Mantova

We decided to tempt the Fates today and headed south into earthquake country - the Padana region of Italia - to visit Mantova, which is quite near Modena and the area of the recent (May and June) seismic activity. So far, so good, no shaking! Mantova is a beautiful, picturesque city, and was the home of the Gonzaga dukes during the 14th to 17th centuries. It is also known in literature as the city where Shakespeare's Romeo was sent into exile from neighboring Verona, and as the birthplace of the Roman age poet Virgilio Marone, better known as Virgil. It was also the setting for Verdi's famous opera Rigoletto. The origin of Mantova goes back to prehistoric times, when lake-dwelling people settled the land along the marshy waters of the Mincio River. Later, the Etruscans founded settlements and then the Gauls until Mantova became a Roman colony. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city experienced a rebirth, and modern town planning. They did a incredible job with that as, basically, the city is an architectural historian's dream. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightfully so. We visited the Palazzo Ducale,or the part we could get into, since it was damaged during the May earthquake. Wow, what a place - 500 rooms, multiple gardens,churches, a basilica and a huge piazza. It was home to the Gonzaga family during the Rennaissance and its interior frescoes are telltale signs of that historical period. The palazzo also incorporates the Castello (castle) of San Giorgio a 14th century fortress. We walked around town to another smaller palazzo in Piazza delle Erbe and then around the city in general. The Duomo is under restoration so we didn't spend much time there except to enjoy the natural "air conditioning" afforded by the gorgeous mrble walls and ceiling. It was terribly hot and humid today, so that small respite was most welcomed. Pictures of Mantova will have to wait until the weekend. Tomorrow we are off to Verona for the day and then back to Berzo for a pizza dinner at the sports bar with cousins to watch the Italia vs Germany game. Predictions here are that Italia's run at the European championship will end at the hands (or feet really) of a sharp, young German team. As for me, I am ever hopeful that the Azzurri can pull off a huge upset. Hope along with me. Forza Italia!!