"Silent Sabbioneta" Sabbioneta by alza

Sabbioneta Travel Guide: 11 reviews and 12 photos

I cried for thirty years... - Sabbioneta

Vespasiano's dream

I've wanted to visit Sabbioneta for many years but though I often came close, it always seemed remote. It's one of those small Italian towns in Lombardy that you might read about in books about the Renaissance, the Gonzaga family, but that no one you know ever seems to have reached.

Sabbioneta is at the southern point of the triangle between Cremona and Mantua. I took advantage of a trip to Mantua for the Book Fair to finally do a day-trip to 'the silent town' built by Vespasiano, Duke of Gonzaga.

Under the arcades at the main piazza, I was looking at antiques and trying to feel the silence. A trio of men was taking the shade and one of them was talking non-stop, with tears in his voice. His audience exclaimed in sympathy or tried to cheer him up every now and then. It didn't work. The guy wanted to be gloomy, in total accord with this ghost-like city...

"Ahhh, let me tell you! I cried! yes, I cried for thirty years. This woman will never know how I cried for her!"

--"Yet, you married... and you've got a good woman."

"Eh! my wife was always a real queen, a wonderful woman... but still, I cried."

Then, they saw me. And they said "Salve, signora!" I smiled and walked away quietly, the guy with the bare feet was still crying. Love...

Intro Written Nov 29, 2004
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Reviews (8)

a very warm and welcoming place - Sabbioneta

a very warm and welcoming place Restaurants (1)

A few tables outside, under thick parasols the colour of red wine. A happy-looking group of people having lunch and... more travel advice

my favourite memory of Sabbioneta Things to Do (7)

It's this dreamy place under the arcades, iron table and chairs, just out of the sweltering sun in the piazza, before... more travel advice

Bar Ducale Things to Do (7)

I didn't see much life during my day in Sabbioneta, but I saw some... A flea market, for one thing. And suddenly, at... more travel advice

someone must live here Things to Do (7)

Here's a treet in Sabbioneta with flowers... a sure sign that somebody must live here! During my macabre walk around... more travel advice

Comments (23)

breughel Jul 15, 2011 at 6:26 AM Report Abuse

J'avais écrit "pas de commentaires" mais quel plaisir de vous lire. Pas d'horaires de trains ou de bus chez vous; vous voyez ce que je veux dire. L'Italie d'avant le péché originel du tourisme de masse.
HORSCHECK Mar 8, 2011 at 9:57 AM Report Abuse

Lou, lovely little page with brilliant photos here. Although I have been to Italy quite a few times, I must admit that I have never heard of Sabbioneta.
Maryimelda Jul 5, 2010 at 10:13 PM Report Abuse

We are told it is best to eat where the locals eat, but sometimes I find, that the locals don't really want us to eat with them. Seems you had a similar experience, Lou. Congrats on a very interesting page.
titti Oct 27, 2007 at 9:11 AM Report Abuse

Son tornata per un giretto a Sabbioneta... :-)
Manara Sep 24, 2007 at 11:31 AM Report Abuse

What a good read! It reminds me that my last visit there was many years ago.
Fullmoonfever Sep 7, 2007 at 5:16 AM Report Abuse

Lol, I laughed when I read this. I believe at least one of these bars exist in every town
tini58de Sep 5, 2007 at 1:34 AM Report Abuse

Looks like a wonderful little place to visit! Thanks for sharing, Lou!
sourbugger Mar 11, 2007 at 11:55 AM Report Abuse

wow, great page, only just realised i read it before - but still very great & fresh
travelightly Mar 1, 2007 at 11:20 AM Report Abuse

How ya doin' Lou? Loved your little story about Bar Ducale. It was featured on the VT homepage. Couldn't resist taking a peek at your Sabbioneta page. Miss your not being around the ol' Misc. Forum:)
barrikello Aug 6, 2006 at 9:26 AM Report Abuse

THanks Lou, I lingered pleasantly on your Sabbioneta page-lovely!