Panoramic wheels Provincia di Cycle routes PROVINCIA DI FERRARA with an Este flavour Panoramic wheels

‘Panoramic wheels’ is a guide for cycle tourism enthusiasts. It features a number of routes (best undertaken between April and October) grouped into 3 sections.

To w a r d s Fe r r a r a Our innovation here is information on long-distance routes, from elsewhere in Emilia Romagna or neighbouring regions, that converge on Ferrara along scenic cycle routes like the famous Ciclopista del Sole that comes down from the Brennero pass.

Ar o u n d Fe r r a r a Routes within the province itself: Ferrara Province is criss-crossed by an impressive network of interconnected cycle tourism routes, unwinding between town and countryside, nature reserves and castles, watercourses and lagoons, on safe roads or cycle-only paths. The most famous is the ‘Destro Po’, part of the Eurovelo project: it is the central part of Paneuropean route No.8 from Athens to Cadiz and runs along the right-hand bank of the River Po.

In Fe r r a r a The third section is given over totrails around Ferrara’s history, art and architecture, getting around in the “cycling city” without fuss, getting to know the beauties of the Este’s capital, like its green walls, Este castle, mediaeval city and cathedral, and the Renaissance city centred on the .

1 Cycle tourism on www.ferrarabike.com Index

This guide is supported by documents Towards Ferrara...... pag.. 4 and technical information download- able from the official tourism portal of 1 The Alps and the Plain the province, www.ferrarainfo.com, where you will find a whole section on cycle tourism. From Bolzano to Ferrara...... 6 From there, for every route in this guide, you can download gratis the GPS routing, road book, 2 Artistic journeys Google Earth coordinates, and other necessary information to study the route beforehand, From Padova to Ferrara...... 10 and to consult en route. 3 Biking in the great delta How to use this guide From to Ferrara...... 14 4 Suspended between land and water From to Ferrara...... 18 An information panel indicates the length of the route, important points to note, train+bike tickets available, and the rest of the essential information, as well as a plan of the route and a 5 The heart of Emilia text describing it. If you need information on accommodation or bike hire, consult the tourist From Bologna to Ferrara ...... 22 information office.. 6 The two capitals of the Dukedom From to Ferrara ...... 26 Key Around Ferrara...... 30

Arrival & departure points Railway stations 1 The Destra Po Route From Ferrara to Gorino Ferrarese...... 34 Route Accommodation 2 Burana’s great loop of water Diversions and variations Tourist Information Office Circular route Ferrara - Bondeno - Destra Po...... 38 Direction of travel Information 3 The Lands of the Alto Ferrarese Circular route Ferrara - Cento...... 42 1 Routes into the Diversion 4 The Lands of the Primaro 1 Routes within the province of Ferrara Rest area, refreshments From Ferrara to Argenta...... 46 Junctions of routes into the province Drinking fountain 5 Along the Po di Volano First stage - From Ferrara to Ostellato...... 50 Junctions of routes within the province Ferry 6 Along the Po di Volano Note especially Second stage - From Ostellato to ...... 54 7 Landscape of the great land reclamation Ro - Copparo - Ostellato...... 58 Published by: Cover Photo: Province of Ferrara Luca Capuano 8 Nature reserves on two wheels Text, editorial coordination: Graphics, maps, route surveys, technical information: From Ostellato to Argenta...... 62 Tourist Information Office Noemastudio, Ferrara 9 The Lagoons of the Po Delta Park , Ferrara Printed by: Photography: Italia Tipolitografia From Argenta to ...... 66 Massimo Baraldi, L . Gavagna - le Immagini, Printed on environment-friendly paper 10 The Park and the Sea Giuliana Lonzi, Milko Marchetti, Federico Meneghetti, This guide went to press: - Lidi di Comacchio - Comacchio ...... 70 Mario Rebeschini, Andrea Samaritani, Nazario Spadoni, 01 .03 .2010 Massimiliano Stevanin, Sergio Stignani, Alessandro Vincenzi, Paolo Zappaterra, Thanks to FIAB- Ferrara Friends of the Bicycle Antea s .r .l ., Photo Archive of the Province of Ferrara for their collaboration . In Ferrara...... 74

2 3 Towards Ferrara 1 The Alps and the Plain From Bolzano to Ferrara Length 314,690 km

2 Artistic journeys From Padova to Ferrara Length 105,580 km

3 Biking in the great delta From Venice to Ferrara Length 216,550 km

4 Suspended between land and water From Ravenna to Ferrara Length 126,610 km

5 The heart of Emilia From Bologna to Ferrara Length 73,570 km

6 The two capitals of the Dukedom From Modena to Ferrara Length 84,520 km

4 5 The Alps and the Plain From Bolzano to Ferrara

A voyage of discovery: natural and artistic panoramas of in all their riches and variety. This route touches on four regions: Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto, Lombardia and Emilia Romagna; from Bol- zano to Ferrara, along part of the Ciclopista del Sole long distance cycle route. The route descends from the enchanted basin in which Bolzano is immersed among vine- yards and woodlands, at the heart of the Dolomite region of Alto Adige; it drops into Trento passing through mediaeval villages, skirts along Lake Garda, follows the river Mincio, then, after visiting Man- tova, joins the Po to arrive in Fer- rara, the city of the cycle. Bolzano, Piazza Walther

1 Technical notes

Depart: Bolzano, Piazza Walther Arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Bolzano-Bozen: Ferrara Length: 314,690 km Piazza Walther, 8 tel. 0471 307000 Difficulty level: the route is mainly cycle path, www.bolzano-bozen.it difficult only because of its length and for a little climb just before Affi. Trento: Via Manci, 2 tel. 0461 216000 • www.apt.trento.it Railways Rovereto: Corso Rosmini, 6 Brennero/Bologna • Suzzara/Ferrara tel. 0464 430363 • www.visitrovereto.it Bicycle transport available. Please check timetables and availability. : Piazzale Betteloni, 15 Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com tel. 045 7551673 • www.tourism.verona.it 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it Mantova: Piazza Mantegna, 6 NB. We suggest splitting the route into 3 stages: tel. 0376 432432 • www.turismo.mantova.it Bolzano - Rovereto, Rovereto - Mantova, Manto- Ferrara: Castello Estense va - Ferrara. tel. 0532 299303 • www.ferrarainfo.com

6 7 1 From Bolzano to Ferrara From Bolzano to Ferrara 1 Bolzano to Rovereto Rovereto to Mantova Mantova to Ferrara Further information km 90,180 km 117,330 km 107,180

Bolzano is the finest route to the foot This first part of the BOLZANO-FERRARA From Rovereto we stay on the cycle track It’s impossible to list the thousand threads of the Dolomite peaks. route follows the ‘Ciclopista del Sole’ which alongside the Adige, eventually crossing it that link these two Renaissance courts, In art and architecture, as in language, runs for the most part along gentle gradi- at the Diga di Mori dam. After Chizzola, the Mantova and Ferrara: historic links from al- the characteristics of German country ents down the valleys of the Isarco and the track is high up on the river bank crossing liances and marriages, but above all artistic coexist with the Italian; among its many Adige. the vineyards of the lower Vallagarina, as far links so close that you can easily claim that a major attractions is the archaeological Our point of departure in Bolzano is Pi- as Pilcante. Near Borghetto all’Adige the visit to one complements a visit to the other. museum which is home to Ötzi, the azza Walther, dominated by the memorial Valle dell’Adige cyclepath finishes, and the Both are listed as World Heritage Cities by mummified body from 3500-3300 BC to Walther von der Vogelweide, one of the route runs between Monte Baldo and the UNESCO, and are both cities on the water, discovered in the Similaun glacier. greatest poet-troubadours of the German river on the left; important landmarks are linked to a river, the Mincio for Mantova and middle ages. Out of the old centre, the cycle Belluno Veronese, then Rivalta and Peri. At the Po for Ferrara. Trento is the capital of the Trentino and track follows an embankment between the Zuane is the start of a good climb, necessary On leaving Mantova we aim for Bagnolo San has a strong renaissance flavour in its two rivers, the Adige to the right and the Isar- to pass from the altitude of the Adige to Lago Vito where we meet the river Po: we climb up art and architecture. Historically at the co to the left - these join later downstream. di Garda across the Caprino-Costermano-Affi onto its embankment, which here is the Sin- plateau. meeting point of Latin civilisation with The route passes though Ora and Egna, and istra Po cycle route, but then leave it again the German language, it maintains a then Salorno, before the border with the After Affi and Lazise, with its Gardaland for a while to head towards Governolo. lively cultural tradition: it has notable province of Trento. After a few kilometres amusement park, we get to the walled town There we come again upon the river Mincio, museums for archaeology, mediaeval the valley grows wider and opens out into of Peschiera del Garda. which flows into the Po here, and continue art, the natural sciences, and its own the Rotaliana plain, with the towns of San on the left bank of the Po as far as Ostiglia. history of Irredentism. Michele all’Adige, Mezzocorona, and Mez- At Ostiglia we cross the Po by the iron bridge zolombardo, famous for their wine, includ- Lake Garda and arrive at Revere, where we continue Mantova is the city of the Gonzagas: ing the outstanding Teroldego. along the right-hand side of the Po on the they took over the governance of the Arrival in Trento. The variety of countryside and historical Destra Po cycle track. The province of Man- stratification are truly breathtaking; olive city in 1328 and held it securely, ruling After Trento, sticking to the left of the Adige, tova ends with Borgofranco sul Po, Carbon- trees, perhaps brought here by the Etrus- over a long period of economic, po- we pass through Besenello, and then Nomi ara di Po, Sermide and Felonica; we enter the cans, cypresses from Venetian times, citrus litical and artistic splendour. Don’t miss - where there is a specialist cycle travel re- province of Ferrara at Stellata di Bondeno. trees for which the Franciscans built winter strolling among its squares, or visiting source called the ‘Bicigrill’ - arriving in the Here the cycle track on the riverbank official- greenhouses, vines, stark fortresses over- the cathedral and the splendid Palazzo outskirts of Rovereto. A little town of the ly becomes the “Destra Po” and passes the hanging its fjords, villages, ancient walls, Ducale and Palazzo Te complexes. Vallagarina, this is known for its great Peace beautiful Rocca Possente castle; from Stel- churches, and houses on the banks to Bell and for the MART modern art museum, lata, crossing over the river Panaro we arrive which the centuries have given the distinct with its prestigious permanent collection of in Bondeno where we turn onto the Burana flavours of their respective origins, Vene- 20th century Italian art. cycle/pedestrian route as far as Ferrara (see tian on one bank, Lombard on the other. Routes around Ferrara n° 2, p.38). The ‘Ciclopista del Sole’ between Bolzano and Trento Stellata di Bondeno, the Rocca Possente From the fortress of Peschiera, we leave Lago di Garda, along the river Mincio. The Mantova-Peschiera cycle/pedestrian track, easy and well-known among cyclists, follows the river as far as Valeggio sul Mincio and its romantic Borghetto. We reach Mantova across the area around the lakes, the Periurban Park.

