Tipologia
The town of Sabbioneta can be reached by car (Highway A22 [Exit Mantua], Highway A4 [Exit Desenzano del Garda], Highway A1[Exit Parma], Highway A21 [Exit Cremona]), by the Bus services connecting Mantua and Parma, or by Rail from the stations at Mantua, Parma, Bozzolo (Mantua) or Casalmaggiore (Cremona).
After you have admired the ancient town walls, which were conceived by Duke Vespasian, the route begins from Piazza Gonzaga car park. The area features gravel-covered. Then take the tarmac-covered pedestrian path, which runs at the same level as the street, to Via Giulio Gonzaga.
On your right, you will see palazzo Giardino, which was built between 1578 and 1588 as a place where the Duke could retreat to read, study, find peace and relief from the daily duties. The first floor is not accessible to disabled visitors, but the ground floor has a computer terminal that can take visitors on a virtual tour of the main sites of historic and artistic interest. The Palace is also the home of the Tourist Office, and a paved and gravel path leads up to it.
Proceed to Piazza d’Armi, which has a car park with 2 disabled spaces reserved for visitors; then take a left turn toward Via Vespasiano Gonzaga, keep on to the right side, cross Via Scamozzi and continue along the 80-cm wide sidewalk that runs parallel to the cobbled road.
Once at the junction with Via Teatro Olimpico, turn right, and proceed along the sidewalk until you reach the entrance of Teatro all’Antica, one of the most remarkable buildings in this town, built between 1588 and 1590 by architect Vincenzo Scamozzi. Note however that the theatre itself is not accessible.
Then, go straight ahead until you reach Piazza Ducale, a cobbled Square overlooked by the Ducal Palace (not accessible) and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Walk along the evenly-surfaced walkway path under the Arcades: at their end a small ramp enables you to cross the Square safely. Proceed to Via dell'Assunta, on the left side, and at No.7, you’ll find Museo a Passo d’Uomo. The building has a disabled entrance at its rear in Via Pesenti, which can be reached using the evenly-surfaced path that runs around the building. This building should be considered as only partially accessible, because the stairs leading to the first floor make it unsuitable for visitors in wheelchairs.
The route continues from Piazza Ducale. From the sidewalk on the left, enter Via Campi to get to the Church of San Rocco, a detached part of Museo a Passo d'Uomo that overlooks the cobbled Square. The Church should be considered as accessible with assistance, because there is one 10-cm step to overcome if you want to visit both its areas.
After passing Piazza San Rocco, the Synagogue stands on your left. It should be considered inaccessible because of an internal flight of stairs. Proceed along the sidewalk to the left of Via Campini (which is made of bricks at the same level as the cobbled highway), until you find yourself in Via dell’Accademia, at the end of which you can see Palazzo Forti. This refined middle-class Mansion House is reminiscent of other houses with courtyards within the town walls. At the very end of Via dell’Accademia, you will reach Via Vespasiano Gonzaga. Walk along the sidewalk that runs along its left side (which is made of flag stones), and you will find yourself back in Piazza d’Armi.