Suzzara , laying in the part of Mantua territory South of Po river - the Oltrepo - was inhabited in the ancient times by Etruscans and Romans, as archaeological finds show (graves, objects, mosaic floors). Still, important people past some times here, such as Matilda of Tuscany (whose family is celebrated in the City tower, which is the only remain of a XIV century castle), Bonacolsi family, Gonzaga family (whose property it was until XVIII century).
In 1948, Dino Villani, mayor Tebe Mignoni, and Cesare Zavattini instituted Premio Suzzara – id est the Suzzara prize -; the original idea of the prize was to compare art with work, so prizes for artists could be grana cheese, a calf, a foal, butter, salami, chickens, eggs... The awarded pieces became property of the municipality and they constitute today the “Galleria del Premio Suzzara”, collecting artists such as Guttuso, Sassu, Birolli, Romagnoni, Zigaina and Ligabue; of course, you can visit this permanent gallery. The prize is still on; it takes place every two years.
But in Suzzara, you may also visit historical farms along Po river, XVI century villas (Capilupi and Grassetti), or enjoy cycle tracks and festivals, where you can taste and buy typical food and wine.
Events:
“Il Po, le corti e la festa”, id est Po river, farms and festivals (May) - “Mantuan Oltrepo and its tastes” (June) – The Crucified festival (third September week).