8 9 Artistic journeys From Padova to Ferrara

Padova, Piazza delle Erbe

A most agreeable and convenient journey from the Veneto to Emilia Romagna, joining two mediaeval centres of great importance: Ferrara’s still splendidly intact and wedded to the Renaissance masterpiece of the Addizione Erculea; Padova’s right in the middle of the city: both of them notable artistic destinations. After admiring the beauties of the province of Padova at every turn of the pedals, it reaches Rovigo, once part of the Este’s domain, which shares with Ferrara the natural boundary of the river Po.

2 Technical notes

Depart: Padova, Ufficio IAT - Via C. Pedrocchi Arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Padova: Galleria Pedrocchi Ferrara Length: 105,580 km tel. 049 8767927 www.turismopadova.it Difficulty level: Rovigo: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 20 flat route along cycle paths and minor roads. tel. 0425 386290 • www.provincia.rovigo.it/turismo First section on gravel path. Ferrara: Castello Estense Railways tel. 0532 299303 • www.ferrarainfo.com Bologna/Venezia NB. Bicycle transport available. A long cycle-pedestrian path runs along the ca- Please check timetables and availability. nals in the Padova region as far as Monselice, far Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com from the traffic of the main road.

10 11 2 From Padova to Ferrara From Padova to Ferrara 2

begin with Villa Molin, the masterpiece In 1194 Azzo VI d’Este took possession of Further information of Vicenzo Scamozzi. At Battaglia Terme Rovigo with the title of Count, and from that you should stop and look at Catajo castle, point on, except for a period under Padova Padova is one of the most lively and dy- an impressive residence which owes its and another under Venice, the city was an namic cities in the Veneto region, eco- fortifications to one of its owners, Pio Enea Este possession until becoming part of the nomically and culturally. Because of its degli Obizzi, inventor of the siege cannons republic of Venice in 1482. position and its waterways it has been known as ‘obice’, otherwise ‘howitzer’. Just From Rovigo we head towards Borsea and, inhabited since antiquity, including the outside the village of Battaglia Terme in an crossing the Canal Bianco, at Pontecchio Roman period. Its elegant city centre is almost theatrical position is Villa Selvatico- Polesine we turn onto a cycle path that takes rich in splendid examples of mediaeval, Sartori, and shortly afterwards Villa Emo, us to Guarda Veneta. The origin of this com- renaissance and modern architecture. with a typical Italian style garden. The cycle munity, like that of Guarda Ferrarese facing it Among the symbols of the city are great track ends at Monselice. across the river, goes back to the period just open squares, the piazze delle Erbe, dei Padova, cycle/pedestrian path on the Canale Scaricatore Frutti, dei Signori and the Prato della Valle; after the flooding of the Po at Ficarolo in the th the Scrovegni chapel with its outstanding Our departure point in Padova is right in the 12 century, when the work of constructing frescoes by ; and the Basilica of St. centre, near the famous Caffè Pedrocchi. We embankments brought many families of la- Anthony, a jewel box of art and devotion. pass through Piazza delle Erbe, and then in The Euganean Hills bourers here. The Po is now in front of us; we climb up onto its embankment, also called front of the Basilica of St. Anthony, on the These gentle rolling hills constitute the Sinistra Po, as far as Polesella. This too is Rovigo is the smallest province of the urban cycle track. Out of the centre we hit the one of the principal natural jewels of linked to the history of Ferrara, it was at the Veneto, in the heart of the Padana plain; it Canale Scaricatore. This canal, which heads the Padova area with their incompa- centre of an important battle between the began life as an Episcopal fiefdom, its ur- west, was built by the Austrian governors rable botanic riches and great herit- Venetians and the Este dukes, who had built ban structure showing evidence of its high in 1830 and takes most of the water of the age of historic monuments. The cli- fortifications here at the river. mediaeval history. The great civil and reli- River Bacchiglione out of the city. A cycle/ mate, particularly mild, encourages gious buildings of the city centre bear the pedestrian path runs long the right-hand the cultivation of olives and vines, At Polesella, passing the elegant Villa Mo- impression of the Serene Republic, Venice, bank, and crosses the canal on an iron bridge, which leads to the production of 13 rosini, we cross the Po by the bridge (not which was dominant here from the XV- carrying on to the right to the Canale della DOC wines. for cycling) and arrive in Ferrarese territory XVIII centuries. Worth seeing are: Palazzo Battaglia, an old waterworks canal built 8 at Ro. To get to Ferrara from here, take the del Municipio, Palazzo dell’Accademia dei metres above the level of the plain. The path Renowned throughout the world for Destra Po cycle-tourism route in the reverse Concordi, the cathedral and the church of heads south, the residential areas of Padova its mud bath therapy, the Terme Eu- direction via Francolino. the Beata Vergine del Soccorso. quickly ceding to cultivated fields where old ganee spa has its two main centres in farms alternate with Venetian villas. These Abano and Montegrotto, immersed amid the green hills. Battaglia Terme, Catajo Castle Polesella, Villa Morosini

Passing through Monselice on the road, and then on to Schiavonia, Sant’Elena, Granze, and Vescovana, we reach the river Adige, which we cross heading for Lusia and its tower. From Lusia we keep to minor roads, passing through Granzette and turning south. Arrival at Rovigo. Rovigo was historically linked to the Este family, who presumably encouraged the development of its fortifications, the keep of the castle, nowadays known as Torre Donà, is one of the highest mediaeval towers in Italy.

12 13 Biking in the great delta From Venice to Ferrara

Laguna di Venezia

Venice, one of the greatest masterpieces that humankind has ever produced, the float- ing city, mysterious, steeped in history, unforgettably fascinating - along with the Venice lagoon it is the tourist destination par excellence. This journey takes Venice’s public transport network as far as Chioggia, crosses the rivers Brenta and Adige, and unwinds southwards through the landscape created by the River Po in its slow progress towards the Adriatic, which gave life to one of the broadest wetland zones of the Eu- ropean Mediterranean: The Po Delta, an ideal roaming ground for the naturalist, the environmentalist and the gourmet. It arrives in Ferrara along the ‘Destra Po’ route. Two cities, both friends and enemies, joined by culture and centuries of history in which wars alternated with periods of warm friendship when the dukes of Ferrara were welcomed in San Marco in honour and brotherhood.

3 Technical notes

Depart: Venezia Arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola APT Venezia: Ferrara Length: 216,550 km (from Chioggia 196,550 km) Castello 5050 tel. 041 5298711 Difficulty level: www.turismovenezia.it suitable for everyone. Level route mainly along minor roads. APT Chioggia: Lungomare Adriatico, 101 (Sottomarina) • tel. 041 401068 Railways www.chioggiatourism.it Venezia/Adria • Adria/Chioggia Bicycle transport available. Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po: Please check timetables and availability. tel. 0426 372202 • www.parcodeltapo.org Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com Parco Delta del Po Emilia-Romagna: NB. You can reach Chioggia from Venice either tel. 0533 314003 • www.parcodeltapo.it by direct ferry, or with the vaporetti via Lido di Ferrara: Castello Estense Venezia and Pellestrina. tel. 0532 299303 • www.ferrarainfo.com

14 15 3 From Venezia to Ferrara From Venezia to Ferrara 3

The route leaves from Venice itself, from Venice where we head for Chioggia, either by and its lagoon the direct Venice-Chioggia boat or the vaporetti(boat buses) which would allow Venice is an unending source of marvels you to stop and cycle along the Lido and and admiration just because of the way it Pellestrina (bikes can be carried). Chioggia, is: the city is supported minimally on mil- separated from the sea by the island of lions of wooden posts driven into the sand, Sottomarina, is certainly worth a visit for its crossed by dozens of canals thronged with urban fabric, the vertical lines of piazze and boats and gondolas, woven together by canals intersecting with the horizontal lines narrow alleys, the calli, which are punctu- of the streets; their order and near perfect ated by opening into marvellouss piazze, regularity making a classic fishbone shape. the campi, over whosepavingstoness moved grand personages and the most Across the river Brenta by the bridge from splendid treasures of history. Chioggia is Ca’ Lino. To get to the Po Delta Venice’s lagoon stands for the dogged area we must first cross another important defence of La Serenissima against the sea river, the Adige, whose Delta marks the end Sacca degli Scardovari wearing away the shoreline, and against of the Venice lagoon. The Adige estuary is Levante, at the extreme north of the Delta, is the rivers silting up the open water. The fairly wild still: on one side there is the beach not an active branch of the river, but is kept The landscape of the Sacca degli lagoon extends from north to south in the resort of Rosolina Mare, a recently deposited alive by a canal. Scardovari changes colour by the shape of a bow, from the mouth of the Sile sandy area including Porto Caleri and the seasons, through the various shades to the mouth of the Brenta, shielded by island of Albarella (not on our itinerary). On of grey and blue; on one side the sea the islands of the Lido and Pellestrina. the other side and inland is Rosolina itself, and near that Porto Levante. The Po di water, on the other fresh water from canals, ponds and flooded fields. In Chioggia amongst this are buildings used by Marina di Porto Levante is an ideal fisher-folk, and beside them anchor- departure point from which to discover ages for the boats they call “vongolare” the splendid islands of the Venetian - the Sacca is today a centre for the cul- lagoon or as far as the Croatian coast; tivation of clams and mussels, and is also a good place to try your hand at the one of the biggest European centres for absorbing sport of deep sea fishing. the production of mussels.

From Porto Levante we head towards Ca’ At Santa Giulia, an important stop for Venier: everywhere you look there are strong anyone visiting the Po Delta, we cross the images, reflective or poetic, but always Po di Gnocca (otherwise known as Po della inspiring and of great evocative power; the Donzella) by a pontoon bridge, and head bicycle is the best transport to appreciate for Gorino Veneto or Gorino Sullam, named these nuances of nature. Ca’Venier is an after a Jewish family who used to farm there. island enclosed by the Po di Venezia to the At Gorino Veneto another pontoon bridge south, and by the Po di Maistra to the west takes us across the Po di Goro and into and north; cross the river and head towards Ferrara province at Gorino Ferrarese. Ca’ Mello, a reclaimed area of 40 hectares, At this point the route turns onto the Destra and onto the Sacca degli Scardovari which Po Cycle-tourism path, to be followed back we follow round as far as Santa Giulia. to our final destination, Ferrara. (see Routes around Ferrara No.1, p.34).

