Have you ever stayed in one city remained intact over time? Of which architects and above all urban planners who come from all parts of the world are astonished? I'm not exaggerating if the city I'm describing really exists! Sabbioneta, registered since 2008 like World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located between Parma and Mantua, interprets the Renaissance city made on a "human scale" according to the theories of the "ideal city".
Some of its monuments, such as the Ancient Theater, the Doge's Palace, la Gallery of the Ancients and the irregular star-shaped walls express a refined and original balance, thanks to the will of its founder, Vespasiano Gonzaga Colonna. The “little Athens”, one of its names, reveals itself to me on a summer evening as a precious jewel, whose vision is accessible through the two doors made of white marble. One gets the impression that the time is suspended, that as you walk along the streets of the place, the amazement grows more and more in witnessing a magnificence with a still intact past. Although small, it does not deserve to do a "hit and run" but needs to dedicate at least a few days and so I do.
I sleep atGiulia Gonzaga hotel located in the historic center. A residence of the '500 that immediately puts me in a welcoming atmosphere thanks to the availability and kindness of its owners, Pinuccia and Sandro. The hall in which they receive me is magnificent, there is a whole wall used as a library obtained from ancient shelves that were used in hardware, restored and now used to contain books of different literary genres, but above all for historical, artistic and archaeological information of the city ​​and neighboring places.
La flooring alla veneziana and the frescoes made with refinement by Pinuccia's creativity, they make me understand how much care and attention are dedicated to this place. My room with a large skylight above my bed gives me the beauty of seeing the stars! The large and original rooms, because each is frescoed with a touch of inspiration different from the other, suggest delicacy and poetry. Qualities that stand out in the details such as the choice of the name for the hotel, Giulia Gonzaga, dedicated to a woman, Vespasian's aunt, who made her nephew, a man of arms, a refined patron.
La breakfast also continental, it stands out for the riot of homemade desserts, served in the courtyard, surrounded by plants and flowers on whose walls stand out mottos and dialect rhymes, it makes the day start well. Cleanliness, free internet, air conditioning, the possibility to rent bicycles for free, as well as private parking, offer advantages to enjoy an exciting and comfortable stay. Prices are great, they start from 40 € with breakfast included.
