The Castles of Mantua

Like almost all the rivers, also river Mincio marked for centuries the natural boundary of important estates: from the early Middle Ages to the feudal age, from the communes to the Signorie, this territory, know for its rich economy and for its strategic military position, has always been disputed, above all in the upper area of Mantua, and the landscape has been gradually characterized by new castles or fortifications built on summits or in key places. As a matter of fact, the presence of important communication axes and an extraordinary river-lake system (Garda, Mincio, Po) transformed this area into a belt very longed for by the local lords.