"We loved this 15th century palace with its grand entrance gates and sweeping courtyard with a “Giant Hercules gazing towards you as you enter.
Our suite was spacious, well appointed and a welcome place in which to relax after wandering the university town of Padua. A large garden with lots of shady areas provided calm cool respite from the unseasonably hot weather.
Breakfast, on the day we had it was generous and included dainty sandwiches served on pretty crockery, freshly cooked eggs on request and a fabulous moist cake, all served in a cool airy 1st floor space in the original building.
Fascinated by the Palazzo’s history and that of the man who had it constructed, we visited an exhibition housing some of his art collection at the nearby Liviano Palace which was well worth the 3 euro entry fee.
We visited Padua after a recommendation from an Italian working in the Bulgari Hotel in Tokyo, Japan who was born there. With lots to see and hear - there is a music school nearby and we were treated to arias and bassoon practise whilst nibbling delicious pizzette and sipping a cold beer in the cafe on the cobbled street below - Padua is a great place to visit and Palazzo Mantua Benavides is a great place to stay if you do."