In the heart of the Po Valley, in the province of Mantua, stands majestically the Monastic Complex of San Benedetto Po, founded in 1007 by Tedaldo di Canossa, grandfather of the famous Countess Matilda.

The Monastery of San Benedetto Po in Polirone has occupied a central role in the history of Italian monasticism for its religious, political and cultural commitment. By visiting the Monastery, one can relive the periods and events that marked the history of this architectural jewel.

Starting from the Cloister of the Seculars, one follows the evocative path once traversed by monks, pilgrims and artists who followed one another over the course of more than a thousand years. From the scenic Barberini staircase, one accesses the upper floors of the Monastery, where the Polironiano Civic Museum is currently housed, a vivid testimony to the popular culture of the Po Valley. Continuing on, one arrives at the late Gothic-style Cloister of San Simeone, on the ground floor of which were the cells for the passing monks, the cellar, tailoring and shoemaking. From the cloister there is direct access to the Chapter House, one of the oldest and most important places of the Monastery as the governing center of the coenoby and inside which it is possible to admire the remains of tombs of abbots from the 1500s. Leaving the hall, one reaches the larger cloister, dedicated toSt. Benedict.

Continuing the visit, one comes to the Refectory, a place used for the monks' meals.

Below the Refectory are the striking 16th-century cellars , inside which is the museum's historical-archaeological collection and the collection of ancient Reggio-Modenese farm carts.

Finally, we reach the majesticAbbey Church, rebuilt between 1540 and 1545 by Giulio Romano preserving the old Romanesque and Gothic structures.

A plunge into the past and history of an enchanted place: San Benedetto Po, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.