Magical Mantua

We have just spent two really awesome days in Mantua, which is in the province of Lombardy in Northern Italy (about 2-1/2 hours train ride from Prato).

Our B&B is an 1,100-year old villa and family home, that has been converted into apartments and rooms with uncovered, original frescos on some of the walls - hence its name, B&B L'Affresco. Marina and her daughter, Elisa have been running this charming place for just two years but already have had some very good reviews for their beautiful rooms and wonderful Mantovian hospitality. It is located within 5 minutes walking time from the centre of the city. The pictures below were our view of the backyard and the scent of jasmine was intoxicating, wafting up.

Mantua was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 2008. It is also on the same list of ten smaller cities in Italy to see. It dates back to the Etruscan time and as you can guess, there are many beautiful buildings, palaces, towers, and sculptures. It just so happens that we took a few pictures for you!

We are fortunate to be here now and not three years ago when there were several earthquakes that did considerable damage. We did see a few buildings still with scaffolds around them, working to earthquake proof them.

Mantua is surrounded by three lakes which were artificially created and the Po River. We were told that there is a lotus festival in the summer which of course I would have loved to see.

We will definitely return again to this little spot. Ciao for now!