Commissioned by Duke Vespasiano Gonzaga in the late 16th century, Sabbioneta fully embodies the vision and innovative spirit of its creator. Inspired by the Renaissance urban model of the “ideal city,” it is enclosed by ancient star-shaped hexagonal walls and features two entrances: Porta Vittoria, the oldest, and Porta Imperiale, entirely clad in white marble. From here begins an exploration that leads to the Palazzo del Giardino, the prince’s private residence, characterized by a simple white plastered facade adorned with a decorative wooden cornice. Inside, the palace boasts frescoes and paintings by renowned artists such as Carlo Urbino and Bernardino Campi.

The building is directly connected to the Galleria degli Antichi, an extraordinary 97-meter-long structure built by Vespasiano to house his vast archaeological collection. The gallery consists of 26 arches on the lower level, while the upper corridor is fully adorned with frescoes illuminated by large windows and topped with an exquisite wooden ceiling.

The journey through the ideal city continues to Palazzo Ducale, located in the square of the same name. With its elegant facade featuring an elevated portico, the palace served as a ceremonial space and the center of public and administrative life in the town.

The Teatro Olimpico, also known as the Teatro all’Antica, is a rare gem, the first permanent theater in Europe built without being tied to pre-existing structures. Designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, a student of Palladio, it features a rectangular layout with wooden tiered seating, a semicircular loggia with Corinthian columns, and statues of gods.

Complementing the city’s artistic and architectural wonders are its recognized culinary specialties, certified with the De.Co. designation. Highlights include the fragrant Filòs biscuits and tortelli with melon and chili, a flavorful variation of the traditional pumpkin tortelli, best enjoyed with a glass of Lambrusco Mantovano DOC.

Situated in a territory inhabited since the Bronze Age, as evidenced by numerous unearthed artifacts, the village rose to prominence under the Gonzaga family. The historic buildings invite exploration, and one is left in awe of the elegant architecture of the Palazzo della Ragione, now the town hall.

The town and its hamlets feature numerous places of worship, among which the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Annunziata, built starting in 1522, stands out. The Latin cross structure with three naves houses paintings by prominent Renaissance artists such as Bernardino Campi, Teodoro Ghisi, and Francesco Borgani.

Viadana also shines culturally, thanks to the presence of the MuVi, a rich museum complex that includes the Civic Gallery of Contemporary Art, the “Luigi Parazzi” Municipal Library, and the “Antonio Parazzi” Civic Museum, which displays archaeological artifacts uncovered in the surrounding area.

Lastly, Viadana is renowned as a production area for one of Mantua province’s signature products: melons.

The village came under the control of the Gonzaga family around the mid-14th century, but it was only with the arrival of Giulio Cesare Gonzaga that it became a true gem among the Po River floodplains. The marquis, a cousin of Vespasiano, sought to create his own “ideal city” here. He designed an urban layout with an orthogonal street plan and expanded the castle along two perpendicular axes to form four symmetrical districts. These districts are still recognizable today, despite the castle’s destruction by the French towards the end of the 18th century.

The square, once located in front of the castle, is now bordered to the north by the stables, the only surviving structure of the fortified complex. Surrounding it are historic buildings, all dating back to the early 17th century. Notable features include the arcades that frame the entire square, the town hall, and the Church of Santa Felicita and the Seven Martyr Brothers.

Just outside the village lies the Garzaia di Pomponesco Nature Reserve, a protected area established in 1998 and located along the Po River. A walk along its trails is the perfect prelude to enjoying the Luadèl, a bread made from dough spread with lard and folded like pastry, best paired with one of the region’s excellent local cured meats.