Considered one of the main centers of the Italian Renaissance, Mantova it is also a very environmentally friendly city. According to the 2017 Urban Ecosystem survey conducted by Legambiente on 104 Italian locations, it was the most virtuous, among other things, for the increase of cycle paths, the fight against smog and separate waste collection.
Mantova, surrounded by three lakes, is one of the main centers of the Renaissance and stands out for its respect for the environment
Unesco heritage since 2008 together with the neighbor Sabbioneta, the city of the Gonzagas seems to almost float on water. It is surrounded by three lakes obtained in the bend of the Mantuan river, the Mincio. From Ponte San Giorgio you have the most spectacular glimpse of this floating perspective.
Symbol of Mantua's sixteenth-century past is Ducal Palace, a complex of several buildings built starting from the XNUMXth century.
From the Middle Ages to the early eighteenth century it was the residence of the Gonzagas, the family that gave the Lombard city the greatest prestige.
Take a seat in the Camera degli Sposi
Here, over the centuries, the Old Court and Castle of San Giorgio with the famous Chamber of the Spouses of Mantegna, a pictorial cycle of the end of the fifteenth century that portrays the representatives of the Gonzagas.
Another Mantuan stop not to be missed is Palazzo Te. Masterpiece of the architect and painter Giulio Romano, it is now the seat of the civic museum.
Among the most visited points of the structure is the Hall of the Giants, frescoed with mythological subjects. Finally, a stop in is a must Piazza delle Erbe to have a coffee under the arcades. And also visit the church of the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, the oldest in the city. Built on the model of the church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, it has a single nave and a characteristic circular shape.
In the village of Santa Claus
What would New Year's Eve parties be without a self-respecting Christmas village? Also this year, from 1st to 26th December, the favorite stage for the little ones is the Thun winter village, an area set up in Piazza Virgiliana, entirely dedicated to the world of santa claus, with stalls, sweets, toys and even an ice rink.
The appointment with fun is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with extraordinary openings on December 25th and 26th.
The initiative involves the construction of an enchanting village-market consisting of typical products wooden houses, which will see the participation of exhibitors from all over Italy.
The decoration of the Village and the designated area will be handled by the prestigious company Thun of Bolzano, main partner of the event for the second consecutive year.
Within Thun Winter Village the opportunity will be offered at approx 60 exhibitors to propose the quality of their products and / or services in an exclusive showcase, highlighting artisanal, commercial and gastronomic activities.
Thun Winter Village will be the nerve center of Christmas in Mantua. In addition to the village-market, in fact, one will also be set up in Piazza Virgiliana ice skating rink large professional: 500 square meters of real ice, on which you can spend moments of pure fun.
In addition, a suggestive "shuttle" service will be arranged on a characteristic train on wheels, which will cover a tourist itinerary of the city making a fascinating tour with stops in the historic center, to immerse yourself in the magic of the beautiful illuminated streets of Mantua aboard an unusual and ecological vehicle.
During the whole period, numerous artistic and musical performances will be hosted in the Village area, as well as activities for children and adults.
The Monaco ring: the typical dessert of Mantua's festivals
Looking at it it might seem like a panettone or a pandoro, in reality for the Mantua people the Ring of Monaco has its own precise identity and cannot be associated with any of these Christmas sweets.
Brought to the city of the Gonzagas in the eighteenth century by the confectionery masters of Munich, it is a donut-shaped delicacy with a filling made of walnuts, chopped almonds and sugar. Garnished after cooking with jam and a thick glaze, it is the most consumed dessert during the holiday season.
Another typical product of these parts, consumed all year round is the crumble Cake made with ground almonds. Both desserts are mouth-watering!
