Mantova, a Unesco heritage, has ancient Etruscan origins and it is the birthplace of the Latin poet Virgil.

The city reached its splendour not only in the Middle Age but expecially during the long domination of the lords Gonzagas, refined art collectors, who gave hospitality to famous architects, painters, poets, philosophers, musicians and scientists.

The "City of the Three Lakes" is like a chest full of treasures, made by artists such as Mantegna, Pisanello, Giulio Romano, Rubens, Leon Battista Alberti and many others.
Mantova is a city on a human scale where you can walk in cobbled streets and secluded lanes while the lively or silent squares follow one another; sitting on the outdoors tables of bars and restaurants you can taste the local cuisine that has its roots in the sumptuous banquets of the Gonzaga's court or in the simple popular kitchens.

It is in Mantova that the musician Giuseppe Verdi set "Rigoletto" still today one of the most represented operas in the world. The drama has here its ideal and real places: the Ducal Palace, residence of the seducer Duke of Mantova, the little streeets with the popular houses, among them the so called "Rigoletto's House" with its ancient charm, where the hunchbacked court jester kept his beloved daughter Gilda.

If you choose to visit Mantova you will relax among history, art, traditions, nature, culture, music and literature festivals.

If you are a nature lover you can tour on foot or by bike in the Parco del Mincio.
Don't loose the events of Festivaletteratura (Festival of literature) every year in September since 1997. And, please, don't forget to taste the Mantuan cuisine!

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Ph CoVER: Marco Venghi

Text by MARTA PETRUZZELLA, ConfGuide Mantova 

CLICK HERE to discover her other itinerary proposals.