16 17 Suspended between land and water From Ravenna to Ferrara

Ravenna, Mausoleo di Teodorico

Ravenna and Ferrara are brought together in one pleasing journey. These are two centres of art with UNESCO World Heritage recognition, rich in unmissable details: exhibitions, museums, monuments, churches; even those who prefer their views to be natural will find it fascinating to pedal through the pinewoods of Ravenna and the seaside, through the high- lights of the Po Delta Park, along the embankments of the rivers Lamone and Reno, skirt- ing alongside the watery zones like Pialassa della Baiona or the lagoons of Comacchio and Argenta. This is an invitation to a voyage through classic flavours like piadina romagnola, crescioni, passatelli in brodo, salama da sugo, and tastes from the waters - fish of the sea and eels of the lagoons - an invitation to discover a cuisine that is both healthy and tasty.

4 Technical notes

Depart: Ravenna, Parco Logg. Lombardesca Arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Ravenna: Via Salara, 8 Ferrara Length: 126,610 km tel. 0544 35755 www.turismo.ravenna.it Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Level route mainly along minor roads with little traf- Parco Delta del Po Emilia Romagna: fic. Some long stretches on dirt track. tel. 0533 314003 • www.parcodeltapo.it Comacchio: Via Mazzini, 4 • tel. 0533 314154 Railways Ferrara: Castello Estense • tel. 0532 299303 Ravenna/Ferrara www.ferrarainfo.com Bicycle transport available. NB. The Po Delta Park is situated between the Please check timetables and availability. provinces of Ravenna and Ferrara, and has many Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com visitor trails.

Ravenna has Unesco World Heritage status for its Early Christian monuments

18 19 4 From Ravenna to Ferrara From Ravenna to Ferrara 4

Over the Romea bridge we continue along Further Information the opposite embankment of the Reno. Comacchio and its lagoons Ravenna is a magical city of culture The journey continues to offer lots of inter- Many-faceted Comacchio is known and of the sea, with monuments in- est especially from nature: continue along not only for its architectural centre cluded on the UNESCO world heritage Via Argine Sinistro Reno, between the river, but also for the extensive lagoon list. About 1500 years ago Ravenna was to the left, and there is a splendid view over system that has become a histori- three times a capital city, richly adorned the lagoon to the right. Valle Furlana is the cal and natural reserve that can be by Galla Placidia, Teodoric, Teodora and southernmost part of the famous Comac- viewed from trails on embankments Justinian, with works of art and treasures chio lagoons, between Sant’Alberto and the and canals, on foot, by bike or by mo- that have withstood the millennia; the Romea man road, a sanctuary for birdwatch- torboat. A paradise for birdwatchers, atmosphere of its historic buildings, the ing with numerous species. After the Stazi- its fishermen’s buildings have been golden light in the basilicas and in the one Oasi di Volta Scirocco there is the Oasi conserved and can be visited, where workshops of the artists, the re- The Ravenna - Punta Marina Terme cycle path di Boscoforte, a splendid sand bar which once the locals fished for eels. flection of its bell-towers along the wa- reaches out into the waters of the famous After a visit to the centre of Ravenna, find ters of the canal port, all make Ravenna Comacchio lagoons. yourself near the M.A.R. or the Loggetta an unforgettable city in touch with all its Lombardesca (which houses temporary ex- Stay on the embankment as far as Prato This route leads to Argenta across the lands souls: the Gothic, Byzantine, Mediaeval, hibitions), and leave the city to the east and Pozzo, after which leave the Reno for a short of the Bonifica del Mantello land reclamation, Venetian, modern and contemporary. towards the sea, over a good stretch of cycle while, then back onto it as far as Madonna and from there to Ferrara: at first we use the Must-sees: Mausoleum of Teodoric, path to Punta Marina Terme, a beach resort del Bosco. Argenta - Comacchio route (n° 9), then the churches of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, in among the pinewoods with a spa facility Here we turn right for Anita, then follow the one from Ferrara to Argenta (n° 4), both of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo and S. Vitale, right on the beach. The route crosses the panoramic Argine Agosta, along Via Valle which are to be taken in reverse order. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Tomb of shady area of the pinewoods with a conven- Umana. Dante. ient track for cycles. The Comacchio Lagoons A strong link After Punta Marina Terme comes Marina di Ravenna with its little port to the south of Ravenna and Ferrara are linked by the canal port, which we cross by the ferry strong historic ties and common traits; boat at the Dalmatian Quay (Molo Dalmazia). but, divided by a struggle between The ferry reaches land in Porto Corsini on two bishops, the cities had different via Molo San Filippo. From there we proceed destinies: Ferrara, capital of a feudal along the cycle track at the edge of the pine state, Ravenna, ancient imperial capital. woods all the way to Marina Romea. Behind But history finished up bringing them this beach resort, bordered by the San Vitale back together under the domination pinewoods to the west, is the Pialassa della of and both were enriched by Baiona, a extensive lagoon which gets fresh innumerable churches and convents. water from the canal and the river Lamone, Ravenna, like Ferrara, is also a city of and salt water from the sea. the sea with well-equipped beaches, it also boasts a wide green area which We reach the mouth of the Lamone and matches with Ferrarese territory: the Po cross it by the bridge, the cycle path goes on Delta Park is a joint project between to the hamlet of Casalborsetti. Stay on the the two provinces, and offers various road as far as the embankment of the River excursions among protected wetlands, Reno, crossed here on the SS 309 Romea reserves, freshwater and sea-water main road (be careful on the bridge), and en- lagoons, woodlands, and salt pans. ter the province of Ferrara. Proceed with care.

20 21 The heart of Emilia From Bologna to Ferrara

Bologna, the city of a thousand porticos, ancient and modern. Ferrara, the Renaissance city, whose long broad streets run to meet the visitor arriving from the green enclosure of its walls. Although dif- ferent, the two cities of the plains have been closely linked over the centuries by the university, their painting, their food and now also by a journey that links the capital of Emilia- Romagna to Ferrara. It runs from the riverside gar- dens of Lungo Navile dal Parco di Villa Angeletti all the way to the suspension bridge at Corticella, then across a classic agricultural landscape to Ferrara. Bologna, Fontana del Nettuno

5 Technical notes

Depart: Bologna, Piazza del Nettuno Arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Bologna: Piazza Maggiore Ferrara Length: 73,570 km tel. 051 239660/251947 iat.comune.bologna.it Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Level route with a long first stretch on dirt track along the Navile. Ferrara: Castello Estense tel. 0532 299303 • www.ferrarainfo.com Railways Bologna/Venezia NB. Bicycle transport available. Bologna: Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo D’Ac- Please check timetables and availability. cursio, Museo Morandi, Sala Borsa, Museo Civico Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com Archeologico, Pinacoteca Nazionale, Due Torri.

22 23 5 From Bologna to Ferrara From Bologna to Ferrara 5

Further information Bologna and Ferrara are both home to ancient universities: Ferrara’s was founded BOLOGNA in 1391 with the same privileges as Bolo- Main town of Emilia-Romagna and geo- gna, which is the oldest university in the graphically at the centre of the region, world. Bologna university is said to go internationally recognised as a city of art back to 1088, accordinggg to a committee and culture; a city of mediaeval build- of historians chaired by Giosuè Carducci. ings but with an atmosphere more of Over the centuries the two universities the 17th & 18th century, with its red brick; have been beacons of culture drawing it is the city of a thousand porticoes, old eager students from all over Europe. Both and new, sheltering both shops and the cities were also centres for great schools visitors who follow this network between of painting and have exchanged artists the major monuments. Heart of the city is and artworks over the centuries. Between Piazza Maggiore, where on one side is the the two cities runs a journey of many col- majestic Basilica of San Petronio with its ours which will fascinate the cognoscenti stairway, while right in front of you the bar and enthuse the general visitor. tables are inviting you to pause a moment.

Bologna, Sostegno Battiferro lock

From Piazza del Nettuno, cross Via Villa Angeletti Park spreading along the right- The Navile is evidence of a man-made water with thousands of exhibits showing work Indipendenza (one of the city’s main arteries) hand bank of the Navile canal and notable for system that for centuries influenced the and life in the Bolognese countryside in the to exit from Porta Galliera with the railway well-designed cycle paths, wide green spaces, townscape and the economic development 19th & 20th Centuries. station behind you. Here there is the beautiful wooded areas and children’s play areas. of Bologna. In the Mediaeval period it We pass through more villages of the connected Bologna with the Po di Primaro Bologna, Villa Angeletti Park Bologna countryside: Saletto, Ponticelli, and the sea. Today it is no longer navigable Pegola and Boschi. After crossing the river and is used for irrigation, but along its route Reno by a Bailey bridge we enter Ferrarese there are the fascinating old locks that once territory and continue along Via Imperiale regulated the flow of the waters. for a little way, then through Spinazzino to Following the Navile we pass the Sostegno Marrara on Via Cembalina. From here we Battiferro and the Sostegno di Corticella follow route n° 4 (Ravenna to Ferrara, p.18) before arriving in Corticella. Leaving the to Ferrara along the Po di Primaro. Navile we take the SP di Galliera main road, which is very busy but has an cycle lane. Through Castel Maggiore and Funo to San Giorgio di Piano; from here we take a cycle path to Bentivoglio, where you can see the 15th Century castle (restored around the beginning of the 20th century) which The Po di Primaro, was at one time one of under the ownership of one Bentivoglio the two principal branches of the River Po, welcomed - among other illustrious names but today it is a modest watercourse that - Dukes Ercole I & Alfonso of Ferrara and at Traghetto flows into the River Reno, Lucrezia Borgia. From Fabbreria there is a which occupies the former bed of the diversion to San Marino with its countryside Primaro until it flows into the Adriatic. museum (Museo della Civiltà Contadina)

24 25 The two capitals of the Dukedom From Modena to Ferrara

The dukedoms of Ferrara and Modena, united under the rule of the Este family, have for centuries shared war, peace and splendour. This is a pro- found link that has never been broken, but retains a respect for their differences, and to- day allows the traveller to visit both along a thread that can- not be broken. From the his- toric centre of Modena, along stretches of cycle path recently reclaimed from disused railway tracks, it crosses the Modenese lands and Lambrusco coun- try to enter Ferrarese territory at Finale Emilia, the border town, and then follows the course of the Panaro as far as Bondeno. Modena, Cattedrale

