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Home , Adria, Bacchiglione, Bagnolo di Po, Battaglia Terme, Berra, Canda

Fondo europeo agricolo per lo sviluppo rurale: l’Europa investe nelle zone rurali

Landscapes along the great be Bike and boat itineraries tween the , rs and rive

Provincia di Padova Venezia Legenda Index map Padova Mira Campolongo 6 3 Maggiore Lago di Garda Lova di Battaglia Campagna Terme 5 Lupia How to use this guide Key Information About this book p. 2 Roverchiara 2 4 Este Transit network IAT (tourist information) This guide was designed to fit in 1 From the to the p. 6 1 main road marina Villa the map pocket of the bicycle’s Mantova Bartolomea 2 The Walled Cities’ Loop p. 8 handlebar bag. railway line main docking point Porto Levante 7 All maps display the compass rose, / The Loop (E2) p. 10 navigable waterway 3 10 Porto showing their orientation. 8 Viro lock 4 From Sugar to Salt p. 12 11 The double slash symbol Itineraries on land Porto 9 indicates that the route continues connection between riverbanks Tolle The Brenta Bridleway p. 16 Scardovari cycling itineraries 5 in the following chart after the railway station Goro The Taglio Nuovissimo Canal p. 18 same symbol. itinerary extension 6 starting point/arrival point Maps may not be completely up- From the river Adige to the Po p. 20 Itineraries on water main towns 7 to-date, due to recent changes; minor towns The Road to the Sea (I3.1) p. 22 the authors cannot accept navigation route 8 responsibility arising from damages 9 The Donzella Loop (E3) p. 24 12 or accidents of any kind. Place-names Highlights Montagnana main towns Area of historical interest 10 Fissero-Tartaro-Canalbianco- The itineraries have been Po di Levante p. 26 LEADER area categorised according to their Vighizzolo minor towns Archaeological site Areas pertaining to the LAGs length and the presence of Ca’ Mello nature reserve Area of natural interest 11 Sinistra Po e Destra Po: partners to the TUR Rivers Project to the Great Delta p. 32 congested roads; one wheel Ad ig e river/canal Museum easy route, two wheels Beach 12 The Ancient Salt Road p. 40 intermediate route. Scale 1:200.000 Thermal spa Useful numbers p. 48 Index Map Cervia About this book

