Ostiglia
Ostiglia: a dive into the beauty of the Po Valley
If you're looking for a place immersed in the beauty of the Po Valley, Ostiglia is definitely the place for you. This Italian town with its 6,601 inhabitants is located in the province of Mantova, southeast of the capital. If you've never been there, read this summary to discover everything you need to know about Ostiglia!
Physical geography
Ostiglia is located in a swampy area, at 13 meters above sea level and on the banks of the river Po. The municipal territory borders the Veneto region, to the north with the province of Verona and to the east with the province of Rovigo. The town is crossed by the SS12 Abetone and Brennero, an important artery that connects the town with Verona to the north and Modena to the south. The main reference cities are Mantova, Verona and Legnago, all located a few tens of kilometers away.
Origin of the name
The name Ostiglia derives from a Latin personal name "Hostilius", with a suffix. In Roman times, the town was known as "Hostilia" and represented an important point for commercial exchanges directed from Emilia towards Verona and the German territories.
History
Ostiglia has a long and interesting history. Cornelio Nepote was born there in the 1st century BC, while in the 5th century AD it was the seat of couriers called "Dromonarii", whose task was to transport goods to Verona. After the dissolution of the Roman Empire, Ostiglia was invaded by the Ostrogoths and later by the Lombards and the Franks with Charlemagne.
Ostiglia in the Middle Ages
During the Late Middle Ages, Ostiglia entered the orbit of Verona, which made it one of its strongholds with the construction of a castle in 1151. During the period in which the family of the Ezzelini held power in Verona, they acquired properties in Ostiglia, which were carefully verified, counted, and documented after their definitive defeat in 1260. In 1308 Ostiglia was under the dominion of the Scaligeri, who were succeeded in 1381 by the Visconti and in 1391 by the Gonzaga.
From the Renaissance to the Risorgimento
Since then, Ostiglia has been indissolubly linked to Mantova in political terms, but continued to be part of the Diocese of Verona until the second half of the 18th century. With the fall of the Gonzaga, in 1707 Ostiglia passed with the whole Duchy of Mantova under the imperial dynasty of the Lorraine (dynasty), in the person of Emperor Joseph I of Austria. Under Austrian domination, Ostiglia lost all its strategic importance, so much so that Emperor Charles VI of Austria in 1717 ordered the demolition of its castle to use the materials in the fortifications of Mantua.
In 1797 Ostiglia became part of the Cisalpine Republic wanted by Napoleon Bonaparte and ceased to be the district capital to become a canton of the Mantua district. After the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1814, Ostiglia returned under Austrian domination, becoming part of the Lombardo-Veneto Kingdom and being the district capital again.
What to see in Ostiglia
The Castle of Ostiglia
The Castle of Ostiglia was built in 1151 by order of Verona to control the course of the river Po. The castle was destroyed in 1717 on the orders of Emperor Charles VI of Austria, but some parts of the original building are still visible.
The Church of San Giovanni Battista
The Church of San Giovanni Battista dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in the Mantova area. The interior houses paintings and frescoes dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
The Archaeological Civic Museum
The Archaeological Civic Museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts dating back to the Roman, Lombard, and medieval periods.
Events and festivals in Ostiglia
San Giuseppe Fair
The San Giuseppe Fair is one of the most important events in Ostiglia. It is a mercantile fair held on the third Wednesday of March and attracts visitors from all over the region.
Feast of San Giovanni Battista
The Feast of San Giovanni Battista is held on June 24th and celebrates the patron saint of the town. During the festival, there are stalls and musical performances.
The Palio of the Boats
The Palio of the Boats is an event held on August 15th. The boats represent the ancient "maestà" of the municipalities in the area and compete on the river Po.
What to eat in Ostiglia
The cuisine of Ostiglia is based on typical dishes of the Mantova and Veneto traditions. Among the most famous dishes are "tortelli di zucca" and "sbrisolona", a crisp and crunchy dessert.
Conclusions
Ostiglia is a town that deserves to be visited if you love history and culture. From a geographical point of view, it is located in a swampy area in the middle of the Po Valley, southeast of the capital Mantova. The town offers many tourist attractions, including the Castle of Ostiglia, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Archaeological Civic Museum. In addition, Ostiglia is known for its events, including the San Giuseppe Fair, the Feast of San Giovanni Battista, and the Palio of the Boats. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, based on typical dishes of the Mantova and Veneto traditions.
