(Italian Mantova), a fortified town of Austrian Italy, capital of the delegation of the same name in the province of Lombardy, is situated on an island about 5 miles in circumference, standing in the middle of a lagune formed by the Mincio, and joined to the mainland by causeways perforated with arches; 21 miles S.S.W. of Verona, and 37 E. by N. of Cremona. Of the causeways the principal are the Ponte di Molini, leading to the Borgo di Fortezza on the N., and the Ponte di San Giorgio, leading to the fortress and suburb of the same name. The latter is considered a masterpiece, and is 800 yards in length, crossing the entire lake. The city is very strongly fortified; for though the defences have not a very imposing appearance, both nature and art contribute to render it a place of very great strength. On the N. it is defended by the Borgo di Fortezza and the Borgo di San Giorgio, the latter of which, along with the town, is surrounded by strong walls; to the S.E. it is defended by the outwork of Pradella; and to the S. there lies the fortified island of Cerese, which is in the shape of a T, and is about twice the size of that on which the town is built. Many of the streets and squares in Mantua are broad and elegant, with well built houses; but for the most part the town is dirty and ill built. The Piazza Virgiliana is a fine square, planted with trees, and open on one side to the lake, and is much used as a public promenade. The other principal squares are—the Piazza delle Erbe, where the market is held; the Piazza de San Pietro; and the Piazza del Argine. The principal public buildings are,—the cathedral, the work of Giulio Romano, and richly ornamented; the church of Sta. Andrea, considered one of the finest existing specimens of the Italian style, and adorned with statues of Faith and Hope by Canova; the ducal palace, an imposing building, remarkable for a fine floor of porcelain, and a room painted in fresco by Giulio Romano; the Palazzo del Te, which, though originally intended for the stables of the Gonzaga family, was increased by Giulio Romano to a large palace, and adorned by him with frescoes; and the house of Giulio Romano. There are also in Mantua numerous convents, a synagogue, an hospital, two orphan asylums, and other charitable institutions; a museum, a public library, containing 80,000 vols., as well as an arsenal, barracks, prison, &c. Mantua was formerly a place of some importance as a manufacturing town, and though now greatly decayed, still carries on some manufactures, the chief of which are—leather, parchment, silk, linen and woollen stuffs, carriages, and boats. The climate of Mantua is subject to great extremes of heat and cold, and is rendered very unhealthy by the exhalations from the marshes with which it is surrounded. Recently, however, the Austrian government has taken measures to obviate this by draining the swamps and opening passages for the escape of the stagnant water. The city of Mantua is believed to be as old, if not older than Rome. It was not, however, distinguished until the time of Virgil. That poet was born at Andes, in the neighbourhood, which is reported to be the same as the modern Pietola. After the fall of the Roman empire, Mantua was possessed in turn by the Goths, the Longobards, and the Franks. After the conquest of North Italy by Charlemagne, Mantua became an independent republic; but afterwards became subject to the Marquises of Gonzaga, the last of whom was, in 1530, created, by the Emperor Charles V., Duke of Mantua. In the war of the succession Mantua was annexed to the Austrian dominions, of which it remained a part till the French, under Bonaparte, having gained possession of it in 1797, it became a part, first of the Cispadane Republic, and then of the kingdom of Italy. It was finally restored to the Austrians in 1814. The delegation of Mantua is bounded on the N. by Brescia and the Lake of Garda, on the E. by Verona and Rovigo, on the S. by the duchies of Parma and Modena, and on the W. by Brescia and Cremona. Length about 36 miles, breadth about 32; area 903 square miles. The country is very fertile, and is watered by the Po, the Mincio, and the Oglio, besides many smaller streams and canals. The chief productions are—wheat, silk, flax, hemp, fruits, wines, &c.; and horses and cattle are reared in great numbers. Pop. of the delegation (1850) 270,100, of the town (1851) 29,909, comprising 2500 Jews.