6 Technical notes

Depart: Modena, Piazza Grande Arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Modena: Via Scudari, 8 Ferrara Length: 84,520 km tel. 059 2032660 turismo.comune.modena.it Difficulty level: Suitable for everyone. Level route mainly along minor roads with long Ferrara: Castello Estense stretches on cycle paths. tel. 0532 299303 • www.ferrarainfo.com Railways NB. Milano/Bologna • Bologna/Ferrara Modena: Suzzara/Ferrara. Bicycle transport available. Biblioteca Estense, , Palazzo Du- Please check timetables and availability. cale, Museo Civico Archeologico. Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com Modena has Unesco World Heritage status for its Cathedral, the Torre Civica Tower and Piazza Grande square

26 27 6 From Modena to Ferrara From Modena to Ferrara 6

In Modena we leave bright Piazza Grande Further Information with its cathedral. We cross the city centre along roads and stretches of city cycle lanes, MODENA passing beside the Ducal Palace, now the Modena was built upon Roman Mutina Militaryy Academy, and in the inner suburbs and has the Via Emilia itself crossing the cannot avoid noticing the headquarters of centre and separating the mediaeval Maserati by the railway overpass. Staying city from the Estense part, which is on the cycle lane we leave Modena to the dominated by the bulk of the Palazzo north, along via Nonantolana following care- Ducale. Its cathedral is one of the high- fully the signs for the old railway path (Pista est expressions of the Romanesque ciclabile Ex Ferrovia Modena - Mirandola). This style: its facade recalls the cathedral in reclaimed cycle track is called the Modena- Ferrara, where we can read the influence Bastiglia route and occupies the track bed of Nicholaus, who may have been an ap- of an old railway, now completely asphalted The River Panaro prentice of the Wiligelmo who designed over, for the most part deep in the green of Modena’s cathedral. the hedges of the old railway and the fields We continue by way of San Pietro in Elda, A very ancient settlement, this was one of around. Staggia and Villafranca. In the latter we the principal outposts of the Este Dukedom, For the Estes, Modena became the capi- leave the road and turn onto a cycle track an obligatory staging post on the waterways tal of their dukedom after they lost Fer- Arriving in Bastiglia, which is the end of the made from the old railway from Modena to between Modena, Ferrara and Venice. Don’t rara in 1598. cycle track. Mirandola and Finale Emilia (closed in 1964), miss its Estense Castle. Modena’s fame is further increased by its We continue along minor roads between the as far as Medolla. Leaving the cycle track for renowned balsamic vinegar, lambrusco, villages of Sorbara and Bomporto, whose a few kilometres we cross San Felice sul Pa- tortellini, stuffed pig’s trotters and a names recall the famous wine: DOC Lambr- naro, which, despite the name, isn’t actually The Sfogliata or Torta degli Ebrei tradition of motor sport represented by usco di Sorbara red is produced right here on the river. After San Felice we go back onto (Jew’s Tart) is the local delicacy Ferrari at Maranello. in this area and there are many cantine and the cycle track as far as Finale Emilia. par excellence. It comes from the agricultural businesses. Jewish comminity in Finale, for whom it was a gastronomic glory, The Modena - Mirandola railway cycle track Finale Emilia, Estense Castle a savoury tart made of flour, butter and cheese. Traditionally it is eaten on November 2nd.

After a visit to the little town, we climb up onto the embankment of the river Panaro which connects Finale Emilia and Bondeno: it’s 11 km of lightly trafficked road (residents and farm vehicles) from which we can admire the natural scenery of the river with its vegetation and the rich fauna that lives there. The river has marked this area for good as well as ill and its waters have carried the vessels of dukes, merchants and travellers. Arrival at Bondeno, where we turn on to the Burana cycle track for Ferrara (route n° 2, p.38).

28 29 Around Ferrara 2 Burana’s great loop of water 5 Along the Po di Volano (first stage) 8 Nature reserves on two wheels Around Circular route Ferrara - Bondeno - Destra Po From Ferrara to Ostellato From Ostellato to Argenta Length 56,770 km Length 38,890 km Length 30,220 km

Ferrara 3 The Lands of the Alto Ferrarese 6 Along the Po di Volano (second stage) 9 The Lagoons of the Po Delta Park Circular route Ferrara - Cento From Ostellato to Pomposa Abbey From Argenta to Comacchio Length 93,390 km Length 29,910 km Length 46,430 km

1 The Destra Po Route 4 The Lands of the Primaro 7 Landscape of the great land reclamation 10 The Park and the Sea From Ferrara to Gorino Ferrarese From Ferrara to Argenta Ro - Copparo - Ostellato Mesola - Lidi di Comacchio - Comacchio Length 93,220 km Length 41,660 km Length 43,380 km Length 55,870 km

32 33 The Destra Po Route 1 Technical notes Ferrara From Ferrara to Gorino Ferrarese Depart: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Arrive: Goro, località Gorino Ferrarese www.ferrarainfo.com Length: 93,220 km Ferrara: Castello Estense • tel. 0532 299303 Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Level Mesola: P.tta S. Spirito, 3 • tel. 0533 993358 route mainly along cycle paths, with short Goro: Via Cavicchini • tel. 0533 995030 stretches on minor roads. The section at the end Places of Interest of the route is on dirt track. Ro: Mill on the Po • Serravalle: the Delta Gate- way • Mesola: Estense Castle, Gran Bosco della Railways Mesola Woods • Gorino Ferrarese: Old Light- Bologna/Venezia • Ferrara/Codigoro house, Goro Lighthouse. Bicycle transport available. Connections with other routes Please check timetables and availability. Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com 7 Ro - Copparo - Ostellato 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it 10 Mesola - Lidi di Comacchio - Comacchio Mesola, Castello della Mesola

Leaving from the historic centre of the bewitching city of Ferrara, this route runs fauna, traditions, history, food, all in their distinct contexts. as far as the sea at Gorino, a long and extraordinary journey along the right-hand The Destra Po Route is part of the Eurovelo network, 12 cycle routes right across embankment of the Po that follows that river through to its Delta. A journey that Europe, connecting all the countries of the continent; this is the central part of encourages the enjoyment of the plains countryside and leads us to discover flora, European Cycle Route no. 8, which runs from Athens to Cadiz.

34 35 1 From Ferrara to Gorino Ferrarese From Ferrara to Gorino Ferrarese 1

houses we arrive at Berra. both salt and fresh water, and woods of great Further information After Berra comes Serravalle, an important importance. From the embankment we can point because here the Po forks for the first see to the right the long and dense scrub- The River Po, once known as the Eridano, Capacity: time, the beginning of its Delta; one branch land of the Bosco di Santa Giustina. springs from the northern slopes of on average between 1200 - 1300 m3/sec. heads north towards Venice, one runs south Monviso, and at 652 km is the longest Height: and is called the Po di Goro. In the riverside Diversion: to visit the Gran Bo- river in Italy. the average height of the river bed in re- area is the ‘Porta del Delta’ an area laid sco della Mesola, come down Along its course, which flows basically spect to the countryside is +1 metre in out especially for fishing, from which we off the embankment and continue from west to east, it crosses the Padana Bondeno and Ferrara, and +2.5 metres in can enjoy a wide view over the wedge of along route N° 10, p.70. Plain lengthways and flows into the the Basso Ferrarese. At its fullest in Octo- land within the fork, known as the Island of Adriatic through a wide delta. The Po ber 2000, the level of water at Pontelago- Ariano. enters Ferrarese territory at Stellata di After only a few kilometres we arrive at Goro, scuro rose to 11.8 metres above sea level. Bondeno, where it meets its last tributary, a village that looks out onto the ‘Sacca’ of the Panaro; on its final stages the river Embankments: At the entrance to the Delta the same name and is characterised even dominates wide areas of intensively average height 10m at Bondeno, 6.5m at Serravalle to Mesola • 20,930 km today by its busy fishing activity; then carry cultivated reclaimed land. Goro. on towards Gorino Ferrarese, passing on After Serravalle is the village of Ariano Fer- the left the pontoon bridge that leads to rarese, extending between the Canale Bi- Gorino Veneto. This long route is divided into 4 stages. tres directly between its embankments, with anco and the right-hand embankment of Gorino Ferrarese is a village dedicated to no waterside area: as it happens, the river the Po di Goro. It is joined to the village of fishing and to nature tourism, a landscape From the castle to the river is always rising in level because of the sedi- Ariano Polesine over on the Venetian side by in transition between dry land, lagoon, river, Ferrara to Francolino • 10,190 km mentary material carried in it, and the em- a modern bridge. and sea. From here you can take a boat out bankments grow ever higher, so as to take At Ariano Ferrarese we take the road that goes to discover the Delta environment at the In Ferrara the rhythm of everyday life seems on the appearance of a long green wall. alongside the Po di Goro towards Mesola. point where the river finally joins the sea. dictated by the silent procession of hun- At Ro there is a bridge over to Polesella in dreds of bicycles, the favourite transport of Mesola is recognisable from far away with Carry on along the track to the old lighthouse the Veneto. On the right-hand side stretches the inhabitants, which helps (as well as the its great Estense castle facing onto the river. (Lanterna Vecchia) which once guided the nature reserve named ‘Mulino sul Po’ the many green areas, parks and historic gar- The castle was constructed on the orders of shipping, although it is now 4 km from the which includes the area immediately around th dens) to make Ferrara an ideal city for pleas- Duke Alfonso II d’Este in the 16 Century open sea. the river which featured in the celebrated ant strolls and excursions. as a country retreat, adjoining an immense chef d’oeuvre of Riccardo Bacchelli, ‘Il Mulino hunting reserve. The entire property was From the Este castle, symbol of the city, take del Po’ in which he recounts the travails of surrounded by walls and towers, and it is as- Gorino Ferrarese the roads to the north leading to the city generations of country people. You can visit sumed that the Duke wanted to build a town walls, and on the other side of which the a faithful reproduction of the mill, anchored here, but never completed it because of the green expanse of the G. Bassani Urban Park. in the tourist marina, evoking those that ex- sudden end of Este power. We cross the countryside on the cycle tracks isted on the river over a hundred years ago, The castle is home to a Centre for Environ- numbered FE202 & FE203 as far as the Po at with their mill-wheels for grinding corn. mental Education and the Deer Museum. Francolino, where we meet the cycle tour- ism route FE20, the Destra Po. Rest area with refreshments, River heading for the sea bike hire, tourism information The landscape of Mesola to Gorino Ferrarese • 25,620 km “Il Mulino del Po” point. Francolino to Serravalle • 36,570 km Leaving Mesola Castle behind, the route After Ro the river runs for a good stretch tackles the wide bend that the Po di Goro Out of Francolino, which was once an im- directly against the right-hand embankment; makes to the north, and then turns south portant commercial port, we shall be cycling we head for Guarda, with the imposing bulk again for around 10 km, marking the bound- along the embankment of the river. After of its 18th century church that has its facade ary of one of the most significant natural ar- Fossadalbero the river runs for some kilome- turned to the river. After a few riverside eas in the Po Delta Park, rich in lagoons of

