Halfway between Mantova and Parma is Sabbioneta pronounce Sahb-beeo-na-tah), also called "little Athens", a village entirely rebuilt as an utopian city between 1560 and 1591.

A gem in the history of urban projects: its Signore, Vespasiano Gonzaga, built here not only fortifications, gates, schools, but also a large frescoed palazzo, his own splendid residence, a church with his mausoleum and, to a project by Vincenzo Scamozzi, the remarkable Teatro Olimpico, or Olympic Theater.

  East of Milan.
Some 150 km from the city.
Take highway A1 E35 (towards Bologna) to Parma (km 120), then roads 343R to Casalmaggiore (km 20 from Parma) and 420 to Sabbioneta.