[June 2024] After enjoying Palazzo Te in the historic city of Mantua in northern Italy, we stopped by the remains of a church called Tempio Leon Battista Alberti on the way back to the old town.
We were told that the ticket for Palazzo Te is valid to go up to the upper floors of this church building.
This building was designed by the Renaissance artist Leon Battista Alberti, and construction began around 1470 as the Basilica of San Sebastiano.
It was built as a mausoleum for citizens as well, but its role as a church has ended and it has become a museum.
However, the basement still has a mausoleum-like space with the names of those who died in battles engraved on it.
On the upper floors, the coat of arms and statues of the Gonzaga family, who could be said to be the masters of Mantua, were on display.
After leaving here, we went to the Rotonda di San Lorenzo near the centre of the old town.
It was closed in the morning for a music festival but now it was open for the public.
It is said to be the oldest church building in Mantua, built between 1050 and 1151.
It is a circular brick building, and its simple structure gives off a nice historical atmosphere.
There is something quite appealing about this kind of bare-bones construction.
It’s a bit like a hammam.
Over its long history, the dome has collapsed, houses have been built around it and it has been buried, and it has come close to being demolished, but thanks to the efforts of a few people, it is still standing today.
It was built as a church, but it is no longer in function and is mainly a tourist attraction.
Although we walked with the aim of visiting these famous places, Mantua is also a great place to just wander around aimlessly.
My husband said, “I think Mantua has the most fulfilling old town.”
Despite that, it is not that well known internationally, and most of the tourists are domestic.
But that’s also an advantage, isn’t it?
These days, world-famous Italian tourist spots are so crowded with tourists from all over the world that it’s hard to tell which country you’re in.
Oh, and there’s also a famous sweet here.
It’s a baked cake called Sbrisolona, which looks heavy at first glance, but in fact, it’s light, crispy, and delicious.
There was one in the hotel room to take home, so I tried it when I got home, and I wished I’d bought some if it was so delicious.
I ate it without taking a picture unfortunately.
I’ll have to remember to buy some next time…
