Province of Mantua

The Province of Mantua is an administrative division in Lombardy, Italy, stretching along the Mincio River and marked by flat terrain with canals, rice paddies, and low hills to the south. The territory includes several lakes, among them Lago Superiore and Lago di Mezzo, which surround the city of Mantua and have served as natural defenses for centuries.

The region was under Etruscan and later Roman control before becoming an independent territory in the Middle Ages under the Gonzaga family, who ruled for nearly four centuries. After the Gonzaga line ended, the area passed to Austria and eventually became part of unified Italy during the Risorgimento.

The name Mantua derives from the Etruscan god Mantus, a figure of the underworld worshipped in ancient religion. This connection to Etruscan culture remains visible today through archaeological finds and ancient settlement layers.

The area is best explored by car, as many smaller towns and historical sites are connected by rural roads. Cycling paths along the river and canals offer a quiet alternative for visitors who want to discover the countryside at a slower pace.

The poet Virgil was born in 70 BCE in a small village near Mantua, and his works continue to contribute to the literary reputation of the area today. Visitors can still see the rural setting that shaped his descriptions of the Italian countryside.