Mantua

Capital of Mantua province, Lombardy, Italy, on an island in a lagoon of the River Mincio, southwest of Verona; population (1990) 54,200. It is the market and service centre of a prosperous agricultural region. Industries include petrochemicals, engineering, plastics, brewing, and printing. The town, which dates from Etruscan times, has Gothic palaces and a cathedral founded in the 10th century. The Roman poet Virgil was born nearby in 70 BC.

From 1328 to 1707 the town was ruled by the Gonzaga family, under whom it became a centre of learning. It then passed to the Austrians who fortified it as part of the ‘Quadrilateral’ to guard Veneto. The town has wide streets and squares and many historic buildings. There is a 14th-century castle; a vast ducal palace with a frescoed room (1465–74) by Mantegna; the Renaissance house of Mantegna (1476); and the Palazzo del Te (1525–35), built by Giulio Romano in the Mannerist style. The cathedral underwent several reconstructions between its 10th-century foundation and the 18th century.

Mantua

Province of northern Italy in southeast Lombardy region; capital Mantua; area 2,339 sq km/903 sq mi; population (2000 est) 374,000.