Grazie​

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
​The town of Grazie is situated within the Province of Mantua and has a population of around 600 residents.

It stands at an elevation of 37 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Mincio Park, Mantova, Sabbioneta, Sirmione and Brescia. 

What People Ask About Grazie

Is Grazie worth visiting?
Yes, Grazie is a small village in the municipality of Curtatone, near Mantua. It’s known for its sanctuary, lakeside setting, and inclusion in the list of Italy’s most beautiful villages.
What is there to see in Grazie?
The main attraction is the Santuario della Beata Vergine delle Grazie, known for its Baroque interior and collection of votive offerings. The village also has a small square and lakeside paths.
How do you get to Grazie?
Grazie is about 10 km south of Mantua and can be reached by car in around 15 minutes. There are also local buses connecting it with Mantua and nearby towns.
What is the Grazie Fair?
The Fiera delle Grazie takes place every August and features a gathering of street artists, religious celebrations, and local food stalls. It’s one of the area’s main cultural events.
When is the best time to visit Grazie?
Spring and late summer are ideal, especially during the annual fair in mid-August. The area is also pleasant in autumn for quieter visits and lakeside walks.
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Discover

Discover Grazie
Grazie, located in the Lombardy region, is a small, peaceful village set amidst the rolling hills of the Po Valley. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and rural charm, Grazie offers visitors a serene retreat, with picturesque landscapes and a traditional Italian village feel. The village’s narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and surrounding farmland make it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet escape while exploring the natural beauty of the region.
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Grazie is famous for its Santuario delle Grazie, a significant religious site known for its historical and architectural value. The sanctuary’s beautiful façade and peaceful surroundings attract visitors seeking both cultural and spiritual experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of hiking and cycling trails that lead through the surrounding countryside, offering views of the Po Valley and the nearby hills. Grazie’s peaceful setting, combined with its natural beauty and cultural heritage, makes it a perfect base for exploring the rural charm of the Lombardy region.
Grazie - thanks for the name!
​The history of Grazie dates back to the medieval era when it was established as a religious settlement. The town's name, "Grazie," means "thanks" in Italian, and it is derived from the devotion to the Virgin Mary. According to legend, in the early 16th century, a local farmer found a statue of the Virgin Mary in the fields.

The discovery was seen as miraculous, and a small sanctuary was built to house the statue. Over the centuries, the sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie became a pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from near and far. Today, Grazie retains its historical charm, with the sanctuary remaining a focal point of religious devotion and cultural significance.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Grazie
  • Santuario della Beata Vergine delle Grazie: This lakeside sanctuary is the main landmark of Grazie, built in the 15th century and known for its blend of Gothic and Renaissance features. Inside are votive offerings, frescoes, and the preserved body of a crocodile hanging from the ceiling—a unique symbol linked to local legend. The church is an active pilgrimage site and draws visitors throughout the year.
  • Piazza del Santuario and Village Centre: The square in front of the sanctuary forms the heart of the village and is surrounded by porticoes, historic buildings, and small cafés. It retains a peaceful, traditional character, with minimal traffic and a strong focus on religious and cultural life.
  • Lago Superiore and Birdwatching: Grazie sits on the shore of the Lago Superiore, one of the lakes formed by the Mincio River near Mantua. The surrounding wetlands are part of a protected reserve and attract herons, egrets, and other waterbirds, making the area popular for walking and birdwatching.
  • Annual Festival of the Madonnari: Every August, Grazie hosts the Festa dei Madonnari, a famous street art festival where artists from around the world create chalk paintings on the pavement in front of the sanctuary. The event transforms the village into an open-air gallery and draws thousands of visitors.
  • Day Trip to Mantua: Just 10 minutes away by car or bike, Mantua offers UNESCO-listed palaces, lakeside walks, and a vibrant cultural scene. Highlights include the Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Te, and the historic old town, making it an ideal nearby destination to complement a visit to Grazie.
Grazie Tours and Activities
Grazie - frazione di Curtatone
Comune: Curtatone

Province: Mantua

Region: Lombardy
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Elevation: 37 metres

​Close by: ​Mincio Park, Mantua, Sabbioneta, Sirmione, Brescia

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Casa Poli (12 km)
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Un Santuario tra I Fiori di Loto (A Sanctuary among the Lotus Flowers)

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Grazie

Photo Gallery

​Lombardy Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Lombardy

1. Lake Como
2. ​Milan
3. Lake Garda
4. Mantua
5. Lake Maggiore
6. Cremona
7. Lake Iseo
8. ​Lake Lugano
9. Pavia
10. San Pellegrino Terme

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lombardy

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