Just 21 kilometres outside Mantua, the little town of San Benedetto Po (18m/59ft; pop. 8,000), it is mainly known for the former Benedictine monastery (Abbazia di Polirone) founded in 1007 by Marquis Tedaldo of Canossa and dissolved in 1789. The church, originally built in Gothic style was remodeled by Giulio Romano as a splendid Renaissance building with an octagonal dome over the crossing and a fine portico; in front of the presbytery are floor mosaics (12th century). The internal furnishings are mainly 16th century.