This year, Mantua, the artistic lesser-known gem of Lombardy, is to be the Italian Cultural Capital. Milan may be the biggest metropolis of the region but, for 2016, Mantua is to be the cultural hub of Lombardy. The city was selected from a shortlist of ten by a judging panel of experts appointed by the Minister of Cultural Heritage and beat out other contenders such as Aquileia, Como, Ercolano, Parma, Pisa, Pistoia, Spoleto, Taranto and Terni.
An official UNESCO World Heritage Site, birthplace of Virgil, ancient Roman poet par excellence, and former seat of the Gonzaga family and Renaissance excellence, Mantua truly is a cultural hub for history buffs, art-lovers, architecture aficionados and music fans alike. If you're interested in witnessing some of the special events planned this year, why not find a vacation rental in Lombardy and spend some time in Mantua?
An official UNESCO World Heritage Site, birthplace of Virgil, ancient Roman poet par excellence, and former seat of the Gonzaga family and Renaissance excellence, Mantua truly is a cultural hub for history buffs, art-lovers, architecture aficionados and music fans alike. If you're interested in witnessing some of the special events planned this year, why not find a vacation rental in Lombardy and spend some time in Mantua?
Mantua has received €1 million from the Ministry of Culture and will use these funds, along with with the resources that have already been invested and those collected through private donations, to put on a series of special events and projects over the course of the year.
This will enrich the already impressive cultural landscape and attractions of the city and everyone involved is exited for what the year holds with Minister Dario Franceschini stating that it was “the start of something wonderful”.
The idea for the program comes from the model of the European Capital of Culture which rotates to each EU member country every 14 years. The Italian Capital of Culture means that each year an Italian city will also be put in the spotlight.
This will enrich the already impressive cultural landscape and attractions of the city and everyone involved is exited for what the year holds with Minister Dario Franceschini stating that it was “the start of something wonderful”.
The idea for the program comes from the model of the European Capital of Culture which rotates to each EU member country every 14 years. The Italian Capital of Culture means that each year an Italian city will also be put in the spotlight.
The Mayor of Mantua, Mattia Palazzi, also expressed satisfaction over the decision saying that the funding wasn't the only important part but the “recognition as a small city, but one with international ambitions and an extraordinary heritage.”
That extraordinary heritage includes the likes of the Giuliano Romano's masterpiece, the Palazzo del Te, the stunning Ducal Palace, the entwined prehistoric bodies known as the Lovers of Voldaro, the Festival of Literature and much more. All of which is located in a city of less than 50,000 people which has been declared the most “liveable” in the country due to the low levels of pollution, the quality of life, public transport and other factors.
Really, the list of reasons to visit Mantua is endless. If you're planning a trip to Italy this year, put it at the top of the list.
That extraordinary heritage includes the likes of the Giuliano Romano's masterpiece, the Palazzo del Te, the stunning Ducal Palace, the entwined prehistoric bodies known as the Lovers of Voldaro, the Festival of Literature and much more. All of which is located in a city of less than 50,000 people which has been declared the most “liveable” in the country due to the low levels of pollution, the quality of life, public transport and other factors.
Really, the list of reasons to visit Mantua is endless. If you're planning a trip to Italy this year, put it at the top of the list.
Photo credits
Picture 2: Jeffrey Sciberras / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Martin Stiburek / CC BY-SA 4.0
Picture 2: Jeffrey Sciberras / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Martin Stiburek / CC BY-SA 4.0