36 37 Burana’s great loop of water 2 Technical notes Ferrara Circular route Ferrara - Bondeno - Destra Po Depart: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola

Arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Ferrara: Length: 56,770 km Castello Estense Difficulty level: tel. 0532 299303 • www.ferrarainfo.com suitable for everyone. Level route mainly along NB. The route is particularly enjoyable on the cycle paths, with short stretches on minor roads, Burana cycle-pedestrian-path (FE 101), as it is especially when crossing urban areas in Ferrara shady, well signposted, with red asphalt at the and Bondeno. intersections and distance markers every kilo- metre. Railways Bologna/Venezia • Ferrara/Suzzara Bicycle transport available. Connections with other routes Please check timetables and availability. 1 Ferrara - Gorino Ferrarese Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com 3 Percorso circolare Ferrara - Cento 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it Cycle track Burana

From the heart of the Estense city this circular route runs along important water- to admire the riverside landscape along a stretch of the “Destra Po” cycle-tourism ways into the countryside as far as Bondeno, on a safe cycleway throughout. At route to Francolino, from which it loops back to the Castle at Ferrara. Bondeno the journey turns onto the cycle path along the River Po embankment

38 39 2 Circular route Ferrara - Bondeno - Destra Po Circular route Ferrara - Bondeno - Destra Po 2

The first stretch of the journey is made by The waterways leaving the historic centre of Ferrara and its along the route castle to the west and joining the Burana cycle/pedestrian path which runs alongside The Burana was dug in the early years the canal of the same name. of the 20th century after the decision to The path, in long straight sections, runs reclaim the land in the Low Lands. along lines of poplars in pleasant countryside The Cavo Napoleonico is an important through which we can pedal with effortless canal, 18km long, which connects the ease. After the village of Vigarano Mainarda, Reno to the Po, and was begun in the where can be seen in the distance the estate Napoleonic era in the early 19th Century of the Diamantina, one of the Este’s country as a drainage canal for the Reno. It is ev- retreats, we arrive at Bondeno, crossing the idence of the deep connection that the Cavo Napoleonico by the old railway bridge. Bondeno lands have with the water. At the end of the cycle track at Bondeno we The Panaro draws its waters all the way carry on to the left, along the road, then turn from the Apennines near Modena and right and head north on the embankment of The Diamantina, one of the Estes’ country retreats passes the villages of Vignola, Bompor- the Panaro, the FE 20 Destra Po cycle route. to and Finale Emilia before entering After Ospitale, the riverside area between Napoleonico. Ferrarese territory at Bondeno, where it the Panaro and the road gets narrower and This is the beginning of a long straight flows into the Po. Before Bondeno the finally disappears. The road heads away from section, with the river in clear view. Soon course is narrow, but after the village it the river, to join it again at the point where the Bosco di Porporana reserve comes into becomes wide and majestic, with broad the Panaro joins the Po. We are again cycling view, the nearest thing that now survives to curves and a wooded flood plain. along the river embankment, and after little the riverside plains woodland that at one In June these woods enjoy a re- more than a kilometre we cross the Cavo time used to be typical of the Po flood-plain. ally special experience: swarms of fireflies scatter lights across the River Po, Bonello Pepoli island reserve night to make a real-life fairytale woodland.

After about 7 km, follow the diversion signs for Pontelagoscuro (we are getting near Fer- rara now) and take the embankment road near the Isola Bianca, a LIPU reserve that can be visited with a guide. At Francolino turn onto the FE 203 cycle- way and proceed the few kilometres to Fer- rara. Just before the city is the G. Bassani Urban Park, a fine green area with lakes that extends around the northern walls. Cross Via Bacchelli at the traffic lights and from there under the walls to Corso Ercole I d’Este with its grand buildings. From here we can return to the Este Castle or climb up onto the earth- works of the city walls for a pleasant circuit of the city.

40 41 The Lands of the Alto Ferrarese 3 Technical notes Ferrara Circular route Ferrara - Cento Depart: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Length: 93,390 km www.ferrarainfo.com Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Level Ferrara: Castello Estense • tel. 0532 299303 route partly along cycle path (FE 101 Burana), Cento: Via Guercino, 41 • tel. 051 6843334 partly along minor roads. Section on dirt track along the Cavo Napoleonico, on the return to Connections with other routes Santa Bianca. 2 Circular route Ferrara - Bondeno - Destra Po

Railways Bologna/Venezia Bicycle transport available. Please check timetables and availability. Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com

This circular route unwinds to the west of Ferrara, the area known as the Alto Ferrarese, higher ground where the waters have been easier to control throughout history. the journey reaches into the province of Modena, crossing agricultural country dominated by fruit and grain production, between the Panaro to the north and the Reno to the south. Its artistic Cento, Piazza del Guercino e Palazzo del Governatore destination is the town of Cento with its own great houses, museums and castle.

42 43 3 Circular route Ferrara - Cento Circular route Ferrara - Cento 3

The first part of this route is the same as that of Cento - a little jewel of art, architecture, cui- the ‘Great Loop of Water’, Burana-Destra Po (see sine and commerce - has ancient roots but route n° 2, p.38). At Bondeno take the road they are not well documented . It was owned that runs alongside the Panaro and head for by the Bishop of Bologna in the 12th century, Finale Emilia, leaving the province of Ferrara then given to the Estensi by Pope Alessan- for a moment. From up on the embankment dro VI Borgia as part of his settlement for the we can see the Santa Bianca sluice and the marriage of his daughter Lucrezia to Alfonso water works of the same name, part of the d’Este. In the 17th & 18th centuries it saw years Burana land reclamation. Water is really the of great splendour thanks to the rebuilding dominant element of this route, although of the town, as well as a flourishing artistic the watercourses are contained behind high and cultural life, when the great painter Gio- artificial embankments. van Francesco Barbieri, known as ‘il Guer- cino”, was active. An old Cento tradition is its Carnevale, today Finale Emilia is an old waterfront town, an internationally known event. worth rediscovering. It is dominated by After visiting Cento, on the return leg we use the bulk of the 15th century Castello delle the minor roads with little traffic through Rocche, built by the same Bartolino da Sant’Agostino, Bosco della Panfilia Dosso and then Molino Albergati. Novara to whom we owe the Este Castle in Ferrara; it is one of the best preserved Turn towards Santa Bianca along the track Diversion to the Bosco della Panfilia in the region. that runs alongside the Cavo Napoleonico These woods at Sant’Agostino can be visited at any time of the year, but preferably and back to Bondeno, and then to Ferrara in autumn or spring. The entrance is beside the Cavo Napoleonico, and the wooded along the FE101 Burana cycle track. area extends along a riverside terrace of the Reno, which has determined the veg- From Finale Emilia cross the Panaro back into etation. The river takes a clear turn to the south-east here, and forms the southern Ferrarese territory, and after Alberone, Dodi- border of the Province of Ferrara. ci Morelli and Renazzo, we get to Cento.

Guercino and his studio, The Dinner at Emmaus, Cento, Municipal Gallery Santa Bianca, water works

44 45 The Lands of the Primaro From Ferrara to Argenta

Po di Primaro

A long journey through the heart of the ancient delta of the Po river, that goes deep into the classic countryside to the south of Ferrara, along the course of the Po di Primaro as far as Traghetto, where the Primaro flows into the River Reno. The route goes as far as Argenta, the 6th ‘station’ of the Po Delta Park, with its nature reserves and Ecomuseo, its lagoons, and its museums dedicated to the relationship between the inhabitants and the waters that have for so long surrounded it.

4 Technical notes Ferrara Depart: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Argenta Arrive: Argenta, Centro Culturale Mercato Length: 41,660 km www.ferrarainfo.com Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Ferrara: Level route mainly along minor roads. Castello Estense • tel. 0532 299303 Argenta: Piazza Marconi, 1 • tel. 0532 330276 Railways Ferrara/Ravenna Connections with other routes Bicycle transport available. Please check timetables and availability. 8 Ostellato - Argenta Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com 9 Argenta - Comacchio

46 47 4 From Ferrara to Argenta From Ferrara to Argenta 4

Traces of an ancient river

At the time when Ferrara was founded, the Po di Primaro was one of the two principal branches of the Po along with the Po di Volano. In the 12th Century a series of floods near Ficarolo sent the water north, and the Primaro began a slow decline followed by increased height of the river-bed. To- day it is a canal for water from land reclamation, a modest watercourse that ends its course at Traghetto at a pump- ing station beneath the embankment of the river Reno, to which is has given over its own bed as far as the Adriatic. Argenta, Pieve di San Giorgio Argenta, Saiarino Water Works The River Reno marks the southern boundary of the province of Ferrara. and proceed along the left-hand side of the Final destination of this route, Argenta is a Bonifica) inside the Saiarino Water Works, This watercourse, mostly active after Primaro as far as Ospital Monacale, where town, probably Roman in origin, which in the which demonstrates, through the machines storms, was for centuries the source of we turn onto a stretch of the main road as middle ages passed from the of and descriptions of their use, the history terrible floods due above all to it flow- far as Traghetto, there to climb up onto the Ravenna to the Este family. Today it is a modern of the works to drain the area of Argenta. ing into the plain without a way out to embankment of the Reno which we follow as thriving tourist centre. Towards Campotto About 4 km further on is the nature reserve the sea, it now has a mouth in the Adri- far as the cycleable bridge over the river. At you pass in front of the atmospheric Pieve di Oasi delle Valli di Argenta e Marmorta, which atic along the bed of the former Po di this point, we switch to the minor road at the San Giorgio, the oldest church in the province extends over an area of 1600 hectares with Primaro. base of the embankment, reaching Argenta (6th Century); in the immediate vicinity there grand lakes and the Traversante woodlands, along Via Cardinala. is a museum of land reclamation (Museo della typical of the hygrophilous woodlands of the region, and home to numerous species of animals and especially birds. The main part of From the Este castle at Ferrara proceed via the Ecomuseum is situated here in the Casino Via Bologna to the south of the city and turn di Campotto at the entrance to the reserve, onto the path beneath the walls; after the and its an unmissable part of this voyage of cycle/pedestrian bridge over the Po di Volano, discovery into the nature and countryside of turn left into Via Putinati towards Torre Fossa. Ferrara. The road winds torturously along the former course of the Po di Primaro, through places whose names come from being on the river, eg. Torre Fossa and Fossanova. Near the village of Sant’Egidio there is the sanctuary of The Ecobus is a gas-powered the Beata Vergine del Poggetto, a modest and shuttle bus which runs excur- graceful building that houses a venerated sions into the Val Campotto reserves image of the Madonna. Numerous aristocratic in full respect for the environment homes of some architectural merit border the and sustainable ecology. route as far as Marrara, then Bova. After the hamlet of Bova, we cross the river

