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Mantova - From the Historic center to Porta Cerese
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24]
The itinerary proceeds to the right to via Frattini, with its
interesting private buildings. At number 5, worthy of mention is the
Menozzi House, of the second half of the 15th century, built
from a design by Florentine architect Luca Fancelli. At number 7,
Palazzo Valenti, begun in the second half of the 17th
century but never completed. The imposing façade with its five orders of
windows is unusual for the contrast between the marble parts and the
brickwork. At number 9, is Andreasi's House, home of the Blessed
Osanna Andreasi; the present layout of the building is by Luca
Fancelli and dates back to the second half of the 15th
century. The façade, one a brickwork base, has three orders of windows; the
entrance door is crowned by a small round arch.
Opposite stands the Church of Sant'Egidio, of ancient origins, but
rebuilt in the 18th century, its façade is characterised by
half-columns.
25]
At the end of the street, once reaches via Benzoni, with the Church
of Sant'Apollonia. Already existing in the Middle Ages under the name
Santa Maria di Betlemme it was rebuilt at the end of the 18th
century. Inside, on the main altar, is a fine 18th century
painting by Giuseppe Bottani depicting the Holy Family with
Saints.
26]
In corso Garibaldi, behind piazza dei Mille and beyond a
wall, one can see the façade of the church which belonged to the
Monastery of Santa Paola. The church, now deconsecrated, was built in
the first half of the 15th century in late Gothic style.
A little further on is the Church of Santa Caterina, of medieval
origin, rebuilt in 1738. It has an elegantly pleasing curved façade; the
ancient bell tower, separate from the church, stands in the courtyard
behind.
27]
Finally, in via Gradaro, the Church of Santa Maria del
Gradaro, built in the 14th century, is worth a visit.
Courtesy in part of Comune di Mantova Turist Office
(c) 1997-2008 E. Massetti
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