Surreal Mantua

I arrived early in the morning just as the fog was lifting from the lakes that surround Mantua. It was a fitting start to a day of visual surprises. 

Lago Inferiore, Mantova

Lago Inferiore, Mantova

Lago Inferiore, Mantova

I stopped the car to went down to the lakeside to admire the scene. Even the oil refinery on the other shore had some charm in the strange light I found.

Lago Inferiore, Mantova

Lago Inferiore, Mantova

Then I went over to the other side of the lake to try and photograph the city as it emerged from the fog.

Lago Inferiore, Mantova

Lago Superiore, Mantova

Palazzo Ducale, Mantova

The first place I stopped off at was  the charming little circular Rotonda di San Lorenzo that dates from 1082. I find the interior of this little church magical even though it is almost impossible to photograph.

Rotonda di San Lorenzo, Mantua

Rotonda di San Lorenzo, Mantua

Then came the big surprise.  With just €2 you can enter the spectacular  Teatro Scientifico Bibiena.  

This place leaves one speechless when one enters and is confronted by the boxes surrounding the seating area. This theatre was built in 1767 and a  fourteen year old Mozart played here a month after its inauguration.

Teatro Scientifico Bibiena, Mantua

Teatro Scientifico Bibiena, Mantua

Teatro Scientifico Bibiena, Mantua

Teatro Scientifico Bibiena, Mantua

Teatro Scientifico Bibiena, Mantua

I had lunch in a small trattoria where I ate some typical local food. First I had tortellini alla zucca (pumpkin) followed by “Straccotto di Manzo”  with Polenta. Washed down with some Lambrusco.

Mantova

Duomo, Mantova

The last place I visited was Matenga’s house.  Nothing remains of the original decoration but the house is worth visiting for the courtyard with its famous view towards the sky.

Casa di Mantegna, Mantova

Casa di Mantegna, Mantova

Mantova