Grazie
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Latest page update: 26 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Grazie
Grazie has only a small number of accommodation options, with most stays consisting of B&Bs and small rural properties near the Santuario della Beata Vergine delle Grazie. For established full-service hotels with stronger facilities and a higher volume of guest reviews, the nearby city of Mantua offers the most reliable selection.
In Mantua, Hotel Casa Poli provides a modern and polished stay with comfortable rooms, professional service and convenient access to the historic centre (€€€). Hotel Dei Gonzaga, overlooking Piazza Sordello, offers a more traditional atmosphere, appreciated for its characterful interiors, walkable location and consistently positive feedback (€€€). For those seeking practical facilities and easy parking, Best Western Hotel Cristallo in Virgilio delivers a comfortable base with dependable service standards, making it a useful option for exploring Mantua and the southern part of the province (€€).
In Mantua, Hotel Casa Poli provides a modern and polished stay with comfortable rooms, professional service and convenient access to the historic centre (€€€). Hotel Dei Gonzaga, overlooking Piazza Sordello, offers a more traditional atmosphere, appreciated for its characterful interiors, walkable location and consistently positive feedback (€€€). For those seeking practical facilities and easy parking, Best Western Hotel Cristallo in Virgilio delivers a comfortable base with dependable service standards, making it a useful option for exploring Mantua and the southern part of the province (€€).
Where is
Where is Grazie?
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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. |
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Grazie - frazione di Curtatone
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Comune: Curtatone
Province: Mantua Region: Lombardy 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)
Listing headline: Un Santuario tra I Fiori di Loto (A Sanctuary among the Lotus Flowers)
What People Ask About Grazie
Is Grazie worth visiting?
What is there to see in Grazie?
How do you get to Grazie?
What is the Grazie Fair?
When is the best time to visit Grazie?
Related links
Discover
Discover Grazie
Grazie is a small village in the province of Mantua, positioned along a bend in the River Mincio within the Mincio Valley. Surrounded by wetlands and meadows, the settlement has developed around a central square that looks onto the river, giving it a distinct relationship with its natural setting. Its compact size and historic fabric mark it out as one of the most characterful villages in the area.
At the centre stands the Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria delle Grazie, a Renaissance church that has long been a site of pilgrimage and remains the village’s focal point. Grazie is listed among the Borghi più belli d’Italia, highlighting its cultural importance and well-preserved architecture. Road connections provide straightforward access to Mantua just a few kilometres away, while nearby routes also link to Lake Garda and the wider Lombardy plain.
At the centre stands the Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria delle Grazie, a Renaissance church that has long been a site of pilgrimage and remains the village’s focal point. Grazie is listed among the Borghi più belli d’Italia, highlighting its cultural importance and well-preserved architecture. Road connections provide straightforward access to Mantua just a few kilometres away, while nearby routes also link to Lake Garda and the wider Lombardy plain.
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.
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.
Tours and Activities
Grazie Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
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
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
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Grazie
By Rail: Grazie does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Mantua, about 10 kilometres away, on the Verona–Modena line operated by Trenitalia. From Verona, the train to Mantua takes around 45 minutes, and from there Grazie can be reached in about 15 minutes by car or local bus.
By Road: Grazie is located south of Mantua, near the Mincio River. From Mantua, the distance is approximately 10 kilometres, with a driving time of around 15 minutes. From Verona, the journey is about 45 kilometres and takes around 50 minutes. Parking is available near the sanctuary and around the village.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Grazie is located south of Mantua, near the Mincio River. From Mantua, the distance is approximately 10 kilometres, with a driving time of around 15 minutes. From Verona, the journey is about 45 kilometres and takes around 50 minutes. Parking is available near the sanctuary and around the village.
Nearest International Airports:
- Verona Villafranca Airport: About 35 kilometres from Grazie, with a drive of around 40 minutes. This is the nearest airport, offering a wide range of domestic and European connections.
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio): Approximately 105 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. A busy hub for international low-cost flights.
- Milan Linate Airport: Roughly 140 kilometres from Grazie, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes by car. Offers frequent services across Europe.
Private Transfers
Grazie Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient way to travel to or from Grazie, offering a direct connection without the need to rely on public transport or drive local roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
From Grazie, the nearest hub is Mantua city centre, which can be reached in about 15 minutes, a distance of 10 km. Verona Villafranca Airport is around 40 minutes away at 45 km, while Milan Linate Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 120 km. A transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport usually takes 1 hour 50 minutes with a journey of 150 km. For those heading to Parma, travel time is about 1 hour with a distance of 70 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Grazie, the nearest hub is Mantua city centre, which can be reached in about 15 minutes, a distance of 10 km. Verona Villafranca Airport is around 40 minutes away at 45 km, while Milan Linate Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 120 km. A transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport usually takes 1 hour 50 minutes with a journey of 150 km. For those heading to Parma, travel time is about 1 hour with a distance of 70 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
