Tipologia
The three lakes encircling Mantua - Superiore, di Mezzo and Inferiore - provide a wonderful place from which to view and admire the unmistakable outline of this monumental town. The present hydraulic lock system - a masterpiece designed by Alberto Pitentino - was constructed in 1190, and is still used to control the flow of the River Mincio around the town. The green areas along the banks of the three lakes have all been landscaped over time and now form ‘urban parks’. Car parks are available all along Viale Mincio, and along the shores of di Mezzo Lake: these are asphalted, and offer 7 spaces for disabled drivers. In order to reach the combined cycle-footpaths, you need to cross the road using one of the pedestrian crossings, then head toward one of the compacted gravel slopes leading to them: there are quite a few of these gentle slopes to negotiate along the way, and most are about 20 m. long and 200 cm wide. The cycle-footpaths are approximately 280 cm wide, surfaced with either paving or fine-gravel, and are surrounded by green, shaded areas equipped with wooden tables (72 cm high), benches (40 cm high) and public drinking fountains (90 cm high). It’s worth noting that public toilet facilities equipped for disabled users are available near to Piazza Arche and Piazza Virgiliana. Visitors who are interested in technical matters will be interested in the Science Trail, which runs along the shores of Lake di Mezzo. This educational area has many interactive exhibits, designed to encourage a thirst for knowledge and meeting other visitors. Educational and Information boards are installed all over the area at a height of around 160 cm. Along the pathway there are two mooring spots for visitors who want to cruise the three City lakes or visit remarkable places like Governolo, San Benedetto Po, Venice or Chioggia. All motor-ships operating in the area are fully equipped to carry disabled passengers.