Mantua (Mantova) and the Festivaletteratura
Mincio River
Mantua is the city of Gonzaga family; a brilliant story of art and beauty. It was one of the Italian centres of world culture. Leon Battista Alberti, Andrea Mantegna and Giulio Romano contributed to its fame.
The palaces and artworks indelibly mark the tradition of Mantua.
The heritage of the past has not given up. It has continued over time, both in the preservation of places and in increasing the intellectual passion of a curious population. With the Festivaletteratura, Mantua has revived its ancient cultural level. The festival was born in 1997 and had developed in the architectural and natural environments of Mantua. For a week, Mantua is the capital of books, of Italian and international literature.
Castel San Giorgio
Erected by Francesco Gonzaga for military purposes, it was finished in 1405. Subsequently, Gonzaga transferred the residence to the castle. Surrounded by moats, the fortification is at the intersection between the Middle and Lower lakes. It has a solid, massive figure, difficult to conquer and dominate. Yet, the military walls are sweetened by the kindness of Andrea Mantegna's paintings. War and artistic power merge in the castle.
Piazza delle Erbe
In the centre of Mantua, there is the Piazza delle Erbe. It is a lively and enjoyable place for meeting. There are many bars and restaurants that enhance the different gastronomy and refined tastes of the Mantuan people.
Rotonda di San Lorenzo
The Rotonda of San Lorenzo is very old, built in the 11th century, it has a rounded shape. The church is 1.5 meters below the street surface. Their steps can be an essential theatre for city events.
Palazzo Te
Erected immediately after 1500 as a villa for Federico II Gonzaga, Palazzo Te is a grandiose building. Composed of four parts, the walls enclose a magnificent and vast garden. The villa is the expression of a noble summer residence.
Lotus flowers
The Padma - the lotus flower in Sanskrit - is the representation of heroes. They are the image of purity, the religious symbol in Eastern faith. Why are there extensive lotus flowers on the lakes and the river Mincio in Mantua? It is a beautiful surprise. Their flowering is exciting, the lotus is the flower of physical and soul sublimity.
The lotus arrived in Mantua from the natural scientist Anna Maria Pellegreffi in 1921. However, it is more romantic to believe in the legend, a tragic love affair. An Oriental woman falls into the lake and dies. Her lover will throw lotus seeds into the lake to remember her when he watches the flowering.(https://www.italiaoggi.it/news/la-piu-grande-distesa-di-fior-di-loto-fuori-dal-giappone-e-nel-parco-naturale-del-mincio-merita-un-2463020)
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Credit photo: popcinema.org
