Castel Goffredo: History, Market and Regional Cuisine

Between City History and Regional Flavors

Historical themes, local traditions and cultural sites shape Castel Goffredo. MAST Castel Goffredo presents the city’s art and history from the Lombard period to the end of the 16th century. Piazza Mazzini and historic buildings add to the city’s historical context; museums in the surrounding area and regional cuisine provide further highlights.

History around Piazza Mazzini

The Prepositurale di Sant’Erasmo Vescovo e Martire was built within the walls of Castel Goffredo in the second half of the 16th century and is located on Piazza Mazzini. The church houses the wooden Crocifisso Miracoloso, dating from the 15th century.

The entire north side of Piazza Mazzini is occupied by Palazzo Gonzaga-Acerbi. It served as the residence of the successive rulers of Castel Goffredo. In 1511, the palazzo became the residence of Marquis Aloisio Gonzaga. During this period, he made Castel Goffredo the capital of a fief that also included Castiglione and Solferino.

Museum and Accessible Orientation

MAST Castel Goffredo is fully accessible along the exhibition route. There are no architectural barriers; an elevator from the ground floor provides access to floors 1 and 2.

Green Spaces and Museums in the Surrounding Area

The landscape also includes the park garden of Tenuta S. Apollonio, which extends over an area of more than 70,000 square meters. The surrounding area of Castel Goffredo also contains the Museo Internazionale della Croce Rossa, Fondazione Palazzo Bondoni Pastorio, the Museum of Resurgence and the Associazione Teatro Sociale Montichiari. The Parco Desenzani, Parco Pastore and Parco dell'Ossario are also located nearby. Monte Rocchetta is a hill in the surroundings of Castel Goffredo.

Regional Cuisine and Recurring Events

Tortello amaro is considered a traditional dish of Castel Goffredo. Its origins are considered ancient, and it is part of the town’s gastronomic tradition. It is filled with the herb Erba di San Pietro, which is associated with the Castel Goffredo area. Scientifically, this herb is known as Tanacetum balsamita; the names Chrysanthemum balsamita and Balsamita major are also commonly used.

The Festa del Tortello Amaro has taken place on the third weekend of June since its first edition on June 15, 1996. Since 2011, Castel Goffredo has also hosted Libri sotto i portici, a monthly market for used books held on the first Sunday of every month.

Other Places in the Travel Area

If you would like to combine Castel Goffredo with other places, you can also consider Sustinente, Motteggiana, Pomponesco, Poggio Rusco, Buscoldo, San Giacomo Delle Segnate, Mantova and Villastrada as additional travel destinations.

To the main travel overview: Mantua.