As an essential metal ion and an efficient relaxation agent, Mn 2+ holds great promise to replace Gd 3+ in MRI contrast agent applications, if its stable and inert complexation can be achieved. Towards this goal, four pyridine and one carboxylate pendants have been introduced in coordinating positions on the bispidine platform to yield ligand L 3. Thanks to its rigid and preorganized structure and perfect size-match for Mn 2+ , L 3 provides remarkably high thermodynamic stability (logKMnL = 19.47), selectivity over the major biological competitor Zn 2+ (KMnL/KZnL = 4.4), and kinetic inertness. Solid-state X-ray data show that [MnL 3 (MeOH)](OTf)2 has an unusual eight-coordinate structure with a coordinated solvent molecule, in contrast to the six-coordinate structure of [ZnL 3 ](OTf), underlining that the coordination cavity is perfectly adapted for Mn 2+ , while it is too large for Zn 2+. In aqueous solution, 17 O NMR data evidence one inner sphere water and dissociatively activated water exchange (kex 298 = 13.5 × 10 7 s-1) for MnL 3. Its water proton relaxivity (r1 = 4.44 mM-1 s-1 at 25 °C, 20 MHz) is about 30% higher than values for typical monohydrated Mn 2+ complexes, which is related to its higher molecular size; its relaxation efficiency is similar to that of clinically used Gd 3+-based agents. In vivo MRI experiments realized in control mice at 0.02 mmol/kg injected dose indicate good signal enhancement in the kidneys and fast renal clearance. Taken together, MnL 3 is the first chelate that combines such excellent stability, selectivity, inertness and relaxation properties, all of primary importance for MRI use.