Road of Mantuan Truffles

The Oltrepò Mantovano, the furthermost tip of the province of Mantua, bordering with the Emilia Romagna region, is a land steeped in history and tradition, on which the wide River Po, an imposing presence and guide to the local culture, has left its mark. When crossing the Oltrepò Mantovano, travellers can see a landscape where man’s hard work combines harmoniously with the naturalness and peace of nature and the sounds of its productive life are lost in the silence of the open countryside. Due to its geographical position, at a crossroads between north-south and east-west, it bears witness to a glorious past. From the Etruscans to the Romans, from the prolific Middle Ages – when the Benedictine monks and Matilde di Canossa provided a great contribution – to the Gonzaga duchy that left its mark over the entire territory, as well as the wars of independence and the farmers’ uprisings. The suitability of the land for agricultural crops has produced a cuisine ‘of princes and peasants’. Traditional cured meats, Parmigiano Reggiano, the famous tortelli di zucca (pumpkin tortelli), agnoli in brodo (meat-filled pasta in broth), risottos, truffles, meat casseroles, torta tagliatelle (cake made from thin strips of puff pastry garnished with crushed almonds) are only some of the typical dishes that can be relished in the countless restaurants and agritourism establishments in the area. And here, where the soil, climate and environ­ment are the ideal ingredients for the Tuber magnatum Pico (the prized white truffle), is where the Road of Mantuan Truffles is located. The main aim of the association, created in 2003, is to foster development in the area by promoting integrated tourism, focused on the distinctive features of the area’s typical products, gastronomic traditions and high quality ser­vices. Borgofranco sul Po is the ‘capital’ of the truffle area and is home to Tru.Mu., the Truffle Museum (also the association’s headquarters). Here, a route leads adults and children to discover interesting scientific data and facts on the precious fungus.