We are staying in Italy for the time being (yes it’s still freezing – currently around -10!), but moving on from Sirmione to Mantova (or Mandua as it’s called locally!)…
Compared to Bardolino, and to some extent Sirmione, at least in terms of how busy it is, and the amount of visible tourists, Mantova is like a breath of fresh air.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2007, and with very good reason – there are historical artefacts at every turn (most of which completely appeal to Small People, see Statue below!), and with the first approach into the city not unlike that of Venice (it’s surrounded by artificial lakes (created purely for defence purposes back in the 12th century), not a lagoon however), and with streets that make you catch your breath pretty much as soon as you’ve left the car park, Mantova is a fantastic place to spend a day or three…
We arrived on market day, vibrant and bustling, and with stalls that not only take over the entirety of the impressive square, but many a side street too.
Most are dedicated to local produce as you might expect from this part of the world, but aside from the spectacular food on offer, there are also traditional drapery stalls, stalls selling beads, buttons and bobbins, and then the less traditional (but very popular with the Small Girl) Hello Kitty stall (apart from this, it is relatively tat free though refreshingly!).
After a couple of hours market perusing, and with whetted appetites from all that gorgeous produce, luckily for us we stumbled upon Tiratappi, and made it just in time for a lunchtime table (they eat early here it seems).
Here we sat for a couple of hours appreciating the good service, the beautiful light streaming in through the window, two children being happily fussed over by the waitress, and the delicious (and generous) dishes, many of which have a Sicilian influence (my glorious pumpkin mousse with speck didn’t last all that long!)…
With full bellies, we stumbled out into the sunshine, and with the market packed away, and streets relatively quiet, we wandered happily for an hour or so more, making the most of the late sunshine as we walked.
Mantova you are completely memorable, and I haven’t quite finished with you yet… More soon!
Haha, that statue / water fountain made me giggle too. What a lovely town to wander around and enjoy a meal or two.
Thanks Adelina! :)
I see what you mean about the statue. Never mind the kids, that made me grin.
I am curious what Mantova is famous for now, apart from, obviously, having very old, very beautiful buildings.
Me too. I think it might be food, and art and beautiful buildings… Thank you! :)
It looks like a great place – the fact that there are fewer people there is why I would go!
Exactly! It’s really worth a visit! Thanks SJ! :)
Your photos are always so good that they make me want to visit everywhere you’ve been (in a non-stalkery way lol)
That’s so kind Cass. Thank you! :) x
Oh my it looks wonderful – such atmosphere (and yummy food!) I’m not jealous AT ALL.
Ok, totally jealous!
You would love it Annie! Thank you! :)
How beautiful – its not a place I had ever heard of, but I wish I had. I’m intrigued by what was poured all over your pumpkin mousse.
Thanks so much Sally, it was kind of like a very light bechamel! :)
You always eat so well when on holiday. I admire your ability to find a fab little place for lunch – we are hopeless and end up grabbing a sandwich or pizza. You are so classy, Emma.
Beautiful place – can see why you were all entranced xx
I wish I was classy Trish, you are too kind! You just don’t get to hear about many of our disaster restaurants! :D xx
Oh that food! I am fascinated to know what bastardo del grappa is?!
A cheese that’s difficult to make perhaps?! :D Thanks Ruth…
Beautiful images (as ever Emma). I’m bookmarking this for future Italian adventures, I’ve never heard of Mantova…
You would love it, I am sure Sarah! Thanks so much! :)
LOVE italy. spent a long holiday with my parents one summer in italy and totally fell in love with it.
It has to be one of my favourite countries. Thanks V! :)
It looks beautiful! And so unusual to see an Italian city in this light: with the sun being as low as it is the shadows make the architecture look much more pronounced. The food doesn’t look too bad, either ;-)
Thanks Ginger! We were so lucky with the weather and the light on the day, and the food too! :D
Mantova looks wonderful, despite the cold. I’ll have to add this to my list of places to visit in the future
Paul
Thanks Paul! :)
Gorgeous! I haven’t been to Mantova (I know shock horror) but I’d love to visit having seen and read your post
You have to go next time Mari!! Thank you xx
So lovely to read about your travels. Manitoba does sound and looks like a nice and calming place to be in! How long are you staying there?
We were there towards the end of last year Otilia, much coldness and snow here means I need a little sunshine in one form or another! :D Thank you! :)
Looks beautiful, if a little chilly. And I bet you had some lovely wine too!
Of course!! :D Thank you! :)
I’ve never been to Italy, but it is at the top of my list – your photos aren’t helping that, it looks and sounds amazing!
You absolutely have to go, it’s an amazing country! Thanks Andrea! :)
You really do visit some interesting places! Wonderful photos. Of course as usual I’m drawn to the fabulous looking food! :)
Thank you T! A girl after my own heart! :D
Wow what wonderful photos. I have always wanted to visit Italy, it is on the (never-ending) list of places I have to visit. The architecture looks wonderful.
You must go Nikki, its amazing! Thank you! :)
Minus 10?! Good Lord!! At least it’s blue skies and the food looks to make up for the cold. I am currently drooling and thinking about lunch far too early for my own good. I also love the name of the cheese on the market stall ‘Bastardo del Grappa’ ?! (Immature, moi?) X
Thank you… yes, been a bit parky round these parts of late. Add to that an extra tonnage of snow this morning… Hot country next time please!! :D xx