Mincio Park

Introduction

Description

The Mincio Park is a protected area established by the Lombardy Region in 1984, which extends along the course of the river Mincio in the province of Mantua, crossing the territory of 13 municipalities. From lower Lake Garda to the Po, the river runs for 73 kilometres, passing from the moraine hills in the north to the plain, where it flows into the great river. The management of the park is entrusted to an entity formed by the lakeside municipalities and the Province of Mantua, which is responsible for the protection and enhancement of this area rich in natural beauty.

The park includes three nature reserves and four Natura 2000 Network sites, true treasure troves of biodiversity. These include Castellaro Lagusello, a medieval village in the Morainic Hills with its characteristic heart-shaped lake, and the wetlands of the Mincio Valleys, considered of international importance according to the Ramsar Convention. These vast areas, among the most important in Italy, are home to a very rich fauna: herons, little egrets, night herons and marsh harriers find their ideal habitat here.

The park's visitor centres include Rivalta, where an old rural building houses the ethnographic museum of river crafts, and le Bertone, an evocative woodland-garden with centuries-old trees from all over the world. The Bertone are also home to a centre for the reintroduction of the white stork, a symbol of the local fauna.

The Mincio Park is involved in numerous projects to redevelop and enhance the area. Among the most significant is the redevelopment of the banks of the Mantua lakes, which has led to the creation of the 'peri-urban park', a popular green area encompassing the city. Other interventions include reforestation, bicycle and pedestrian paths, rest areas, jetties and paths connecting the towns to the river, contributing to the creation of a true ecological network. Also important is the work to preserve the ecosystem of the Mincio Valleys and improve water quality, through the management of reed beds and the implementation of phyto-purification techniques.

Environmental education is a pillar of the park's activities. Each year, the educational catalogue offers numerous activities for schools, with guided excursions and classroom workshops involving around 200 classes each year. At the same time, the park encourages ecotourism, offering a wide range of excursions on foot, by canoe, bicycle and boat, as well as cultural events such as exhibitions, concerts and shows.

The surveillance of the area is ensured by the Voluntary Ecological Guards, who constantly monitor the area, guaranteeing the protection of the environment and reporting any infringements. 

For those who wish to learn more about the Mincio Park and take part in the numerous activities, up-to-date information is available on the official websites and social channels, such as Facebook, Instagram (@visitmincio) and Twitter (@ParcoMincio).

Information

Year founded: 1984
Area: 16.000 hectares
Maximum elevation: -
Municipalities concerned: Mantova, Ponti sul Mincio, Monzambano, Volta Mantovana, Goito, Marmirolo, Porto Mantovano, Rodigo, Curtatone, Borgo Virgilio, Bagnolo San Vito, Roncoferraro, Sustinente
 Institutional site: www.parcodelmincio.it
Contacts: stampa@parcodelmincio.it