Mantua (Mantova)

The city of Mantua (Mantova in Italian) is one of the prominent cultural centers of the Lombardy region, and indeed of the whole country. It feels a bit like an island, surrounded on three sides by lakes that were created in the 12th century as part of the city's defense. The fourth lake – which made it impossible to reach the city but through water – dried up in the 18th century. The historic center of the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007.
The Gonzaga family that ruled Mantua from the 14th through the 17th centuries were great patrons of the arts, giving the city an international reputation as a center of art and music, particularly opera. This is also the nearest modern city to the birthplace of the Roman poet Virgil.

Practical Info

Mantua is about 114 miles from Milan if you plan to drive. There is train service between the two cities – the fastest trip is direct and just under two hours one-way, though it can be up to three hours with a train change in Verona.