48 49 Along the Po di Volano 5 Technical notes Ferrara

First stage - From Ferrara to Ostellato Depart: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola Ostellato Arrive: Ostellato, Piazza Repubblica Ferrara: Length: 38,890 km Castello Estense Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Level tel. 0532 299303 • www.ferrarainfo.com route mainly along minor roads, some of which Connections with other routes have traffic restrictions. 6 Ostellato - Abbazia di Pomposa

Railways. Ferrara/Codigoro 7 Ro - Copparo - Ostellato Bicycle transport available. Please check timetables 8 Ostellato - Argenta and availability. Info: 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it

Leaving historic Ferrara on long stretches of cycle path through various villages along the banks of what was once one of the main branches of the river Po, but which is nowadays much narrower. View countryside with an antique flavour, scattered with centres that in the past were moorings on the river, and which re- tain even now their little treasures of history. The journey follows the Volano and the Ferrara relief canal system as far as Migliarino and then skips over to Ostel- Final di Rero, Via delle Siepi lato, where many and varied cycle journeys unwind and cross each other.

50 51 5 From Ferrara to Ostellato From Ferrara to Ostellato 5

The first village is Contrapo, dominated by Once upon a time the elegant facade of its 17th century par- Boating on the Volano on the river ish church, San Martino, where we find the From spring to autumn there are guided Bishop’s House ‘Casa del Vescovo’, later called river excursions on which you can also This zone of countryside to the east of ‘Casa Mistri’, which dates we think from the take your bike. The departure point is Ferrara was for centuries chosen by the 16th century. At Viconovo, under the Volano in the Darsena port at Ferrara, but other nobles and rich families for their escape embankment, is the villa once known as ‘dei points of joining are possible, such as from the city. Unlike other parts of the Costabili’ that in 1845 was the property of Sabbioncello S. Vittore, Final di Rero or province it was less subject to flooding, William Mac Alister, a rich Scottish merchant Migliarino. Destinations are Baura, Fos- favouring settlement. Its trump card who resided a long time in Ferrara and used salta, Ostellato and Comacchio. as regards transport connections be- his post of British Consul to defend the city tween the city and the country was the from abuses of power under the Austrians. Booking essential. course of the Po di Volano, along which At Albarea, next to the church, was the Info tel. 0532 205681. grew up in different historical periods great house belonging to Gian Battista Ale- country retreats, hunting lodges, estate otti, known as ‘l’Argenta’, the Dukes’ architect houses and holiday homes. and engineer. Villa Gandini, later known as Colombari, with decorations in the Art Nou- vere, as a summer residence for the Bishops From the Este Castle in Ferrara we take Via veau style, is in Villanova di Denore. of Ferrara. After Villa della Mensa the track Bologna towards the south of the city and A little before Denore, where the Villa Naselli becomes cycleway only and stays with the turn onto the sottomura path in the shade of (now known as Villa Beltrame) stands beside Volano as far as Final di Rero. Just before the walls and bastions that protect Ferrara. the river, we cross the Po di Volano on the this, note the lock basin at Valpagliaro which We leave the city to the east along the con- bridge towards Sabbioncello San Vittore works with wind powered doors and allows venient cycle track beside the road as far as and continue along the road to the left of the a drop of about 3 metres. After Final di Rero, the hamlet of Pontegradella, then carry on watercourse. At Sabbioncello there is moor- this pleasant cycle track, here named Via along Via Pontegradella towards Baura, then, ing for boats. delle Siepi, goes alongside an area of the after the bridge over the Po di Volano, traverse Next to the embankment, on the left, stands Volano embankment that is being ecologi- tiny villages on the river. The embankment is the Villa della Mensa, built between 1474 and cally rebalanced with native vegetation, and low and the river visible from the road. 1495 on the orders of Bartolomeo della Ro- is particularly pleasant in spring. The Po di Volano between Final di Rero and Migliarino The Anse Vallive di Ostellato nature reserve Carry on along Via Argine Sinistro Volano as far as Migliarino. Here we turn right on the cycle/pedestrian bridge across the Volano, and enter the village on the road. We then stick to minor country roads, moving away from the watercourse which heads north to the sea; the branch that diverts towards Os- tellato is the Ferrara Waterway. The Anse Vallive di Ostellato are a unique freshwater wetland in this region, popu- lated by 150 species of water birds includ- ing beautiful herons, and is characterised by vegetation like cane, water-lilies, flowering rushes. There are many activities possible: birdwatching, outings on foot, bicycle or horseback, canoeing.

52 53 Along the Po di Volano 6 Technical notes Pomposa Ferrara Second stage - From Ostellato to Pomposa Abbey Depart: Ostellato, Piazza Repubblica Ostellato Arrive: Codigoro, Abbazia di Pomposa www.ferrarainfo.com Length: 29,910 km Ferrara: Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Level Castello Estense • tel. 0532 299303 route mainly along cycle paths (partly on dirt Codigoro: track). Some stretches along minor roads with Abbazia di Pomposa • tel. 0533 719110 little traffic. Connections with other routes Railways 5 Ferrara - Ostellato Ferrara/Codigoro 7 Ro - Ostellato Bicycle transport available. Please check timetables and availability. 8 Ostellato - Argenta Info: 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it 10 Mesola - Lidi di Comacchio - Comacchio

Codigoro

From Ostellato, the meeting place of many journeys and an agreeable centre for a born out of the left flank of the Po di Volano, more evidence of how everything visit to nature reserves, the route follows the Po di Volano, identified in the Etrus- in the Ferrarese lands is determined by the presence of water. The journey arrives can period with the mythical Eridano. It visits Codigoro, whose name derives finally at the splendid Pomposa Abbey, one of the most important examples of from Caput Gauri and indicates the point where the branch of the Po di Goro was in north Italy.

54 55 6 From Ostellato to Pomposa Abbey From Ostellato to Pomposa Abbey 6

of the Volano as far as Migliaro, using the Po The Po di Volano di Volano cycleway.

An old waterway, this was the northern At Migliaro we cross the Volano again and carry branch of the Po in the mediaeval pe- on along the right-hand bank as far as Codig- riod, and it has always been a natural oro. The river widens and at the lagoon at Mas- way from Ferrara to the Adriatic. Today sa Fiscaglia runs in open countryside. From it is a drainage canal characterised by the path we can see the Tieni Island reserve, an cane and willow, bejewelled by a series island formed by the Volano, on which stands th of noble houses which as well as being Tieni Tower, a historic building from the 15 residences for recreation and rest were Century which once served as a lighthouse and also places to keep an eye on agricul- as an excise point for shipping tolls. tural activities. The story of these lands We head for Codigoro which stands out from is linked to the land reclamation under- a distance by the buildings of the old sugar taken in the first place by the monks, factory - nowadays a heronry, a veritable city continued by the Este family and finally of herons and egrets - and the chimney of the concluded this century by the Drainage pumping station. Codigoro was initially a set- Board (Consorzi di Bonifica). tlement of fisher-folk and hunters that grew up due to the waterways that crossed the From Ostellato, after a visit to the Anse Val- area, and then with the reclamation of the live, we head for Migliarino on minor roads surrounding lagoons, beginning in the mid and return to the Po di Volano. Rural build- nineteenth century and completed with the ings, drying houses and barns for grain are im- construction of the waterworks, it took a great portant characteristics of this route. The river leap forward in agriculture as well as industry. passes not far from the square and towers of From Codigoro the cycle path arrives at Pom- Migliarino, cross it and continue along the left posa Abbey, one of the most fascinating plac- The Tieni tower. Following page: Pomposa Abbey es in the whole province. Composed of church, bell tower, chapter house and the Palazzo della Ragione, it represents only a part, albeit an im- portant one, of the a monastery which goes back to the 6th Century and was great and pow- erful in Mediaeval times, a landmark in history and culture and one of the most important reli- gious centres. The monastery, elegant and well preserved on the exterior, has inside a treasure- house of excellent 14th century frescoes and a pavement in mosaic and marquetry.

In the refectory there is, miraculously pre- served, a fresco that shows the miraculous dinner of Abbot Guido and the Bavarian Ge- beardo di Eichstätt, archbishop of Ravenna, the latter being surprised by the miraculous transformation of water into wine.

56 57 Landscape of the great land reclamation Ro - Copparo - Ostellato

Ro, Mulino sul Po

From Ro this route unfolds across little hamlets with churches, minor roads and watercourses marking out irregular portions of countryside; all a prelude to the landscape of the great Ferrara land reclamation. The route then leaves the Destra Po cycleway on the river embankment to run as far as Copparo and the banks of the Po di Volano, through to the nature reserves of the Anse Vallive di Ostellato.

