Ponti sul Mincio lies just to the south of Lake Garda, three kilometres from Peschiera del Garda, in the part the Moreinic amphitheatre in the province of Mantua. This little medieval town boasts a wellpreserved castle built by the Scaligers of Verona some time between the 12th and the 14th century. Together with the castles at Monzambano, Valeggio, Nogarole, Peschiera and Sirmione, the one in Ponti sul Mincio formed part of a defensive system running southwest to protect the Scaliger family against raids from the Viscontis and Gonzagas.

Let us set out to discover this pearl in the Mantuan hills with an exceptional guide, Mrs Rita Farina, who has been the mayor of Ponti since 1999 and will accompany us on our journey. "We're in the far north of the Province of Mantua says the mayor - in a little corner wedged between the provinces of Mantua, Verona and Brescia. We're so close to Lake Garda that we represent an interesting alternative for tourists who come to the lake, on foot or by bike, to discover an area that is reminiscent of the Tuscany hills. We've got medieval villages, historic remains and lush vegetation that grows right up to the edges of the town. And there are trails and itineraries and accommodation deep in the heart of the countryside. These are just some of the features of our area, all of which come under the environmental protection of the Nature Preservation Society.

The town council is well aware of all this and for years has adopted policies to preserve the environment and promote economic activities connected with it. This means that tourists who come here can enjoy an unforgettable experience on Italy's loveliest lake, and also take day trips to discover castles, wild orchids, the course of the river Mincio, flora and fauna typical of protected marshlands, and the subtle links between urban areas and the countryside".
Can you suggest what artistic and historic places are worth seeing? "The best is undoubtedly the Scaliger castle, which has recently been renovated so that it can host cultural and other events. It is completely surrounded by walls built with pebbles from the river. The entrance is through a little doorway in the western wall, next to the clock tower. A little road leads up from the main square in the town and the last part is quite a steep path. The castle's normally closed, but parties can get permits from the Town Hall and guided visits can also be arranged.

One place worth visiting in the centre of the town is the parish church of Sant'Antonio Abate. The entrance door is decorated with carvings dating back to the 18th century. Inside there's an altarpiece in the apse depicting the temptations of St. Anthony, and on the right of the high altar is a fresco of the Crucifixion, dated 1427. It was found during the recent restoration works and provides evidence that it was once the site of a Romanesque church. There are other churches dotted all around. One of the most interesting is certainly the church of San Nicolò. We're not exactly sure when it was built, but we do know it existed at the time of the Council of Trent, in 1545.

It's only opened up on special occasions, for example in May for the reciting of the rosary and on December 6th during the festival of San Nicolò. Right in the town centre is the Monument to the Fallen, erected in 1934 by the architect Giancarlo Maroni, a friend of Gabriele D'Annunzio, who designed the Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone Riviera. The builders of the monument used stone taken from Monte Croce fort, one of the string of Austrian forts near Ponti that defended the Habsburg stronghold of Peschiera del Garda during the Risorgimento.

Luckly, Fort Ardietti was saved from destruction. Two thirds of it come under Ponti sul Mincio and the other third comes under Peschiera. This fort offers guided visits. It contains numerous historic documents referring to the Risorgimento battles in which the town of Ponti took part. Austrian troops were frequently stationed here, mainly in connection with the historic battle of San Martino and Solferino, which took place on 24th June 1859.
Old maps show the garrisons at Corte Cavalli, an ancient rural court that has been judiciously rebuilt by the owners and converted into a relais with an adjacent restaurant. It provides top class accommodation in a peaceful setting. Then there's the Piccola Caprera Regimental Museum (with relics from the African campaigns) or the permanent exhibition in the Town Library of items from the Second World War. Many of the exhibits were found after the Battle of Monte Casale, which historians recognize as the last battle of the Second World War, which took place just round the corner from here."You've told us about some of the places of historic and artistic interest worth visiting, but it is clear the area has much more to offer.

Maybe somewhat less spectacular but certainly no less important for lovers of nature and quiet places. "Yes, our area offers good quality accommodation. There are numerous agriturismo farms where holidaymakers can relax completely or borrow bicycles and go on excursions to discover the surrounding area. The most popular ride is along the Peschiera - Mantua cycle track along the river Mincio. As it's all on the flat, it's suitable for families with small children. You can cycle all the way from Lake Garda to the city of Mantua, through places of exceptional beauty, all along the river, which has long been a source of sustenance for the local populations and farmers. All of Ponti sul Mincio and the surrounding area can be discovered on foot or by bike. There's a yellow notice in the main square showing the most interesting cycle tracks through the hills. And local cuisine has much to offer as well. Here, they still make homemade pasta, just like our grandmothers used to do. Some of the local dishes are a real delicacy, such as pumpkin tortelli or strangolini.

And the Town Council - concludes the mayor - is spearheading attempts to promote our region and its resources, with public works to requalify the old town centre - the main square, the old public washhouse, and the ancient streets of the town. We also organise and promote cultural and sports events together with local voluntary associations. One of the main ones is the Centenary Festival of San Gaetano from the 4th to 7th of August this year. In short, there's no doubt as to the wealth of tourist attractions we have to offer. So, I strongly urge anyone seeking a holiday offering all the advantages of an openair wellbeing centre to come and stay in Ponti sul Mincio."

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Publisher: Acherdo - Rivista Lago di Garda