In the lower Mantovano, inside the Oglio Sud River Park, life has always been regulated by water. The Oglio and Po rivers, with the whole of the tributary channels, determine the succession of the floods and sheds and the people of these green and fertile countryside are accustomed to following the seasons. The towns in this area are small, almost villages, and remain well hidden and protected by the master embankment. In ancient times, the Mantua campaigns were often submerged by the tormentous and violent waters of the two rivers. When canals, embankments and water plants were built, the quality of life improved considerably.

San Matteo delle Chiaviche, in the municipality of Viadana (MN), is one of those villages. Small, with less than 1000 inhabitants, San Matteo has a church, a cemetery, a couple of restaurants and a few hundred homes. The village is located at the point where the Oglio River meets the Po River.

Right there, to protect the hinterland from flooding, the imposing hydrovore plant was built in the first decades of the last century. 'The locks', as they are defined in the country, can be visited in spring during 'reclamation week'. The plant has a total capacity of 58,000 liters per second and is based on chestnut stilts.

There are three ways to go across the Oglio River. You can follow the embankment north to Gazzuolo and cross the bridge, or always following the master embankment but in the opposite direction use the Dosolo bridge. But the third way is much more interesting and fun. Going towards the river, leaving the village behind, you arrive towards the master embankment, on the left is the water supply plant and on the right the old house of the keeper. Instead of turning, continuing straight down the road, you slowly descend towards the river.