March 25, 2019 Comments Off on Mantova – Italy’s ‘Bella Addormentata’ hasn’t changed since the Middle Ages Views: 1285 Urban Trekker

Each part of Italy has hidden treasures of its own, many a time just overlooked as the flocks of tourists are lured towards the bigger cities such as Rome, Milan, or Florence. Previously, we’ve already shared about Brisighella, and Italy’s ‘Little Venice’, but would you say no to another gem from our all-time-favorite boot-shaped country in the world?

Mantova, or Mantua, is sometimes also referred to as La Bella Addormentata of Italy. The wording means ‘sleeping beauty’, alluding to the fact that the town hasn’t changed much since the Middle Ages.

The sight of the picturesque horizon, adorned with towers and turrets, cupolas and domes, has indeed remained pretty much the same.

This is the city where Romeo Montague was banished from Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. In the world of music: where composer Monteverdi premiered his opera L’Orfeo, or where Mozart, aged only 13 at the time, performed at the rococo Teatro Bibiena di Mantova.

Mantova rests in the region of Lombardy, not too far from the global hub that is Milan. Unlike Milan, which might feel many years into the future due to its turbulent weird energy propelled by fashion and finance, the air is different in Mantova, home of little less than 50,000 people.

The town is encircled by three lakes, all which connect to the Po River, Italy’s biggest one. Planted in the wetlands, Mantova scarcely ever altered. Even today, it takes less than half an hour to walk across the town, the same amount of time it took a century ago.

Progressing through the cobble-stoned Piazza Sordello and towards the Palazzo Ducale will reveal some remarkable sights. And the palace itself, containing a castle, basilica, impressive gardens and galleries (including pieces done by Raphael), stands as if it was a separate town on its own, a small town within the small town. In fact, this is the largest residence in Italy after the one in the Vatican.

For four centuries, the complex has accommodated the Gonzaga family, the dukes of Mantua who ruled the area until the early 18th century. What were the Medicis to Florence, was the Gonzaga family to Mantua.

What else to see? Don’t miss the loving 11th-century Rotonda di San Lorenzo, inspired by the Holy Sepulchre church in Jerusalem where the tomb of Jesus Christ is said to rest. If you are in the mood for seeing another residence, head for Palazzo Te in the suburbs. It’s on the edges of the marshes just outside Mantova’s city walls and it resembles a fine example of the mannerist architecture style.

Food and drinks in Mantova? If you thought cheese, wine, and gelato was delicious back in Milan or Venice, just wait until you try the local flavors here. Once you are done with urban trekking Mantova, take a short rest at your quarters and prepare for the evening-time passeggiata. This means: put your finest dress and do polish your pair of evening shoes. Then, join the locals as everyone is up for dine and wine in the company of friends at some of the local bars and restaurants.

We also thought to remind you of Brussels, the city of waffles

Tags: Italy, Mantova, traveler, traveling, traveling tips, Urban Trekker