Mincio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mincio/Sarca |
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The Mincio at Peschiera del Garda.
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| Country | Italy |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pinzolo, Italy (Sarca), Peschiera del Garda, Italy (Mincio) 770 m (2,530 ft) (Sarca); 65 m (213 ft) (Mincio) |
| River mouth | Po 45°04′16″N 10°58′55″E / 45.07111°N 10.98194°E |
| Length | 194 km (121 mi) (total); 78 km (48 mi) (Sarca) 41 km (25 mi) (Lake Garda); 75 km (47 mi) (Mincio) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Po→ Adriatic Sea |
| Basin size | 2,859 km2 (1,104 sq mi) |
The Mincio is an important river in northern Italy. It flows through the Lombardy region. The Mincio is part of a larger river system called the Sarca-Mincio. This system also includes the Sarca river and the famous Lake Garda.
Contents
Where the Mincio River Begins
The Mincio river starts at the southeastern end of Lake Garda. This is near the town of Peschiera del Garda. From there, the river flows for about 65 kilometres (40 mi). It passes by the city of Mantua. Finally, it joins the larger Po river.
The Mincio as a Border
For part of its journey, the Mincio river acts like a natural border. From Lake Garda until it reaches a place called Pozzolo, it separates two Italian regions: Veneto and Lombardy.
How the Mincio River Changed Over Time
Long ago, during the time of the Etruscans, the Mincio river probably connected with another river called the Tartaro. It then flowed into the Adriatic Sea.
Roman Changes to the River
Later, during the Roman Republic, people changed the Mincio's path. They made it flow into the Po river using three different branches near Mantua. In the year 1198, these branches were joined into one main channel. This project was led by Alberto Pitentino. He also designed dams, like the Ponte dei Mulini and the Governolo dam. These changes helped make the river easier to travel on by boat. They also protected Mantua from floods and improved the air quality.
The Lakes of Mantua
In the late 1100s, the Mincio river was made wider near Mantua. This created a series of three lakes that surround the old city. Originally, there were four lakes. The very first settlement in this area, which dates back to about 2000 BC, was built on an island in the Mincio river.
Historical Moments on the Mincio
In 452 CE, a famous leader named Attila the Hun met with Roman officials near this river. The Roman group was led by Pope Leo I. After this meeting, Attila decided to leave Italy.
The Mincio in Culture
The Mincio river is even mentioned in famous art! The final part of Giuseppe Verdi's opera, Rigoletto, takes place near Mantua. The scene is set at an inn right on the banks of the Mincio river.
Images for kids
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The Mincio at Peschiera del Garda.
