art and history in Montova - 15 & 16 Aprile

We had scheduled a rest day while in Mantova and took advantage of the city, bordered by three man-made lakes (as fortification back in the day), to enjoy the sights. We cycled the path around the lakes, cycled and walked the rumblly, pave'd city streets and narrow alleys along with the rest of the population. So many cyclists laden with baskets and children and, even, stilettos!

We also took the opportunity to tour the Ducal Palace--the largest residence in Italy, evidently, after the Vatican, home of the Gonzaga family-- the Dukes of Mantova (and the Este relations) from the 14th to 17th centuries. We poked around the cathedral and the Basilica di Sant'Andrea, church of Saint Barbara... Seeing the art and craftsmanship that went into building and decorating such places was quite amazing. Also amazing is that so much is gone, or only recently been revealed and restored.