Mantua, a city to discover in Italy

Hello friends of this fantastic community,
Unfortunately, it's been a while since I wrote a post here. I have some eye problems, so I can't spend much time on the computer. However, today I want to share with you some photos I took in a city in Italy that I really like. It's definitely one of my favorite destinations, not only because it's surrounded by a beautiful regional park, but also because it's rich in art and culture.

I'm talking about the city of Mantua, a splendid city located in Lombardy on the banks of the River Mincio. It's surrounded by three large lakes and is also known worldwide as the city of Gonzaga, the lords who ruled this city for several centuries, leaving a very significant mark.

Although Mantua was founded by the Etruscans in the 9th century BC and later became an important Roman city, it was the Gonzaga family who made a remarkable cultural and artistic impact on the city. Fortunately, we can still see this influence today. One of the popular tourist attractions in the city is undoubtedly the Ducal Palace, the complex where the Gonzaga family practically resided, which is now practically a national museum

There are several churches to visit, from various periods. In my opinion, the most characteristic one is the Church of San Lorenzo because it has a circular shape, a very unusual architectural feature for a church. That's why it's highly distinctive and visited by many tourists.

I also want to mention that the interiors of these numerous churches house many frescoes by one of the most important Italian painters, Andrea Mantegna, who lived here in Mantua for several years and expressed his creativity.

As you saw in one of the photos, since Mantua is situated near these three lakes connected by the River Mincio, there are opportunities for excursions. The beautiful natural landscapes and the possibility of taking walks and bike rides along these riverbanks make it a great experience.

But, of course, a city like Mantua wouldn't be complete without a highly important literature festival. Every year in September, the Mantua Literature Festival takes place, attracting writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts from all over the world, creating a true open-air library.

In my opinion, one of the typical dishes of Mantua, which unfortunately I didn't have the chance to try because I was in a hurry that day, is undoubtedly "risotto alla pilotta." It's a rice dish made with pork sausage and accompanied by a good glass of red wine. Another popular dish here is pumpkin tortelli, which is pasta filled with a mixture based on pumpkin, one of the most cultivated vegetables in the area.

As you could see from the photos, Mantua is rich in restaurants and bars. It's quite lively both during the day and in the evenings. So, it's definitely worth visiting this place because it's a fascinating city rich in history, art, and culture. You have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of its architectural and landscape treasures.

In the meantime, I thank you for reading this post, and I hope you found it interesting and that it has introduced you to another place in my country that, in my opinion, is worth visiting. See you soon!