This is the most ancient part of Mantua, and corresponds to the city boundaries from Roman age to the late Middle Ages. The ancient city – civitas vetus in Latin – actually extended from San Giorgio castle to present piazza Virgiliana, and from via Accademia – then called “oxen ditch” - to present piazza Arche. Still, it lay in an advantaged position, safe from Mincio river floods and easy to protect from attacks.The present pavement, that runs from the Cathedral to city centre, was likely the Roman decumanus, while present via Cairoli was likely the Roman cardus.
From XV to XVI century, Gonzaga family made piazza Sordello a sumptuous scenography to celebrate their power.Today the Ducal Palace, the Cathedral, Casa del Rigoletto, Palazzo Castiglioni and the Bishop's Palace give onto piazza Sordello.