7 Technical notes Ro Ferrara Ostellato Depart: Ro, percorso cicloturistico Destra Po Arrive: Ostellato, Piazza Repubblica Length: 43,380 km www.ferrarainfo.com Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Level route Ferrara: mainly along cycle path. Some stretches along Castello Estense • tel. 0532 299303 minor roads with little traffic. Ro: Punto informativo presso l’area golenale tel. 0532 868444 Railways Bologna/Venezia • Ferrara/Codigoro Connections with other routes Bicycle transport available. Please check timeta- bles and availability. Info: 892021 1 Ferrara - Gorino Ferrarese www.trenitalia.com; 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it 5 Ferrara - Ostellato

58 59 7 Ro - Copparo - Ostellato Ro - Copparo - Ostellato 7

The point of departure here is the areas In the centre beside the river where the ‘Mulino sul Po’ of the Province is anchored. This is a faithful reconstruction of the mill boats which were on the river This route follows a circuit of the geo- hereabouts over a century ago, and has graphical centre of the Province of Fer- been placed in a very attractive natural rara, connecting the great river Po, the surroundings: the Mill isn’t just an open-air northern limit of the province, and the museum, but a living and productive reality Po di Volano, which was active from the where you can watch the milling and the th 6 century and was one of the main two preparation of bread in a tourist centre with branches of the river along with the Po moorings and a landscaped area by the river. di Primaro, but was slowly supplanted by We proceed on minor roads towards Ro, what is now the main stream. After the through Zocca where we turn onto the main th th 18 -19 centuries the Po di Volano had part of the limited traffic path (the FE206) really become little more than a canal. that leads to Copparo. Before the centre, Sabbioncello San Vittore, Villa della Mensa The discriminating cycle-tourist who the enchanting Romanesque Church of is interested in a more-than-superfi- San Venanzio welcomes the visitor; it is one From Copparo we reach Sabbioncello to the Este family. At one point it was sur- cial understanding of the region will of the oldest buildings in the province and San Vittore almost entirely on a restricted rounded by lagoons and then involved with cross these middle lands with inter- has frescoes of the Bolognese school from traffic route (the FE211), and there we start the land reclamation which dried out the est: though there are no particularly the mid 14th Century. The town of Copparo, alongside the Po di Volano which at this Valle del Mezzano. Today from that area all precious buildings but there are rural founded in the mediaeval era, grew up on point is part of the Ferrara waterway, passing that remains are the Anse Vallive, our des- workplaces, little old churches, and ur- Este hunting grounds which we can see by the Villa della Mensa. tination, which constitute a biotype fresh- ban areas which recount the era of land by the building of the Town Hall (Palazzo water wetland area unique in the region, reclamation with its waterworks and Comunale) on the ruins of an Este country After Migliarino, along minor roads and a especially for the quantity and variety of its countryside taken from lagoons. house. little unmetalled track, we get to Ostellato. animal life.

Romanesque Church of San Venanzio The River Po The Ferrara waterway The Ferrara waterway (Idrovia Ferrarese) links the Po with the Adriatic Sea, it actu- ally leaves from Pontelagoscuro and ends at Porto Garibaldi; it is 70 km long and is made up of the Canale Boicelli (Pontela- goscuro - Ferrara), then a stretch of the natural course of the Po di Volano (Ferra- ra - Fiscaglia di Migliarino) and lastly the navigable canal from Migliarino to Porto Garibaldi that finishes in the Adriatic.

Ostellato has very ancient origins, as evi- denced by numerous archaeological finds, For more about the Anse Vallive see the first documentation goes back to 997. route no. 8, From Ostellato to Argen- Ostellato belonged first to Comacchio, then ta, p. 62. to Pomposa Abbey, from which it was ceded

60 61 Nature reserves on two wheels From Ostellato to Argenta

Oasi Trava

Much-prized nature reserves, the Anse Vallive di Ostellato wetlands are the departure point for this journey which runs mostly along the FE414 cycleway, which was named after the Ferrarese writer & journalist Bruno Traversari. The route visits the Anse Vallive di Porto and the Bacini di Bando before reaching Argenta.

8 Technical notes Ferrara Ostellato Depart: Ostellato, Piazza Repubblica Arrive: Argenta, Centro Culturale Mercato www.ferrarainfo.com Argenta Length: 30,220 km Ferrara: Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Level Castello Estense • tel. 0532 299303 route mainly along cycle path, partly on dirt Argenta: track. Some stretches along minor roads with Piazza Marconi, 1 • tel. 0532 330276 little traffic. Connections with other routes Railways 4 Ferrara - Argenta Ferrara/Codigoro • Ferrara/Ravenna 5 Ferrara - Ostellato Bicycle transport available. 6 Ostellato - Pomposa Please check timetables and availability. Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com 7 Ro - Copparo - Ostellato 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it 9 Argenta - Comacchio

62 63 8 From Ostellato to Argenta From Ostellato to Argenta 8

The vanished lagoon

The reclamation of the Valle del Mez- zano, begun in 1957, was finished less than 10 years later: the Valle was a large inland saltwater lagoon, that had formed after subsidence in the 16th cen- tury, when river and sea water flooded an oak forest. Today the Mezzano is an area com- pletely adapted to intensive agriculture with almost no houses, where first corn and then the cultivation of asparagus, tomatoes, squash, melon and fruit trees was introduced. Narrow strips of the lagoon were not touched by the reclamation: these are the Anse Vallive di Ostellato, Oasi di Bando, and di Porto, though these are all now fresh rather than salt water.

The Anse Vallive di Ostellato reserve The Anse Vallive di Ostellato, an area of 200 After visiting the lagoons, the route goes The Town Museum (Museo Civico), housed hectares, include a series of lagoon basins onto the FE414 cycleway alongside the re- in the former church of San Domenico and For information on the Lagoon Mu- with wetland vegetation and hydrophilous claimed land of the Mezzano, passing pump- including a picture gallery and an archaeo- seum and on the nature reserves, see woodlands, stretching between the Canale ing stations, and reaches another point of logical section, the former Capuchin Monas- route n° 4, p. 46. Circondariale and the Canale Navigabile. great natural interest. tery, and the the Santuario della Celletta just The trail inside the reserve begins in the visi- outside the centre. The Bando reserve and the Anse Vallive di Anse Vallive di Porto tor centre (Centro Visita) and goes as far as Porto, extending for 50 hectares, are formed Valle San Zagno, the most protected of the by a basin of fresh water and cane brakes and lagoons. the trail is about 4.5 km long and are a place of fundamental importance for the can be done in circle on foot or by bike: in conservation of water birds. The vegetation the first part is the aviary with white storks; on the banks is dominated by tamarisk and in the basins that follow can be seen anatids cane. The area is laid out with paths that circle (ducks, swans, etc.), white egrets, grebes, and the basins, part of which are accessible to dis- the Black-winged Stilt. abled persons with assistance, and with hides for birdwatching and nature photography. The area is well provided with After the Oasi Trava go towards Argenta, pass visitor viewpoints with places through the hamlet of La Fiorana heading for to stop, refreshment, excursions, the centre of the town. sporting activities, horse-riding trips and an astronomical observatory. In Argenta you can follow an artistic/historic trail which visits the Oratorio of Santa Croce,

64 65 The Lagoons of the Po Delta Park 9 Technical notes Ferrara From Argenta to Comacchio Depart: Argenta, Centro Culturale Mercato Comacchio Argenta Arrive: Comacchio, Duomo di San Cassiano www.ferrarainfo.com Length: 46,430 km Argenta: Piazza Marconi, 1 • tel. 0532 330276 Difficulty level: Comacchio: Via Mazzini, 4 • tel. 0533 314154 suitable for everyone. Level route mainly along Connections with other routes minor roads with little traffic. 8 Ostellato - Argenta 10 Mesola - Lidi di Comacchio - Comacchio Railways Ferrara/Ravenna • Ferrara/Codigoro NB. Alternative route: from Argenta take the Bicycle transport available. path along the river Reno as far as Madonna del Please check timetables and availability. Bosco, then continue on the main road to Anita Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com and up onto the Argine Agosta embankment to 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it rejoin the original route. Argine Agosta

This journey links two of the most important natural zones in the whole province motorboat. Spring and Autumn are also ideal seasons to watch birds here - both of Ferrara, the freshwater lagoons of Argenta and the saltwater ones of Comac- because of the number of species visible and for the colours and shapes of the chio. Both are ‘stations’ of the Po Delta Park and important tourist centres from landscape. which to explore the area in diverse and atmospheric trips on foot, by bike or by

66 67 9 From Argenta to Comacchio From Argenta to Comacchio 9

From Argenta, a little town renowned for its The freshwater lagoons of Argenta and environmental riches and its museums of land Marmorta, formed by the Reno and fa- reclamation, proceed north-west towards the miliarly known as the Oasi di Campotto, hamlet of La Fiorana (the junction with route th started to form in the 12 Century when n° 8 from Ostellato to Argenta) from which we the Po di Primaro, by then already above goon to Longastrino. Leaving the Argenta the level of the plain and full of sediment, Lagoons behind us and heading towards the was no longer able to deal with the waters Comacchio Lagoons and the sea along the of the various Apennine mountain streams banks of the Reno, we cross sparsely inhab- that flowed into it. Nowadays they func- ited agricultural land and the great plan of tion as an overflow and they are used in the Mantello and Gramigna land reclamation, periods of high water to take water from among lands 1 or 2 metres below sea level the lower Bolognese Plain, which then is used mostly for growing grain. drained away in the river Reno. After the lands of the Mezzano reclamation we The Comacchio Lagoons are a vast depres- enter the Comacchio Lagoons which extend sion between Comacchio and Ostellato to eastwards with such a great surface area you the north, and Argenta to would think they were the sea. Continue in the the west, and the course of the river Reno direction of Comacchio along the Argine Ago- to the south. The lagoons are a relic of the sta embankment, a long road for mixed traffic ancient Padana delta between the Primaro with no tree cover, which forms the western branch (today the Reno) and the Volano. edge of the lagoons, and probably follows the It is a saltwater zone, in which the salinity line of the Roman road that connected Raven- increases in the summer, characterised by na and Adria. The Argine Agosta finishes in the ancient dunes, natural sandbars and it is of thinning cane brakes of Valle Zavelea, a wet- notable interest above all for the quantity land zone, nowadays fresh water, although it and variety of its bird life, for which the is the remaining part of a much larger area of habitat exerts a great attraction. brackish salty water, and today a Nature re- serve. The long straight roads cross recently

Valli di Comacchio

Comacchio, Ponte Trepponti

reclaimed land, the site of the ancient Etrus- can city of Spina, though you wouldn’t be able An unforgettable to tell this from looking at the surface. trip Turning right from the embankment of the From Stazione Foce there are Valle Fattibello you get to Stazione Foce, excursions every day to visit the old which is Visitor Centre for the Comacchio La- casoni, the fisherman’s buildings in goons and their historic and nature trails; turn- the lagoon area, which have been ing left we continue to the historic centre of transformed into living museums. Comacchio, The town is an island with canals, Booking essential. narrow alleys, bridges, porticoes; mysterious Info tel. 340 2534267 and a romantic atmosphere, the artistic desti- nation of this itinerary.

68 69 The Park and the Sea Mesola - Lidi di Comacchio - Comacchio

Lidi di Comacchio

A journey of many destinations: art, woodlands, nature, seaside, which visits the most significant places in the Ferrarese part of the Po Delta Park. It leaves from Mesola Cas- tle, the Este country retreat, visiting the woodlands of the Gran Bosco della Mesola, then Pomposa Abbey, and going all the way to the coast with its seven seaside towns. From the canal port in Porto Garibaldi there is a cycle path to the lagoon town of Comacchio, with its bridges and canals, the true capital of the Po Delta Park.

