Tranquilla...

Another Saturday outing was to the nearby town of Mantova.  After the craziness of Rome, Verona, and Venice, I found Mantova to be a nice change of pace.  Situated on the shores of a lake, it is a small town with fewer tourists, a slower pace, and an all-around calmer atmosphere.   While visiting the cathedral, we had to leave because it was closing for the afternoon break! 

Here’s a bit of  Catholic lore that I found, well, let’s just say, interesting.  In the Basilica of San Andrea in Mantova, there is a chapel dedicated to Saint Longinus.  (You don’t seem to find many Longinus’ running around these days.)  According to tradition, Longinus was the Roman guard who pierced the side of Christ at the crucifixion, and was converted when he saw the blood and water coming from Christ’s side.  Also according to tradition, Longinus scooped up the blood-soaked earth, put it in two urns, and brought it to Mantova.  In the crypt (which was closed for renovation) is kept the reliquary with the earth.  Every Good Friday, they are brought out and paraded around the city.  I hope you don’t think I’m too cynical, but I’m left to wonder…Why Mantova?

At any rate, this was a very relaxing and peaceful day…just what I needed.  And yes (for my friend Natalie in Cincinnati) we had gelato at the end the day!

Ciao!

Inside the Basilica of San Andrea.

The Baptistry in the cathedral (St. Peter, I think).  I'm continued to be amazed that a small town like Mantova has so many big churches.  I guess they were all filled at one time.

Architecture that I liked.

Montava definitely had a Medieval feel to it.

Near the lake.  I think it was called "Lake Superior" - kind of like being in Michigan :)

We saw this fisherman and I had to take a picture for my brother-in-law Sean and my cousin Mike.

The main piazza in town.

With Bro. Javier and Sr. Innocenza (from Malaysia).

Notice that I am NOT eating at the McDonald's in the background.  But, a hamburger sounds really good right about now.

What I had instead...pizza with sausage and pumpkin - very good.  This picture is for Bros. Dennis, Norm and Tim back home.