San  Benedetto  Po​

Latest page update: 8 April 2025
By: Dion Protani
​The town of San Benedetto Po is situated within the Province of Mantua and has a population of around 7,000 residents.

It stands at an elevation of 19 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 Mantova, Mincio Park, Grazie, Sabbioneta and Sirmione. 
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San Benedetto Po Overview
San Benedetto Po, located in the Lombardy region, is a charming village set along the banks of the Po River, surrounded by the scenic landscapes of the Po Valley. Known for its rich history and peaceful atmosphere, San Benedetto Po offers a tranquil retreat with a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The village’s traditional architecture, narrow streets, and riverside location provide an ideal setting for visitors looking to explore the region’s rural charm.
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San Benedetto Po is famous for the Abbey of San Benedetto, a historic Benedictine monastery founded in the 8th century, which is one of the key landmarks of the village. The abbey’s stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings make it a popular spot for both visitors and pilgrims. The village is also home to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, a church with notable historical significance. For outdoor enthusiasts, San Benedetto Po offers several hiking and cycling trails that wind through the surrounding countryside, providing picturesque views of the Po River and the rolling fields. The combination of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and the serene riverside setting makes San Benedetto Po a perfect base for exploring the Po Valley.
Top Things to Do in San Benedetto Po
  • Complesso Monastico Polironiano: The former Benedictine Abbey of Polirone is the defining landmark of San Benedetto Po, founded in the 11th century and once one of the most important monasteries in northern Italy. The complex includes a church, cloisters, a refectory, and a museum, with frescoes, tombs, and historical exhibits detailing centuries of religious and agricultural life.
  • Abbey Church of Santa Maria: Part of the monastic complex, the church was rebuilt in the 16th century by Giulio Romano, with a grand Renaissance façade and richly decorated interior. Highlights include a marble altar, chapels with paintings and stucco work, and the tomb of Matilde di Canossa, a key medieval figure.
  • Museo Civico Polironiano: Housed within the monastery, this museum is dedicated to folk culture, rural traditions, and everyday life in the Po Valley. Its vast collection includes agricultural tools, traditional crafts, costumes, and reconstructions of farm and village interiors, offering a comprehensive look at local heritage.
  • Walking and Cycling near the River Po: San Benedetto Po lies close to the Po River, and a network of cycling and walking paths leads from the town to the riverbanks and surrounding countryside. These routes are flat and scenic, suitable for exploring the natural environment and spotting local birdlife.
  • Day Trip to Mantua: Around 25 minutes away, Mantua offers grand Renaissance palaces, UNESCO-listed architecture, and lakeside promenades. It provides a lively cultural counterpoint to San Benedetto Po’s monastic tranquillity and can easily be combined for a full day of exploration.
Comune di San Benedetto Po
Province: Mantua

Region: Lombardy

Population: 6,688​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 70 km²

Elevation: 19 metres

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

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Mirandola (24 km)
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Un Monastero sul Fiume (A Monastery on the River)

​San  Benedetto  Po​  Gallery

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