The Small Athens

Artistico e Culturale

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Artistico e Culturale

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SABBIONETA, also known as the Small Athens, was founded by Vespasiano Gonzaga (1531 – 1591). On 7 July 2008 Sabbioneta and Mantua became UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sabbioneta is one of the Italian Renaissance Ideal Cities, planned and built from the beginning to imitate Roman cities plans. All of its XVI century buildings and streets are still perfectly preserved, and this is the main reason for its tourist attraction.
You will surely appreciate its two monumental gates (Porta Imperiale and Porta della Vittoria), Galleria degli Antichi and Palazzo Giardino, Palazzo Ducale, the theatre designed by Scamozzi, Incoronata church (where Vespasiano's tomb is), Carmine and Assunta churches. Still, you may visit the XIX century synagogue and the little museum of sacred art, where Vespasiano's Golden Fleece is.
You should not miss, in the neighbourhood, the nice little church in Vigoreto, the stately parish church in VILLA PASQUALI - designed by Bibiena -, nor the remains of the ancient walls  and gates of RIVAROLO MANTOVANO.
From COMMESSAGGIO, a cycle track - passing through lower Oglio river natural park - leads to the river itself.

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Risorsaturistica Palazzo del Giardino, Sabbioneta This suburban villa where the Duke withdrew to read, study and seek solace from the commitments of government. Modest in size, on two storeys and elongated, it features a facade rendered white to contrast with its fine oak cornice. Work commenced in 1578 and was completed with its decorations in or around 1587. In 1588, the Duke had geometric motifs in imitation marble painted on the exterior. Despite the simple structure, inside is a decorative itinerary inspired by the vast literary culture of Vespasiano.
Risorsaturistica Museo d`Arte Sacra 'A passo d`Uomo' This museum is in the old town centre, beside the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta. The building can be dated to the second half of the 16C. In 1989, the museum was inaugurated with the opening to the public of a first section consisting in the room of the Gonzaga treasure. Subsequently, another five sections were added. Inside it houses liturgical furnishings, paintings, fabrics and sculptures, dating from the 16C to the 18C and linked to the parish of Santa Maria Assunta.
Risorsaturistica Galleria degli Antichi, Sabbioneta This was built between 1584 and 1586 to exhibit the Duke’s archaeological collection of antique marbles, acquired after his return from the royal court in Spain in 1578. The collection of antique marbles and hunting trophies was transferred by Austrian decree in 1773 to Palazzo dell'Accademia in Mantua. In 1774, officials serving the Austrian government confiscated all movables in Palazzo Ducale in Sabbioneta, in particular the antique marbles. The fresco decoration on the walls is by Giovanni and Alessandro Alberti and dates from 1587.
Risorsaturistica Ducal Palace, Sabbioneta Official seat and the centre of public and administrative life in the city-state of Sabbioneta, this dominates Piazza Ducale. It was constructed between 1560 and 1561 after a raging fire destroyed the previous building. The Palazzo has four floors: basement, ground floor, piano nobile and mezzanine, and served as the residence of Duke Vespasiano Gonzaga. The lower section of the facade has a rusticated raised porch with five arches. The high entrance is preceded by steps and is in white marble. Inside, the huge salons conserve fine wooden ceilings, four of which were restored in 2011. As well as ceilings in Lebanon cedar and walnut, the first-floor Sala della Aquile features a Cavalcade, a row of wooden equestrian statues with riders, likenesses of Vespasiano Gonzaga Colonna, wearing ceremonial armour and the Golden Fleece collar, and his ancestors.
Risorsaturistica Synagogue, Sabbioneta The synagogue was built in 1824, probably to a design by the architect Carlo Visioli. In 1840, the stuccowork on the vaulted ceiling was executed by Swiss artist Pietro Bolla. The present building replaced an older one, the location of which is unknown. After a long period of abandon, the restoration was completed in 1994 and it was reopened to the public. The Torah Ark of the old synagogue was conserved here until 1970 but has now been transferred to Jerusalem. The synagogue is no longer used for religious purposes.
Tematerritoriale Oglio Po