Pages

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Mantova, Italy

Casa del Buffone Rigoletto
In a continuation of Northern Italy's Quadrilateral fortress tour, Mantova/Mantua is the second Quadrilateral fortress visited.  Mantua was taken as a day trip by train from our base in Verona.  For the first quadrilateral fortress stop, see Peschiera del Garda.

With only a few hours to spend in Mantua, itself, we purchased the tourist package at the train station before setting off to explore.  The package allowed entry into many of the city's main attractions for one set fee.  Without further ado, on to my whirlwind tour of Mantua.  Some of the sites visited are highlighted in the photo-tour below:

Ducale Palace
A walk through the Ducale Palace is highlighted by the numerous works of art including frescoes, paintings, and statuary throughout the palace.  One such stop is the Hall of Pisanello where some of Pisanello's works are lining the walls.  I spent several minutes scrutinizing both The Tournament of the Castle of King Brangoire and The Legend of Lancelot.







The Legend of Lancelot
The Tournament of the Castle of King Brangoire
Detail of The Tournament of the Castle
 of King Brangoire 
Rotunda de San Lorenzo
A Romanesque church built in the 11th Century.  The oldest church in Mantua.


Torre dell'Orologio
An astronomical clock adjoining the rotunda.  Note the cover above the clock face to shield the clock from weather and the sun.  Besides showing the time of day, the clock displays the phases of the moon, planet location, and follows the sun's path through the signs of the Zodiac.
Basilica di Sant'Andrea
Construction for the church was begun in 1472 on a site occupied by a monastery.  The old monastery bell is seen in the photo below.  The Basilica was built as a repository for a Relic of the Holy Blood and as a place of pilgrimage.





Castello de San Giorgio
The castle was built between 1395 and 1406 for Francesco I Gonzaga. In 1810 the Tyrolean Freedom Fighter, Andreas Hofer was imprisoned here before his execution.  If interested in more background on the Tyrolean Revolt and Andreas Hofer, please visit Peter's blog (Blunders on the Danube: Andreas Hofer) for a vivid account.



Armor Museum
A fine selection of armor is on display in the museum.









After a three hour walk around Mantua, it was time to head back to the train station for our return trip to Verona.  Mantua is definitely a city in which a return visit would be most welcome.  Lovely city.

30 comments:

  1. Great posr Jonathan. More food fir thought for our intended visit to northern Italy sometime next year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good! Another interesting stop to add into your Northern Italy trip!

      Delete
  2. That's the kind of trip where I'd be taking so many pictures, I'd forget to look!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm envious Jonathan, that looks like a great trip! I love the catsle and armour pics.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great trip, indeed, Oli!
      I think you missed my visit to Grandson, Switzerland that I visited upon your recommendation.

      https://palousewargamingjournal.blogspot.com/2018/04/switzerland-chateau-de-grandson.html

      Delete
  4. So much to see and experience, and in just one afternoon: thanks for taking us along. It's interesting to see the Legend of Lancelot on display in a context other than Britain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome, Ed! The works in the Hall of Pisanello were something to see, for sure.

      Delete
  5. Wow, what awesome pictures! I could spend a day just looking at the amazing frescoes in the ducal palace. It looks like some of them have suffered damage over the centuries (hardly surprising).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peter, we could have spent more time in Mantua, no doubt. I was lucky to talk my wife into the day trip. She was unfamiliar with Mantua and wondered why we would want to leave Verona (which she loved) and visit this city out in country. She enjoyed Mantua quite a lot. The artwork in the palace was truly amazing.

      Delete
  6. Oh, and the astrological clock, while a bit difficult to make out, seems fascinating as well!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awesome! castle and armour are my photos, actually all of photos are great!... cheers

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great looking trip! The fortress and churches are fab, pretty sure my wife wouldn't have been too happy on a trip like that!
    Best Iain

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iain,I guess your wife would enjoy the visit. Mine did!

      Delete
  9. Great looking day trip Jonathan - and I expect you found some time to sample the local food and wine as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith, it was an enjoyable day trip and a place I have had on my list to visit. One of the pleasures of travel is sampling the food and drink.

      Delete
  10. Replies
    1. Indeed! Spending one night here would have been even better!

      Delete
  11. I had heard of Mantua, but it was never really on my list. I'll have to make time when we next head over.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Aaaaah! What a fantastic place! I love traveling with history.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nicely looking photos and spectacular place.

    ReplyDelete