Volta Mantovana, where it all began
A journey with soul (and purpose)
Traveling has always been one of my greatest passions. Maybe because, deep down, I feel that each destination is also a reunion with myself. And that’s why launching Footsteps here, in this small and enchanting town in northern Italy, makes so much sense.
It’s also one of those places that embodies what Benvenuta stands for: elegance with meaning, intentional steps, and stories that cross generations.
My roots in Volta Mantovana
Volta Mantovana, in the province of Mantua, Lombardy, holds more than cobbled streets, medieval castles, and bucolic landscapes. It holds the beginning of a very personal story.
It was from here, in 1897, that my great-grandfather — Benvenuto Luigi Faita — had the courage to leave in search of a new life in Brazil. And once there, without understanding a word of Portuguese, his name and surname were mistakenly swapped during registration. That’s how our family name changed from Faita to Benvenuto.
Years later, it was his name (now ours) that inspired me to create Benvenuta — the feminine version, with a light, elegant, and determined soul. A woman who, like him, crosses borders and opens new paths. Who’s not afraid to discover the unknown. Who walks with grace, and purpose.
The emotion of returning
Volta Mantovana moved me from the very first visit. Walking the same streets he once walked, feeling the breeze over the fields, watching the sunset from the garden in front of the church… every detail made me feel more connected to my roots and to the heart of Benvenuta.
Santa Maria Maddalena: faith and heritage
One of the most moving places for me was the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, which stands high over the village and holds centuries of history and devotion. Built in the 13th century and expanded over the years, it houses 22 restored paintings from the Venetian and Brescian schools — including an Assumption attributed to Guercino.
It was there that I found records mentioning my great-grandfather’s name — and I’ll never forget how deeply that moment touched me.
Palazzo Gonzaga: elegance and power
Another landmark is the Palazzo Gonzaga, now home to the Town Hall, with its Renaissance gardens and a history worthy of a film. Built in 1465 as a countryside retreat for the Mantuan court, it was later a noble residence, military headquarters during the Italian unification, and eventually, public heritage.
Walking through its halls and imagining the life that once unfolded there is an unforgettable experience.
A toast to tradition: Mostra dei Vini
For wine lovers (myself included!), April is the perfect time to visit. The town hosts the charming Mostra Nazionale dei Vini Passiti e da Meditazione, an event that celebrates the region’s sweet, complex wines with tastings, local producers, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
MIA 65: a heel with meaning
On this visit, I brought with me the MIA 65, which I photographed in some of these special places. A heel that blends strength and delicacy — the perfect companion for journeys taken with a light soul and purposeful steps. Just like my great-grandfather’s… and Benvenuta’s.
With love, until the next destination,
Tati Benvenuto
