica before embarking on the ascent via one of four spiral staircases.

Arriving at the base of the dome drum, visitors can admire the Glory of Paradise frescoed by Giorgio Anselmi (Badia Calavena, 1723 - Lendinara, 1797), bathed in the light that streams through the structure. The itinerary culminates with access to the external walkway, from which there is a unique panoramic view of the city of Mantua and its surroundings.

The basilica: a masterpiece of the Renaissance

The Basilica of St. Andrew is one of the most representative symbols of the city of Mantua and a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture. Designed by humanist Leon Battista Alberti and commissioned by Marquis Ludovico Gonzaga, its construction began in 1472, setting itself as an innovative work for the time. It is the largest church in Mantua.

Inside are the tomb of Andrea Mantegna and, in the crypt, the Sacred Vases with the venerated relic of the Precious Blood of Christ. According to tradition, this relic was brought to Mantua by the Roman soldier Longinus and rediscovered thanks to the miraculous visions of St. Andrew, thus contributing to the city’s notoriety as a place of faith and pilgrimage. Among the masterpieces preserved inside are the decorations by Correggio that adorn the Chapel of St. John the Baptist (where the housed Mantegna’s tomb), the Baptism of Christ and the Holy Family and the Family of the Baptist by the same Mantegna, the Madonna and Child Enthroned between Saints Sebastian, Sylvester, Augustine, Paul, Elizabeth, John and Roch by Lorenzo Costa, the Altarpiece of the Crucifix by Fermo Ghisoni, and the Madonna with St. Joseph, St. John and St. Longinus by Giulio Romano.

Ascent to the dome of the Basilica of St. AndrewAscent to the dome of the Basilica of St. AndrewAscent to the dome of the Basilica of St. Andrew

A project for the Jubilee of 2025

The new ascent route is part of a larger program of interventions by the Diocese of Mantua in preparation for the Jubilee of 2025. In fact, the city has been recognized by the Holy See as a significant stop on pilgrimages to Rome, and the Basilica of St. Andrew represents its devotional centerpiece.

The upgrading and enhancement works were made possible thanks to funding Grandi Progetti Beni Culturali from the Ministry of Culture, with contributions from the Cariplo Foundation, the Lombardy Region and the Italian Episcopal Conference (8x1000 funds). In addition, the project saw the collaboration of the Milan Polytechnic - Territorial Pole of Mantua, the company Cultura Valore s.r.l. and numerous experts coordinated by architect Alessandro Campera of the Diocesan Office for Cultural Heritage.

Ascent to the dome of the Basilica of Sant’AndreaAscent to the dome of the Basilica of Sant’AndreaAscent to the dome of the Basilica of Sant’Andrea

Enhancing a unique heritage

The project, titled Cultural Paths between Art, Faith and Culture - Recovery, Enhancement and Inclusiveness of the Diocesan Heritage, is not limited to the Basilica of St. Andrew, but also includes interventions on other important city sites. These include St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Basilica of St. Barbara, the Bishop’s Seminary, the archaeological excavations of the canonical houses in Via Rubens, and the Diocesan Museum.

The goal is not only to preserve but also to make this extraordinary cultural heritage more accessible, creating itineraries that combine history, art and spirituality in a unique experience for visitors.

The Diocese has entrusted the management of access, accompanying services and ticketing to the company Kalatà s.r.l. of Mondovi. Tickets can also be purchased in advance from Kalatà’s website.

Ticket costs for the ascent and guided tour of the dome: 15 euros the full, 10 euros the reduced (visitors aged 12 to 25), 16 euros the cumulative (ascent to the dome + entrance to the Diocesan Museum), 30 euros the family ticket (2 adults over 18 and one minor aged 12 to 18, additional children in the same household pay a reduced rate of 5 euros), free for people with disabilities and accompanying persons, licensed tour guides. Guided tours cost 6 euros (basilica+crypt, 4 euros reduced) and 4 euros (crypt, 2 euros reduced).

Dome climb times: Monday through Friday, guided tours at: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, guided tours at: 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.00 - 14.00 - 14.30 - 15.00 - 15.30 - 16.00 - 16.30 - 17.00; Sundays and holidays, guided tours at: 12.00 - 12.30 - 13.00 - 13.30 - 14.00 - 14.30 - 15.00 - 15.30 - 16.00 - 16.30 - 17.00. Guided tours of the basilica and crypt: Monday through Saturday, guided tours at: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, guided tours at: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

In Mantua, you can climb the dome of the Basilica of St. Andrew

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