10 Technical notes Mesola Ferrara Depart: Mesola, Castello della Mesola Comacchio Arrive: Comacchio, Duomo di San Cassiano www.ferrarainfo.com Length: 55,870 km Mesola: Castello Estense • tel. 0533 993358 Difficulty level: suitable for everyone. Level Codigoro: Abbazia di Pomposa • tel. 0533 719119 route mainly along minor roads. Some stretches Comacchio: Via Mazzini, 4 • tel. 0533 314154 along cycle paths on asphalt and some on dirt Parco Delta del Po Emilia Romagna: track (FE219 and FE301). tel. 0533 314003 • www.parcodeltapo.it Connections with other routes Railways 1 Ferrara - Gorino Ferrarese Ferrara/Codigoro Bicycle transport available. Please check timetables 8 Ostellato - Pomposa and availability. Info: 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it 9 Argenta - Comacchio

Places of Interest Mesola Castle, Pomposa Abbey. Comacchio: the Trepponti Bridge, the Roman Ship Museum, the Old Hospital, the Cathedral of San Cassiano, the Eel-Works, the Loggiato dei Cappuccini, the Church of Santa Maria in Aula Regia, the trails in the Comacchio lagoons.

70 71 10 Mesola - Lidi di Comacchio - Comacchio Mesola - Lidi di Comacchio - Comacchio 10

The Canneviè-Porticino-Foce Volano Nature Reserve

magical place loaded with atmosphere from of the canal we finish the list of the coastal its religious role (but also economic and so- resorts with Lido degli Estensi and Lido di cial) from the 9th to the 15th Century. Visit the Spina, reached by a cycle/pedestrian ferry. church, the Chapter House, the Refectory and the Museum. Follow the cycle track from the fishing cen- On the FE301 cycle track alongside the Po di tre of Porto Garibaldi and in time you arrive Volano, we pass by the Cannevié-Porticino- at the beautiful lagoon city of Comacchio, a Foce Volano nature reserves and the Torre precious jewel softly set among the warm della Finanza tower, to arrive at last at Lido red of its bricks and the and the sparkling di Volano; from here we take the Acciaioli green of its canals. Of ancient origin, it was Gran Bosco della Mesola woodlands panoramic road which gives a view over the a ‘floating town’ (unconnected by road) until This route starts from the Destra Po cycle tour- Pedalling along through agricultural land beautiful Valle Bertuzzi and then Lago delle 1821. Even today it seems designed by the ism route at Mesola Castle, an Este country reclaimed from the sea with inter-linked Nazioni. Here we get close to the sea, visit- water, with a network of canals instead of house built for Duke Alfonso II d’Este at the drainage canals, pumping stations, and tree- ing in order the beach resorts of Lido delle streets, bridges linking up quarters of ter- end of the 1500s on the edge of a large game lined roads with typical vegetation, we ar- Nazioni, Lido di Pomposa, Lido degli Scac- raced houses with their hidden androni pas- reserve. At the castle visit the Environmental rive at the magnificent Pomposa Abbey, a chi, and Porto Garibaldi. On the other side sages leading to interior courtyards. Education Centre and the Deer Museum. Af- ter passing Bosco di Santa Giustina and the interesting Torre Abate tower, we reach the Discover Gran Bosco della Mesola woodlands, the last the flavours remaining example of the ancient forests Comacchio gastronomy achieves its fullest that were found until a few centuries ago all expression in fish dishes from both salt and along the Adriatic Coast. fresh water. The eel is king of the table, cooked in a thousand ways: grilled, in brodetto soup, For a pleasant excursion to the with Savoyy cabbage, or marinated. The anti- interior, the Gran Bosco has pasti of mussels, scallops or clams, lobsters, been equipped with a large area at canocchie (the mantis shrimp), small mixed the entrance laid out for cars and seafood, or prawns are all delicious; among camper vans (with services), a green first courses the same goes for risottos like field to picnic in, and cycle hire. Time the di mare or alla pescatora, spaghetti with to walk though: at least one hour. clams, fish soup, everything washed down with DOC wines from the Bosco Eliceo.

72 73 In Ferrara 1 Ferrara’s City Walls 30,950 km 2 Where the river used to run 9,010 km 3 The historic centre and the ghetto 4,260 km 4 The Renaissance City 4,720 km

Tourist Information Office Castello Estense tel. 0532 299303 • www.ferrarainfo.com

Railway Bologna/Venezia • Suzzara/Codigoro Bicycle transport available. Please check timetables and availability. Info: 892021 • www.trenitalia.com; 800 91 50 30 • www.fer.it

74 75 Ferrara Ferrara

1 Ferrara’s City Walls From the Estense Castle and along Corso are in the green of trees and fields, the walls rara and its development in the mediaeval Ercole I d’Este, the route attains the north- are today an enormous garden for the city, a era, is majestic: its embankment forms the Depart/arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola ern walls of the city and climbs onto the tree- place for rest and meetings. ‘Destra Po’ cycle-tourism route. On the way Length: 30,950 km lined earthwork covering the curtain walls, After making the circuit of the walls, the back our route turns left along the embank- Difficulty: suitable for everyone, level, 9km of which embrace the historic centre of route leaves from near the Porta degli An- ment towards Pontelagoscuro to admire the mostly on cycle paths Ferrara and can only be followed by bicycle geli to cross the Parco Urbano G. Bassani nature reserves on the Isola Bianca, one of Recommended periods: spring and or on foot, either on the embankment or (park and playing fields) and goes as far as the oldest islands in the river. autumn below in the moat. Bastions, towers, battle- Francolino along the convenient cycle track At this point, to make the return to the cas- Don’t miss: the monumental beauty of the ments, gates and passages unfold one after (FE202-FE203), one of the greenways that tle, the journey descends the embankment circuit of walls, mostly in the shade. another, evidence of the diverse defensive lead from the city to explore its surround- to follow gravel tracks and other unmade The Via delle Erbe cycle path. techniques elaborated over the course of ings. Here it climbs onto the embankment of roads back to the Parco Urbano in the shade centuries. As well as this, immersed as they the Po. The river, yoked to the history of Fer- of the walls.

Le Mura Corso Ercole I d’Este

76 77 Ferrara Ferrara

Castello Estense Cattedrale 2 Where the river used to run 3 The historic centre and the ghetto

runs into the green zone at the foot of the former Ghetto, made up of what is now Via Depart/arrive: Ferrara, Railway Station Depart/arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola wall. This antique stretch of curtain wall was Mazzini, Via Vignatagliata and Via Vittoria. Length: 9,010 km Length: 4,260 km radically changed in the latter part of the The building with the three synagogues still Difficulty: level route along city streets, Difficulty: level route along city streets, 15th century on the orders of Duke Alfonso II stands as a museum dedicated to the history cycle paths and restricted traffic zones cycle paths and restricted traffic zones with the addition of three imposing bastions of the Jewish community and the most im- Recommended period: all year Recommended period: all year shaped like the Ace of Spades. portant aspects of their daily life. The journey Don’t miss: the Via delle Erbe cycle path. then shifts to the renaissance part of the city Once upon a time the Po ran to the south of to visit the Jewish Cemetery, which extends Ferrara and lapped against a busy river port, across a green area beside the walls. a source of riches for the mediaeval city. A se- The Estense Castle is the symbol of Ferrara, Via Vignatagliata ries of floods in the 12th century moved the a fortress of 1385 built as a fortified palace main stream of the river further north, and to protect the Este family after a revolt in the the Ferrara Po began to lose body, finally dis- city, but quickly transformed into a residence appearing almost completely. In time a new and embellished with richly decorated state quarter of the city grew up in this area. rooms. To the south of the castle is the old- The route unfolds through the south of Fer- est part of the city, including the area around rara and crosses the centre of the mediaeval the Palazzo Municipale (town hall) and the city with its famous monuments: the impos- Cathedral, about which the life of the city ing Estense Castle, seat of the Este court un- revolves, and which includes the townscape til 1598, surrounded by a moat; the cathedral; between the cathedral and the old river Casa Rome; the refined Palazzo Schifanoia port. with its 15th century murals; the monastery Here the urban fabric, to a large extent still of Sant’Antonio in Polesine; the Archaeo- intact, is easy to read through the streets logical Museum and its Greco-Etruscan finds around the famous Via delle Volte, with its from Spina. After visiting the Church of San most atmospheric corners. Giorgio, first cathedral of Ferrara, the route Also in the mediaeval city is the zone of the

78 79 Ferrara

Palazzo dei Diamanti 4 The Renaissance City

because of the over 8000 stones shaped like pyr- Depart/arrive: Ferrara, Piazza Savonarola amids or diamonds covering its two facades. Length: 4,720 km The complex of Palazzo Massari, with its mag- Difficulty: level route along city streets, nificent garden adjoining, houses important cycle paths and restricted traffic zones collections of art, among which are the muse- Recommended period: all year ums named after Giovanni Boldini and Filippo de Pisis; nearby is broad Piazza Ariostea, with In 1492 Duke Ercole I, driven by considerations a statue of the poet Ludovico Ariosto. The route of economics, politics, defence and prestige, then visits the church of San Cristoforo in the decided to expand the capital of his realm, tak- former Carthusian Monastery with its unmis- ing within the walls the vast zone north of the takeable massive bulk embraced by porticos, castle. The project, to be realised with a surpris- and its interior with precious furnishings and ing modernity, was entrusted to Biagio Rossetti, paintings which represent its historic and spir- one of the most original architects and planners itual memory. At the end of the journey there is of the Italian Renaissance, and it became known the simple house of Ludovico Ariosto. as the “Addizione Certosa, Loggiato di San Cristoforo Erculea”. From the castle there is the view down the grandi- ose Corso Ercole I d’Este, main axis of the Addizione; half- way along it stands the Palazzo dei Diamanti, so called

80 Cycle tourism routes to and from the Province of Ferrara, complete with maps and technical notes. Towards Ferrara Routes leaving from: Bolzano Padova Venezia-Chioggia Ravenna Bologna Modena Around Ferrara Routes in the province of Ferrara In Ferrara The cycle trail along the city walls and other routes in the historic centre

Detailed road-books, maps, GPS and Google Earth files are available for all routes on the website www.ferrarabike.com

This guide has been produced in collaboration with: