Mantua: Art City

By Enrico Massetti

Mantova (Mantua), the capital of Matilde di Canossa and the Gonzaga family, is an enchanted island surrounded by three lakes formed by the Mincio. The impressive scenography of the Gonzaga period, the marvelous frescoes of the Mantegna family, the fabulous inventions of Giulio Romano in the Tea Palace, the churches, the patrician houses narrate the history.

A few kilometers from Mantova, we can admire the beautiful Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine alle Grazie, the Benedictine Abbey of Polirone, in San Benedetto Po, the small village parishes, and the old courts. Mirage in the fertile countryside is Sabbioneta, the "small Athens" of Vespasiano Gonzaga.

Mantova history
According to legend, the town was founded by the soothsayer Manto when he fled from Thebes; Mantua enters history with the Etruscans. It goes from Roman rule to the barbarian invasions until around 1000 A.D. it becomes part of the feudal dominions of the Canossa.

It becomes a free commune in the XII and XIII centuries, continuing to grow while the unhealthy marsh by which it is surrounded is drained and reclaimed. In 1237 Pinamonte Bonacolsi came to power and consolidated its economic prosperity until 1328 when control passes to Luigi Gonzaga, founder of the dynasty to which Mantua owes most of its artistic beauty. In fact, under Gonzaga's rule, Mantua becomes notably more critical politically, enjoys economic prosperity, and is acknowledged as a primary center of culture and Renaissance art. The family residence soon becomes one of the largest and most magnificent palaces in Europe.

This is a guide to the art city of Mantua for a visit lasting one, two, three, or more days.

Includes a visit to the towns of Sabbioneta and Castellaro Lagusello, and a description of the Flora and Fauna of Mantua Lakes.

There are extensive descriptions and photos of the attractions: museums, churches, piazzas.

There are descriptions of how to get to Mantua by train, driving, or flying to the city.

The guide is divided into sections covering short visits to the "must-see" attractions and an itinerary for a multi-day complete stop to all the attractions available.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Enrico Massetti
• Release date: Feb 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310672545

Enrico Massetti

Enrico Massetti nació en Milán, Italia, donde vivió durante más de 30 años, visitando innumerables destinos turísticos, desde las montañas de los Alpes hasta el mar de Sicilia. Ahora vive en Washington, Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, visita regularmente su ciudad natal y disfruta recorriendo todos los lugares de su país, especialmente aquellos a los que puede llegar en transporte público. Puede contactar con Enrico en [e-mail].

Book preview

Mantua

Art City

Enrico Massetti

Text Copyright © Enrico Massetti 2015-2021

Portions of text CC license 4.0 by Wikipedia.org

Images ©, or CC Creative Commons license, as specified for each image

Cover image © Adobe inc.

Published by Enrico Massetti

All Rights Reserved

2021 edition

Mantua

Mantua a city surrounded by water

Mantua aerial view

Mantova, Matilde di Canossa, and the Gonzaga family's capital is an enchanted island surrounded by three lakes formed by the Mincio river.

The Gonzaga period's impressive scenography, the marvelous frescos of the Mantegna family, the fabulous inventions of Giulio Romano in the Tea Palace, the churches, the patrician houses narrate the history of Mantua.

Mantua at twilight - Daniele Sala Photography CC BY-SA 4.0

A few kilometers from Mantova, we can admire the beautiful Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine alle Grazie, the Benedictine Abbey of Polirone, in San Benedetto Po, the small village parishes, and the old courts.

Mirage in the fertile countryside is Sabbioneta, the small Athens of Vespasiano Gonzaga.

Mantua is a tiny medieval city that punches way above its weight in history, architectural splendor, and delicious cuisine. Considered one of the main artistic and cultural hubs in Northern Italy, its Centro Storico, historic city center, and nearby Sabbioneta form a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mantua history

Castello di San Giorgio - Daniele Sala Photography CC BY-SA 4.0

According to legend, the town was founded by the soothsayer Manto when he fled from Thebes; Mantua entered history with the Etruscans. It goes from Roman rule to the barbarian invasions until around 1000 A.DA.D.; then, it becomes part of the feudal dominions of the Canossa.

It became a free commune in the XII and XIII centuries, continuing to grow with the unhealthy marsh by rounded, drained, and reclaimed. In 1237 Pinamonte Bonacolsi came to power and consolidated its economic prosperity until 1328 when control passed to Luigi Gonzaga, founder of the dynasty to which Mantua owes most of its artistic beauty. Under Gonzaga's rule, Mantua became notably more critical politically, enjoyed economic prosperity, and was the primary Center of Center Renaissance art.

The family residence soon becomes one of the largest and most magnificent palaces in Europe.

Mantegna frescoes the bride and bridegroom's bedroom, L.B.Alberti designed the churches of Saint Andrew and Saint Sebastian, and Giulio Romano built the Palazzo del Te.

Damaged by the War of Succession, decimated by the plague, the city declined rapidly.

The Gonzaga dynasty fell in 1707, and the city passed into the hands of the Austrians. In 1866 Mantua became part of the Italian State.

Mantua Stations

Mantua Ducal Palace Chamber of Captains - Herbert Frank CC BY 2.0

Mantua is renowned for its architectural splendor and medieval charm. It is a town rich in history and ducal splendor; Virgil, the greatest of Roman poets, of Mantegna, among the best Renaissance painters of the Gonzaga, one of the most remarkable Italian princely families. It is on the River Mincio, Milton's smooth-sliding Mincius, crowned with vocal reeds.

The Ducal Palace and Palazzo Te are the two main attractions of a cultural itinerary in town, identified by the salamander's image.

Leaving the castle san Giorgio, one enters Piazza Sordello, together with its surroundings, the town's original center.

The vasCenterance facade of the Ducal Palace dominates the square (which comprises Palazzo del Capitano and the Magna Domus), the Cathedral, and, on the right, the Bishop's Palace, the Uberti Palace, and the Castiglioni Palace.

Going under the archway, Voltone di San Pietro, walking along the Renaissance porticos in Piazza Broletto, you can see the Palazzo del Podesta'.

Through the Sottoportico dei Lattonai, you enter Piazza Erbe, and the other side of the Palace. The square Palace liveliest in the historical center is domiCenterby the Palazzo della Ragione, with its adjoining. Itsower and the Rotonda di San Lorenzo nearby Piazza Mantegna, with the imposing facade of the Basilica di Sant'Andrea dominating the