Guastalla, important Renaissance court and major riverside town on the Po River and the lowlands of the Reggio Emilia province, is located north of the administrative centre, on the border of the province of Mantua.
Guastalla maintains the discrete charm of an ancient capital in its streets, buildings, churches and monuments. The XVI-century town plan is still largely visible. The ancient via Gonzaga is a chessboard road system that leads to the square, the heart of the town, dominated by the beautiful statue of Ferrante Gonzaga, the work by Leone Leoni.
Here are the XVI-century Cathedral, with a façade dating back to the late XIX century, the Ducal Palace (1567) that hosts the town Museum and the Town Hall.
The Maldotti Library, a valuable example of a scholar’s library dating back to the XVIII century, with incunabula and medieval manuscripts, is located in Corso Garibaldi.
Worth seeing is the Santissima Annunciata Church (or dei Servi), the Beata Vergine della Porta Sanctuary and the San Francesco Church.
A short distance away is the Oratory of San Giorgio, dating back to the X century which, thanks to its small size, gives the visitor an incomparable mystic atmosphere.
A walk along Viale Po that leads to the woods on the banks of the river. The Lido Po is the site of events and performances and is very crowded and lively.
The recently restored Ruggero Ruggeri Municipal Theatre is the centre of the town’s cultural life.
Viale Po and the banks of the river are ideal for bicycle rides and walks.
Georgica - April
Festival of land, water and work in the fields. Market show of local varieties of fruits, flowers, vegetables, show of rural courtyard animals and market show of local “forgotten” organic food and wine products.
Lost Plants and Animals - fourth weekend of September
Market show of ancient varieties of fruits, flowers, vegetables, seeds and breeds of rural animals. Market show of local and forgotten organic food and wine products. Market show of craft products, entertainment, ancient games, meetings, workshops.
Santa Caterina Festival - fourth weekend of November
Stalls, funfair, market show, performances, entertainment, shows, display of agricultural machinery.
It is possible to ask for temporary permits for the ZTL (Limited Traffic Area).
At Pieve di Guastalla is the oldest religious building of the area: the Basilica della Pieve, dating back to the X century, now dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul.
