Ponti sul Mincio
Bridges over the Mincio River: a commune surrounded by nature
Ponti sul Mincio is a commune located in the Alto Mantovano, surrounded by a vast countryside consisting of moraine hills and a cycle-pedestrian path leading along the Mincio River. It is part of the Mincio Regional Park and is the northernmost commune in the province of Mantua. Today, I will take you on a journey to discover this small village immersed in nature.
The territory of Ponti sul Mincio
Ponti sul Mincio boasts Monte Casale, a reference point for the locals and residents of the surrounding communes, famous for the beauty of the landscape. On the hill, there is a plaque erected in memory of those who died in the Battle of Monte Casale on April 30th, 1945. The place is ideal to take a break, refuel or simply relax and enjoy the view.
The countryside that surrounds the commune consists of the moraine hills of Lake Garda and the cycle-pedestrian path along the Mincio River, a perfect road for a walk, a run or a bike ride in contact with nature.
Origin of the name
The name Ponti sul Mincio probably derives from the fact that, before the 12th century, the village was located near a bridge over the Mincio river. However, some artistic sources and photographic documents testify to the presence, in the past, of a series of watercourses and marshy areas in the space currently occupied by the houses and the urban center. For this reason, some scholars hypothesize that the name derives from the use of a system of bridges and passages to traverse these swampy areas with which the territory was littered.
History of Ponti sul Mincio
Ponti sul Mincio, formerly known as Ponte ("Pons"), appeared for the first time on documents in 1145, in a list of the plebian churches of the diocese of Verona. However, the territory has been inhabited by populations since Roman times, as evidenced by some epigraphic finds in the area of the Castello di Ponti sul Mincio.
During the period between 1195 and 1275, the Castle was built under the rule of the Della Scala; the village began its expansion first around the nucleus of the castle and then in the territory at the foot of the cliff, towards the Mincio river.
After the fall of the Scaligeri and a brief period under the rule of the Visconti, Ponti was included in the territory of the Republic of Venice, starting from 1405 and definitively from 1426, under Doge Francesco Foscari. The Venetian rule lasted until 1797 when, following the Napoleonic wars in Italy in 1796, the Cisalpine Republic was formed. Ponti was aggregated to the VII district of Castiglione delle Stiviere, included in the Department of the Mincio, under French rule.
Union of communes and Castelli Morenici
In 2016, the Union of communes "Castelli Morenici" was established, comprising the communes of Medole, Ponti sul Mincio and Solferino. The name of the union is derived from the morenic hills that characterize the landscape of these communes.
The Union of communes was established to offer better services to citizens and to make the best use of the resources of the territory. Among the activities and initiatives organized by the Union of Castelli Morenici communes are festivals, music events, exhibitions, and cultural activities.
Conclusions
Traveling to Ponti sul Mincio means immersing yourself in nature, discovering a commune rich in history and culture, and enjoying typical regional products. Visiting the small village means discovering the landscape beauty of Monte Casale and the cycle-pedestrian path in contact with the flora and fauna of the area. Moreover, the Union of Castelli Morenici promotes activities and initiatives to enhance the territory and its history, offering visitors an authentic experience of the region.
