Stage 8

Mantova-San Benedetto Po

A beautiful exit from Mantua, from the lakes formed by the Mincio to the river, which leads us past Pietole, the birthplace of Virgil. Continuing along the embankment or close to the Mincio, we approach a new river, indeed the most important of the Italian rivers: the Po. We walk for a few kilometers along its banks, and finally we cross it, either on the bridge at San Benedetto or by ferry (before leaving for the stage, it is preferred to check whether the service is active or not).

San Benedetto is characterized by an abbey complex that dates back to the Canossa family (and Matilda was buried there). Magnificent is the church, and the museum is very important.

In this stage we walked several stretches on the Via Postumia, which we then left but found a new company: the Way of Saint Pellegrino, with whom we will share a nice piece of road, until that beautiful path bends towards Reggio Emilia and us towards Modena.