Photos

The skyline of Mantova may be reminiscent of one of those images evocative of the Arabian nights. It raises before you as you approach across a bridge that spans the lakes encircling the city. The famous early Italian poet Virgil, who was born near Mantova, called it the most romantic city in the world. He was always proud of his origins, even when deprived of his lands and exciled to Rome. Mantova was the setting of Rigoletto by Verdi. The city also played an important role in Dante's Inferno and it is here that Shakespeare decided to exile Romeo in his Romeo and Juliette.

The enormous complex of the Palazzo Ducale, the most prominent building in Mantova, is the centerpiece of the skyline captured on the photo. The baroque coupola of the Duomo is visible in the distance.