You come across small villages and old farmhouses, where time seems to slow down, and every bend in the path offers new perspectives on the landscape.
From a distance, the walls of Volta Mantovana appear among the hills. Upon arrival, the village welcomes you with its discreet elegance and the charm of places rich in history: the castle, the cobbled streets, the silhouettes of the roofs, and above all the refined Palazzo Guerrieri Gonzaga with its Italian garden. The manicured hedges, roses and historic greenhouse-lemon house restore the grace of a bygone era that has left traces of lasting beauty here.
Leaving the historic centre, the route continues along a cycle path surrounded by greenery towards Gatti. It descends towards the open countryside, between cultivated fields and rows of poplar trees, until it reaches the Mincio river in Molini di Volta. Here, a small kiosk welcomes pilgrims and cyclists for a refreshing break.The next section runs alongside the Mincio, initially in its regulated course and then in its more natural stretch, leading to Pozzolo. Continue across the bridge over the Mincio and then take the road that leads to the small rural villages of Ferri, Falzoni and Torri.
This stretch of the route, which runs alongside the Mincio River, creates a vast wetland area that starts in the countryside of the village of Torri (Corte Isolo) and reaches Goito near the “Bosco degli Arimanni” (Arimanni Forest). Here you can see hunting falcons, mute swans, grey herons and white herons, hoopoes, robins and golden orioles and, more recently, ibises from the Nile delta. The flora includes irises and marsh hibiscus, water lilies, marsh gentian, reeds and sedges. The paths are carved out on the right bank of the river and offer picturesque and sometimes wild views of the river, especially at sunset when the shadows lengthen between the dense tree canopy and the slow flow of the river.
The final part of the stage is an evocative walk along the natural course of the river. The green reflections of the water, the sudden flight of a heron and the scent of wet grass make every step an invitation to wonder. And so, almost without noticing, you reach Goito, crossing the bridge over the Mincio.
Here, travellers can rest in the shade of the park, among centuries-old trees and refreshing kiosks.

What to see along the way

• Volta Mantovana: Castello Perhaps built during the Canossa era, it stands on the main ridge of the village, witness to medieval events and noble defences.
• Volta Mantovana: Guerrieri Gonzaga Palace and Italian garden A landscape and architectural gem: sculpted hedges, fragrant roses, the greenhouse-lemon house and the harmonious layout of the avenues offer a moment of beauty and rest.
• Volta Mantovana: MUDRI – Diffused Museum of the RisorgimentoItinerary of the Municipality of Volta Mantovana “26-27 July 1848: night fighting in the town”.
• Cereta: Church of the Madonnina di Mezza CampagnaAn ancient rural church with frescoes dating from between the 12th and 15th centuries, immersed in the spirituality of the rural landscape.
• Goito: Remains of the medieval fortress Once the centre of the Gonzaga power, today a historical landmark integrated into the urban fabric, near the church of San Pietro.
• Goito: Villa Moschini One of the most opulent residences of the Gonzaga family, embellished with frescoes, furnishings and a park populated by exotic animals, today a reminder of lost splendour.
• Goito: MUDRI – Diffused Museum of the RisorgimentoItinerary of the Municipality of Goito “8 April 1848: the Bersaglieri storm the bridge”.
• Goito: Villa Giraffa An eclectic example of architecture between the 16th and 20th centuries, it became a Capuchin monastery, overlooking the Mincio river with elements inspired by Fancelli and perhaps Romanian architecture.

The natural landscape

The stretch of road from Volta to Goito follows the course of the Mincio, which widens into sinuous meanders in this section. The natural environment is extraordinarily rich: white willows, poplars, elms and oak trees alternate with reeds and expanses of rushes. Travellers move between aquatic and agricultural landscapes, in a rare balance between biodiversity and human activity.

Food and wine

The route crosses generous lands, ideal for viticulture and the production of fine oils. The mild climate and calcareous soils give life to DOC and IGT wines, while olive and almond trees grow wild alongside the fields. The trattorias along the way offer traditional Mantua dishes, authentic flavours to be savoured slowly.

For those who walk

This is a stage to be experienced with all the senses. The rustling of the trees, the call of the water birds, the wind blowing through the poplar groves: every element becomes the voice of an ancient and welcoming landscape. An invitation to walk with respect, an open heart and curious eyes.
The Carolingian Way continues.

Alternative routes and variants

1. Cavriana – Castellaro Lagusello – Volta Mantovana variant through hills, orchards and the lake at the heart of the most romantic village in the Upper Mantua area.
2. Via Postumia / Via Romea Germanica paths that intertwine with the Via Carolingia, opening up wider possibilities for pilgrimage.