'Riserva naturale delle valli del Mincio'
A lovely spring or summer activity is a boat trip on the Mincio. The boat trip through the immense 'lily fields' of the Mincio reminded me of a poem by Frederik van Eeden (Dutch poet from 20th century) that we learned at school.
I love the white water-lily. So pale, so quietly her crown unfolds in light. Rising from the pond’s dark floor, She’s found the light and opens up her heart of gold. Now she lies pensive on the water’s pane, wishing no more…Translation of the Flemisch poem of Frederik van Eeden.
Grazie di Curtatone and the Mincio
Strictly speaking, Grazie is not located in the region Emilia Romagna but at the border of the region of Lombardy, a few kilometers from Mantua. The Mincio is a river, which crosses the biggest part of Lombardy and ensures the drainage of the Garda Lake. The Mincio rises at Peschiera del Garda and flows at Mantova in the Po. In 1198, the course of the Mincio near Mantova was artificially adjusted to provide a better defense for the city. Hereby, the Upper Lake, the Middle Lake and the Lower Lake (Laghi Superiore, Mezzo and Inferiore) were created. When visiting Mantova you can walk along the banks of the lakes.
Grazie di Curtatone is a small former fishing village - proclaimed as one of the ‘borghi piu belli di Italia - and is overall known for the sanctuary. The village is so small that they have to call it Grazie di Curtatone. Grazie is a fraction of Curtatone
The gotic church Santa Maria delle Grazie was founded in 1399 by Francesco I Gonzaga and is nowadays still a very important sanctuary of the Beata Vergine Maria. It attracts pelgrims from everywhere.
The interior of the church is worth visiting. A funny thing is a crocodile hanging in the first aisle bay. Numerous legends are linked to the crocodile such as a warning against human inclination to sin, others say the the crocodile may have been captured in Curtatone by fisherman with the help of the Beata Vergine Maria, or that the crocodile came from a zoo belonging to the Gonzagas. In addition the church is particular because of the ex voto's. All available space between the niches is covered by these ex votos from 16th and 17th century.
On the 15th of August, the streets are invaded by pelgrims, visitors of a traditional trade fair, and artists who create sacred chalk drawings on the streets. This changes the square into a colorful carpet with paintings of sacred subjects.
Besides walking along the waterfront, you can also make a boat trip on the Mincio.
Reserve is a wetland of exceptional beauty, and constitutes the heart of the Mincio Park. Visitors embark in Grazie and navigate the labyrinth of canals intersecting the river. A thick vegetation of water lilies and rose mallows grows on the river. The lotus flowers spectacularly blossom in the summer. During the boat trip you can also spot various wild birds and big fishes. The shipper will provide interesting information on the fauna and flora of the Mincio.
Practical information
Distance
50 km from Parma
Where to park?
There is a big parking near the village called Grazie and next to the bay jetty in Via Cantarana (Grazie di Curtatone).
Where to buy a ticket for the boat?
Tickets can be bought at a kiosk at the jetty – you can also order tickets by phone as well. To know more about the timetable.
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