Rivarolo Mantovano

Rivarolo has very ancient origins, as is shown by the three archaeological sites located in the area. Finds belonging to different historical periods were unearthed there; from the Neolithic period to the Roman period. The centre of the village was located around the Pieve di S.Maria in Ripa d'Adda, a parish church along a stream that is now gone, and echoed in the very name of this place (Rivarolo means ‘of the river). In 1432 the emperor Sigismund officially established on this territory the dominion by the Gonzaga family, which would continue for more than three centuries, leaving a valuable heritage of history, monuments and traditions. The most important characteristic of Rivarolo's historic centre is undoubtedly the orthogonal arrangement of the streets, which form regular blocks. The circle of walls, interrupted by three gates, encloses the whole built-up area in a rectangular shape. The rigorous unitary arrangement of the urban structure corresponds to a substantially compact and even distribution of buildings,. It is very rare to find buildings that tower over others. The only exception is the main square, once called Piazza Grande (now Piazza Finzi). The most important buildings face this square – the Palazzo Pretorio (now the Town Hall), the Palazzo dei Conti Penci – as well as all the buildings located along the two longest sides. In addition to having a remarkable architecture, these sides are also characterized by a wide portico, where the main businesses are located.