Cycle and cruise between the Brenta, Adige and Po rivers to the Adriatic sea, di Levante and by the Po and its It has been tailored to the needs of Valley, located between the Paduan following picturesque bike and boat itineraries, and discover the great variety of Great Delta, all the way to the bicycle tourists who are preparing Bassa and , thus allowing the rural landscapes shaped by water and man’s work through centuries of . Adriatic Sea. to discover this land through tourists to retrace this area’s traditions The local managers of the initiative slower means of transportation and history. The itineraries are: are the Local Action Groups: LAG such as bicycles, boats, or by no.2 _The Walled Cities’ Loop through Polesine Adige (www.galadige. hiking. Therefore, great emphasis Este, Montagnana and Carceri, which it) project leader, LAG Polesine has been given to the opportunities leads across the Paduan Bassa, the Delta Po (www.galdeltapo.it), LAG and services provided in the Euganean Hills and Scodosia, with Antico (www.galdogado. aforementioned areas. their renowned medieval castles, it), LAG Bassa Padovana (www. With this purpose in mind, 12 towers and walled cities; galbassapadovana.it), LAG themed itineraries have been no.7 _From the river Adige to Patavino (www.galpatavino.it), created and categorized according the Po through Lendinara, Fratta LAG Pianura Veronese (www. to the different elements and characteristics which identify Polesine and Polesella, which links galpianuraveronese.it) and LAG each area along the river, such as the river Adige to the Po, crossing Delta 2000 (www.deltaduemila.it). the prevalence of historical and Polesine from north to south and This guide “LANDSCAPES ALONG architectural landmarks in red tracing the evolution of a land THE GREAT RIVERS – Bike and landscapes, of beautiful natural between two rivers, shaped by boat itineraries”, whose realisation locations in green landscapes and water and man’s work The TUR RIVERS Rural tourism the and Emilia Romagna falls within the scope of the the outstanding presence of water in no.8 _The Road to the Sea from between the great lowland rivers regions, in the final section of the project, gathers the contribution of blue landscapes. Rovigo to Adria, which follows the Inter-territorial Cooperation Project , deeply shaped by man each LAG, set on highlighting the left bank of the Po and is a journey affects the rural lands pertaining and by the presence of the great assets of their assigned rural areas The Red Landscapes across the atmospheric countryside to the LEADER Programme area, rivers Brenta, , Adige, through a complex system of land These itineraries pass through the and the small waterside villages which lie within the boundaries of Fissero Tartaro Canal Bianco Po and water tours. most ancient settlements of the Po overlooking the Great River. 2 About this book Project coordination GAL Polesine Adige (Leadpartner) Editorial coordination and cycling guide The Green Landscapes Sea from Roverchiara, through amphitheatre which shapes the no.4 _From Sugar to Salt from the salt production plants. Stefano Fracasso e Laura Mosca These itineraries link the valleys and to Castagnaro, which horizon south of in the , through no.10 _Fissero-Tartaro-Canalbianco- Technical contribution around Verona to the system of follows the Adige’s right bank from Euganean Hills Regional Park. and to Chioggia, Po di Levante from Trecenta, by the Tur Rivers Partnership E.Brisighella, L.Margutti, T.Merighi, delta located close to the great valleys around Verona no.5 _The Brenta Bridleway from which traces a route from the hilly through , Adria and to Porto A.Nazzaruolo, C.Occhi, C.Rizzi, the sea and lead through areas of to Polesine and across precious Chioggia, through and landscape around Padua, along the Viro, which takes travellers on a N.Rosestolato, B.Visentini. great environmental importance, reclaimed rural lands. to Campolongo Maggiore along river Bacchiglione, to the Venetian cruise through Polesine and all the Design and cartography marked by nature’s magnificent no.3 _The Euganean Hills Loop the riverbanks, brushing by the Lagoon and the sea, past grand way to the sea, gently floating on Sole di Vetro S.r.l. - Monza shapes and colours. from Monselice, through Vo’ little towns which dot the quiet and XIV-century villas, rural courtyards the waterway, with the possibility Photography The itineraries are: Vecchio and to Battaglia Terme, relaxing countryside. and the settlements that grew to stop at either bank and explore 1.3 Alberto Cogo; 2.1 Arch. Prov. no.1 _From the Alps to the Adriatic which leads through the lush hilly no.6 _The Taglio Nuovissimo Canal around the large sugar refinery and the river landscape and the small Padova/R. Tuzza; 2.2 Arch. Prov. from Mira, through Lugo and to waterfront villages. Padova/F. e M. Danesin; 2.3 Arch. Prov. Lova di Campagna Lupia along the no.11 _ Sinistra Po and Destra Po di Padova/Arch. Abbazia Carceri; 3.2 artificial canal of the river Brenta, The Blue Landscapes cycle paths: to the Great Delta from Arch. Prov. Padova/Arch. Storico Turismo which flanks and reaches the They are marked by the presence Melara, through Polesella and to no.12 _ The Ancient Salt Road Padova Terme Euganee; 3.3 Arch. Prov. Padova/L. Tomasin; 4.1 Arch. Prov. from Cervia, through Comacchio, . of water from rivers, , on the left riverbank Padova/Foto Studio 23; 4.2 Argenide n.9 _The Donzella Loop from Ca’ fish farms and the sea, which and from Berra, through Mesola Porto Levante and to Chioggia, Favaro; 4.3 Barbara Visentini; 4.4, 4.5, Vendramin to Porto Tolle, which characterizes open spaces, flora and to Goro on the right bank. which winds across the Great 4.6 Chioggia; 5.1 Consorzio follows the impressive banks of a and fauna, objects and buildings Following the Po’s slow course to Delta of the Po from south to Bonifica Bacchiglione; 5.2 Comune few of the Po river’s arms, brushes of the small waterside villages. the Great Delta either by riding a north, on land or by sea, tracing Codevigo; 6.1 Comune Mira; 6.2 GAL by the stunning Sacca di Scardovari The land-water transfer points are bicycle along its banks or gliding the same route that the precious Antico Dogado; 6.3 Ferruccio Lazzarin; 7, 8, 10.1, 10.3, 10,4 11, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, cove and leads through reclaimed remarkably interesting and enable on its waters with a boat allows mineral followed since the Middle 12.5, 12.6, 12,7 Sole di Vetro. Foto rural lands, between sky and water, tourists to enjoy this area through to enjoy the picturesque scenery Ages, travelling across a great copertina: Rossella Ruzza (Arquà Pol), Luca across the fields where the new and multifaceted experiences. marked by plains, fish farms, diversity of landscapes, between Rigato (Monselice), Arch. GAL Delta Po. famous Delta Rice is grown. The itineraries are: lagoons and, finally, the sea. land and water. Contributo grafica copertine Giulia Boari. 5 1.1 • Along the Adige’s bank Lunghezza: km 20 1.2 • Villa Ghedini From the Alps to the Adriatic Sea Difficoltà: 1.3 • The river Adige near Legnago LAGO DI GARDA VERONA 1 Roverchiara, Legnago, Castagnaro Roverchiara The route along the right bank of the river Adige is speckled with is a must-see: follow this cycling small heaven for nature lovers. area. Make a stop at the Torrione, Palazzo Mazzanti Venetian villas, aristocratic mansions and ancient churches. Enjoy a tour along the right bank of the Noble courts attest the long- the XV-century fortified tower e Villa Fiumi Bonavigo e Villa t vantage viewpoint from the top of the embankment. river Adige, whose first stop is in established farming tradition of which is the town’s symbol. Close Gobetti ra Villa u Roverchiara. Take in the atmosphere the small town of Angiari. XVIII- by lies the theatre dedicated to m San Pietro Angiari tt di Morubio F i of this small village and stop to century Corte Sparvieri, located in Legnago’s musician Antonio Salieri. Minerbe c i u e l visit Villa Fiumi, which used to be the community of Boscarola, was an The Archaeological Museum is also m l Villa e Bevilacqua e d Stopazzola a residence of influential families important centre for the agricultural worth a visit, as it boats a wonderful Corte Castello di

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Sparavieri d l Bevilacqua from Verona and nowadays houses activity of the area. Today, one of collection of artefacts from Verona’s e i

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the municipal offices. Poet Lionello the most typical products of Verona’s valleys. Further along the river e A Fiumi dwelled here for a long time flatland is rice, a substantial crop is , whose first 3 Villa Dionisi 1. and tuned it into one of the most in the Scaliger territory, which later human settlements date back to Cerea thriving literary salons of the XX became Europe’s first P.G.I. (Protected geographical indication): the Riso the Bronze Age. Star feature of the Villa Ambrosi Legnago 2 century. Palazzo Mazzanti, site of the small town is Villa Ghedini, a typical Tonetti Nano Vialone Veronese P.G.I.. Beyond Oasi Villa civic library, is also worth a visit. the river’s bank and venturing XVIII-century country manor, with Villa Brusà Bragadin Villa Palazzo west lies a large area of rice fields, its gardens, colonnades and large S. Pietro Fascinato Tomelleri di Legnago Aristocratic mansions between the irrigation ditches and historical pile giazara (i.e. a mound which served Villa Terrazzo Nichesola bend of the river and the rice fields (i.e. buildings housing old rice husking the purpose of a cold store). Villa Ghedini .1 Heading towards the sea, the route machines), a heritage of this land’s Next to the villa is Sant’Anna’s 1 Villa Bartolomea A mosaic of different landscapes: linked together by the lazy flow of follows the riverbank and, after commitment to rice farming. oratory, where 500 relics of saints cultivated fields and large meadows, rivers snaking their way from the passing Roverchiara, reaches Angiari. can be admired. Along the way many Valli a land that has been wrested away Alps to the Adriatic Sea. Many animals can be easily spotted To the great valleys, following the river short detours are possible, allowing Grandi from the water’s whims, reclaimed While travelling on this long journey along the great river, such as hares, Continuing south, the itinerary to explore the historical, architectural and turned fertile by the steadfast from the mountains to the sea, pheasants and woodpeckers; this passes by Legnago: straddling the and natural features of the wonderful action of men; countless little tiles the green flatland around Verona section of the Adige’s floodplain is a river, this is the main town in this flatland around Verona. Castagnaro 6 1.2 ROVIGO 2.1 • Este Castle 2.2 • The palio of Montagnana The Walled Cities’ Loop VERONA PADOVA

2.3 • Carceri Abbey 3

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This fascinating itinerary leads across the Paduan Bassa, between the underwent a few modifications during century the Carrarese family erected C

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Euganean Hills and Scodosia. The cycling path along the Bisatto canal and the XVI century and it was turned the Rocca degli Alberi and therefore l i

E the river Frassine is strewn with medieval castles, towers and walled towns. into a palace, where the Atestino completed the defensive walls, which u Vallette g Palù a still features 24 17-metre-tall towers. n National Museum, boasting the most e i relevant archaeological artefacts of However, San Zeno Castle, the oldest Montagnana CHIOGGIA the ancient Venetian civilization, of the town, also boasts the tallest 3 Este 2. MANTOVA Castello di Ospedaletto is now located. After a visit to the tower, which reaches 38 metres of Bevilacqua Museo delle Megliadino Euganeo unique oval plan Cathedral, head to height. Other must-see monuments leaving Montagnana, reach the former Antiche Vie San Fidenzio

the bank of the Bisatto canal and ride include aristocratic mansions, such Monastery of San Salvaro of Urbana, Oasi Monastero di Naturalistica to the Sostegno hydraulic facility, as Villa Pisani, designed by Palladio, now location of the Museum of San Salvaro Restara Casale Carceri where the route continues following and the Cathedral, whose architecture Ancient Roads and from there follow Urbana di Scodosia the river Frassine. includes elements of both the Gothic the right bank of the river Fratta. From Medaglino San Vitale style and the . After the Vampadore pump station Villa Villa Correr Fracanzani From the feet of the Euganean in , continue to Terrazzo Ex Vighizzolo Maceratoio Villa Hills to Montagnana the hydraulic facility of the Tre Canne Da d’Este lle A Estense lpi The countryside is soothing and bridge, built in Vighizzolo d’Este at the al l Idrovora A Ponte Cavariega quiet and the eye wanders, taking time of the Republic of . Head d r Bailey 1 1 ia . in the view from the top of the upstream along the river Frassine, ti 2 co Golena a del Fratta Departure from Este lanmarks: the clock tower, aristocratic embankment: the silhouette of the reaching Este and passing the former F t t Idrovora i u r a Ponte m e F Vampadore The picturesque Piazza Maggiore in mansions, places of worship and Euganean Hills rises to the north- Camaldolese Abbey of Carceri, an Tre Canne Este is the departure point of this the Carrarese Castle, erected in the east while the Berici Hills appear to ancient community of Benedectine circular itinerary dotted with fortified XIV century, whose beautiful 12 west; in that same direction catch monks in the Venetian countryside. F i Piacenza palaces, castles, fortresses and lonely crenellated towers are still intact. the first glimpse of the next walled An oasis of peace and mysticism u m e d’Adige Masi Distance: km 64 towers. All around are the city’s The southern section of the castle town, Montagnana. During the XIV 2 surrounded by lush nature. A d 2. i g Difficulty: 8 e 9 Cervarese 3.1 • Monselice: The Rocca hill and 3.2 • Valbona Castle in Santa Croce Via delle sette Chiese 3.3 • The Abbey of Praglia The Euganean Hills Loop (E2) Bastia Villa di Monte Padova Cereo Papafava Monselice, Vo’ Vecchio, Battaglia Terme Colombara 3 Villa Lugli

Rovolon Monte Abbazia This hilly amphitheatre shapes the undulated horizon south of Padua: continue to Villa Duodo. Here begins the same name and the Castle of San Carbonara Grande Monte di Praglia Monte delle the wavy pattern is created by roughly one hundred mounts, which fill the path that leads to the Keep, on Martino della Vaneza both warrant a della Madonna Are Abano roughly 21,000 ha in the Euganean Hills Regional Park. the very top of the hill, where the visit. Devote a lengthier stop at the Monte Terme Monte Solone Monte Sengiari ample view reaches across the valley, medieval Abbey of Praglia, a centre of Altore Monastero all the way to Venice. Nearby there Benedectine spirituality. The itinerary Monte Villa dei Rocca Vescovi Pendice are also several mansions belonging continues towards the hot- Vo’ Vecchio Montegrotto to the Venetian aristocracy, such towns of Abano and Montegrotto, Parco Regionale Villa Terme Draghi Villa dei Coli Euganei as Villa Nani-Mocenigo and Villa among the most popular spa and Contarini Monte Monte Alto Pisani. Nature plays the starring role wellness centres of Europe, then on Monte Venda Galzignano at Monselice’s Retratto, an area that to Battaglia Terme, a smaller village Vendevolo Monte 2 Terme Oliveto 3. Monte was reclaimed during the 1500s, which features a network of canals. Versa Monte Monte A13 Brecale Fasolo Castello CHIOGGIA where the Buzzaccarini-Benetti estate Euganeo) towards Lozzo Atestino, Not very far from the small centre and Monte Villa Villa del Catajo Lozzo Castello Lando-Correr Barbarigo and Villa Barbaro are located. Enjoy where it flows by the XII-century deep in the vibrant countryside are the di Valbona Battaglia Monte Monte Terme the panorama over the southern Valbona Castle, which used to be XVI-century Catajo castle and Villa Lozzo Rusta Cinto Monte Villa Atestino Selvatico section of the Euganean Hills; don’t Padoa’s outpost in the western Selvatico. As the itinerary approaches Cinto Piccolo Villa Euganeo Monte Emo miss the highest peak, Mount Venda. section of the Euganean Hills. Monselice once again, the cycling trail Calabrina 4 Museo Arquà Heading north, travel through the leads to Villa Emo, with its enchanting cava Bomba Petrarca Dallo zucchero lle c 1 e itt Monte al sale . To the castles village of Vo’ Vecchio, then follow Italian style gardens. m ate Bignago 3 ur Monte nello d 2 Monte A Cero Monselice and its “hill” on the Rocca hill. After visiting the Head to the towers of Este Castle. the path that winds through the Monte Ricco Cecilia Starting from Monselice, this early-medieval castle, climb up along After passing through the historic enchanting Moscato Fior d’Arancio DELTA DEL PO Monte itinerary features a sequence the Via Giubilare delle Sette Chiese, centre, follow the Bisatto canal vineyards and passes by a lovely Sostegno Murale Monselice of natural, architectural and where the ancient Parish Church (make a stop at the “Cava Bomba” dovecote nearby Bastia di Rovolon. Villa Barbaro Lago archaeological attractions. The walled of Santa Giustina and the Oratory Museum of Geo-palaeontology in Continue to , Azzurro city’s nucleus is sprawled at the feet of San Giorgio are located, then the community of Bomba di Cinto where the ancient oratory bearing Distance: 63 km Este ROVIGO Difficulty: 10 3.3 11 4.1 • A view of Battaglia Terme 4.3 • The Benedectine Court From Sugar to Salt 4.2 • Cycling along the bank in in Bovolenta 4.4 • Canal Vena in Chioggia 4 Battaglia Terme, Pontelongo, Chioggia Ride past XVI-century villas, rural courtyards and military outposts, path showcases the building avenues, steal the limelight. dedicated to San Agostino and of a group of Benedectine monks, the whole complex, which retained departing from Battaglia Terme and bound for Chioggia and the process of the burci, typical light Don’t miss the XVI-century Villa Martinengo. who reclaimed this marshy area and the main house and the monks’ lagoon, through a thick network of canals in an endless waterscape. boats that once cut through the Villa Malipietro-Gosetti in the transformed it into a fertile land, cells, as well as granaries and barns waterways, and also focuses on community of Cagnola, named Chasing “sweetness” suitable for ; follow the facing the colonnade, a central yard, maintenance yards, hydraulic after its first owners, whose main Relaxing trails lead to the edge footpath that begins in front of the large stables and other buildings machinery, work and trade. façade overlooks the canal, and of Pontelongo, known as the parish Church of San Leonardo, related to farming. One of the wings visit its elegant salons. “village of sugar”. The remarkable leading to the Benedectine Court, houses the offices of the local Biking among villas and canals economic growth of the area was which dates back to the 1500s. Visit administration. In the surrounding This cycling itinerary, a Discovering Bovolenta driven by the establishment of fascinating route winding among The next stop is Bovolenta, at the the sugar refinery in the 1910s; the network of canals that flow to confluence of the Cagnola and located along the banks of the the sea, begins between the bends Bacchiglione, nowadays it is still of the Vigenzone canal, whose the village’s main resource; the course traces a path through 4.3 latter’s namesake is the bridge on green meadows and open skies. the canal, which was built in the XI White numbered stones are still Roncajette canals; the marks left century to connect the communities visible on the roadside, which behind by the thick ropes used to on the opposite banks. The lovely 4.1 were used to mark the limits of moor the boats can still be spotted Villa Foscarini Erizzo, which today Visiting Battaglia Terme longer used paper mill; the Civic the fields along the embankments. on the bridge. This ancient village, houses the town administration To reach Chioggia’s lagoon waters Museum of River Navigation on Then the itinerary reaches the which was a local hub since the offices, is located on the left bank. by bicycle, leave from Battaglia Riviera Ortazzo, which records charming village of Pontemanco. Roman age, is surrounded by Terme. This town, framed by the the centuries-old history and However, the elegant Venetian embankments and hosts many Along the river Euganean Hills, is famous for traditions of the community, is villas, which dot the countryside treasures, such as the remains of The course of the Bacchiglione leads its hot springs and an old, no worth-visiting. The exhibition along the main navigation 4.2 a Roman aqueduct, the Cathedral to Correzzola, a former property 4.4 12 13 4.5 • I casoni nella laguna F o m i s s i v o u N e l a n a C i 4.6 • La Chiesa S. Domenico u VENEZIA From Sugar to Salt PADOVA PADOVA m e a Chioggia Piove B Battaglia Terme, Pontelongo, Chioggia Anello r di Sacco e 4 Casone n dei Colli Cagnola Azzurro t Laguna Euganei a travelled by the salt that was landmarks of the historic centre di Venezia 3 San Vallonga di

gathered in the Adriatic lagoon are the cathedral of Santa Maria Pelagio Valle o Arzergrande Millecampi

and was destined to the Venetian Assunta and the ancient Church of F i u m e B a c c h i g l i o n e c Bovolenta i

cities’ markets. This profitable Sant’Andrea, the medieval tower Codevigo t Castello Chiesa di del Catajo Pontemanco S. Zaccaria a trade was already thriving during (known as Clock Tower) on its side Villa Bragadin i Villa Idrovora

Martini Sartori r Martinengo the Roman age and originated and Vigo bridge, the last before Villa Chiesa Santa d Malipiero Pontelongo Terrassa from Chioggia’s salt ponds, which the lagoon; wander through the Castelcaro Margherita A Battaglia Padovana

are no longer active. The product alleys and discover hidden pastel- r Terme Cagnola Correzzola Conche Ponteriva a was used as a valuable commodity coloured noble palaces. Brenta Corte dell’Abbà M for transactions, in addition to Benedettina 5 4. being the main economic activity Chioggia Villa Oasi di Garzoni Ca’ di Mezzo grounds are about sixty farms, built of the island. Villa Sottomarina by the Benedectine monks, each del Bosco Concadalbero Civè dedicated to a different saint, which Surrounded by colours and Laguna Tenuta Cà Bianca Valle del Lusenzo replaced the pre-existent and more canals Civrana di Brenta precarious hay shelters. A short way The itinerary ends in the lagoon Cona further down the river, on the left town, a landscape of colours Brondolo bank, is Castelcaro. reflected in the water. Chioggia Cà Pasqua is an artificial island with a Antica Via 12 The central role of salt fish bone plan where alleys and del Sale The building, which nowadays squares branch out of the two hosts an oratory, used to be a main canals . Don’t miss the garrison house which guarded the genuine and typical atmosphere of the fish market. Must-see i ge Distance: km 45 so-called “salt road”, the route ROVIGO F iu m e Ad DELTA DEL PO Difficulty: 14 4.6 15 5.1 • The drainage pump station of S. Bojon The Brenta Bridleway Margherita di Codevigo VENEZIA 6 5.2 • The Cason delle Sacche in Conche PADOVA Chioggia, Codevigo, Campolongo Maggiore Campolongo Santa Maggiore Maria Lova 5 F i Assunta u m e This pleasant bike itinerary, devoid of changes in elevation, follows renowned zucca marina, a variety Along the Brenta river Taglio Nuovissimo

o m i s s i v o u N e l a n a C Corte B r the riverbanks, brushing by the little towns which dot the quiet and of squash. Both are undisputed Discover Palazzo dei Merli in the e n t relaxing countryside. symbols of the specialized village of Cambroso, one of the Casone a horticulture of Chioggia’s Parco places of residence of Venetian Rosso Piove Palazzo degli Orti, an area to the north writer Alvise Cornaro (1484-1566) di Sacco Merli Casone Valli della Laguna of the river Brenta which was in the municipality of Codevigo: Azzurro Laguna Veneta Cambroso di Venezia specially created to protect and its gabled façade adorned with Vallonga di

redevelop local farmland. This blackbirds is reminiscent of the Arzergrande Valle o

Arzergrande Millecampi c

tour brushes by it while riding area’s casoni and nowadays it i

Codevigo t

Chiesa di slowly along the banks of the houses a renowned restaurant. a S. Zaccaria 5.2 i Brenta, in the community of The itinerary heads north-west Chiesa r

Brondolo. management station for this and ends along the course of the Pontelongo d

Castelcaro A section of the river inside the Brenta, in Campolongo Maggiore, Santa Mementos from the Past former coal cellar. where a LAG info point is also Correzzola Idrovora Margherita Conche r

a The riverbank road leads to A short detour leads to the located. A short detour leads Brenta Conche, an area known for its sprawling Valle Millecampi. to the village of Santa Maria dell’Abbà M Villa Chioggia production of white asparagus, Afloat in a sea of grass and reeds, Assunta, where the Mino Meduaco del Bosco Oasi di F 1 Ca’ di Mezzo iu Sottomarina . and then continues to Santa ride on a dirt path and look for Archaeological Museum is located: m 5 Concadalbero Civè e B The route is part of a longer trail on as the sea encloses the river Margherita di Codevigo, Cason delle Sacche, an old shelter inside are several artefacts from the a cc Laguna which connects Chioggia (VE) to landscape and the lagoon, the where the facilities housing a for fishermen and hunters, one surrounding countryside. It is an h del Lusenzo Cà Bianca ig Valle lio Antica Asiago (VI) and can be travelled Mediterranean scrub and the XIX-century drainage pump of the area’s best-preserved rural interesting way to end this itinerary, Da n di Brenta ll e 4 12 Via del o z on by bicycle. fields bearing the area’s typical are equipped with a didactic brick buildings. which allows tourists to develop a uc Sale che The maritime town of Chioggia, produce. Among these it is worth itinerary; learn about the A canoe rental is available deeper understanding of the past of ro a l sale Brondolo overlooking the Adriatic, watches mentioning red radicchio or the operational phases of the water- nearby. this extraordinary region. Lunghezza: km 117 DELTA DEL PO Difficoltà: 16 17 6.1 • The Church of S.M. Maddalena 6.3 • Valle Averto in Campagna Lupia Oriago in Oriago di Mira Chiesa di The Taglio Nuovissimo Canal S. M. Maddalena 6.2 • The Casone Valle Zappa Mira, Lugo, Lova di Campagna Lupia A4 Venezia 6 Mira Malcontenta Mira Taglio Dolo Mirabuse The river Brenta flows peacefully lapping ancient cities of art and fertile and the barchesse (i.e. colunnades) detour takes the visitors to the valli was built towards the end of the XIX ta Villa PADOVA ren Foscari countryside. Near Mira its waters slide into the Taglio Nuovissimo canal, whose of Villa Valmarana in Mira Porte. da pesca (i.e. fish farm areas) within century to direct excess water into the o B Piazza Fiesso igli Portomenai av Vecchia N banks may be travelled on by bike, and then finally reach the Venetian Lagoon. Along the Naviglio del Brenta there the municipality of Campagna Lupia: lagoon. The final stop of this route d’Artico Dogaletto are several circular cycling paths the most important ones are Valle is the small farming village of Lova, Strà which lead back to Mira: one passes Averto State Natural Reserve, a 200- location of an ancient pieve (a rural by the villas and the canal locks ha area run by WWF, where church) which depended on Padoa, Fiume Brenta

before reaching the lagoon, a second several migratory bird species stop where now the LAG Antico Dogado’s Lughetto Fossò Camponogara one follows the embankments of the and nest, and Canaletta del Cornio, branch and an info point are based. Calcroci Le Giare canals which surround the town, where tourists can also enjoy boat

a third one provides an itinerary cruises in the Southern Lagoon. Campagna Lugo Valle Averto through the neighbouring villages, Near Lova the route passes by the Lupia where more villas and churches can drainage pump station (known as be admired; finally another one leads “Machinon”, i.e. big machine), which to the barena of Giare, a fascinating Bojon Idrovora transitional area between the river Laguna and the sea. Campolongo Casone di Venezia I Zappa Maggiore p Santa Maria p o Assunta Lova v 1 i . Nature in the valli a

6 Valli della Laguna d Nuovissimo Taglio e di Venezia Lavish architecture with villas built by the Venetians Continue along the Taglio Corte l 5 la Nature lovers and people who between the 1500s and the 1700s. Nuovissimo and stop at the Church B re n enjoy open spaces and silence can The most famous among them are “la of Santa Maria di Lugo, a gem ta let themselves be swept away by Malcontenta”, designed by Palladio, dating back to the second half of Piove this itinerary. The departure point located in the community bearing the the XIII century, which now houses di Sacco is Mira, a city of art brimming same name, Villa Widmann Foscari an archaeological museum. A small Distance: km 15 .2 CHIOGGIA Difficulty:

6 DELTA DEL PO 18 19 o 6.3 c 7.1 • View of Lendinara from the Adigetto canal From the river Adige to the Po PADOVA 7.2 • Villa Badoer in ESTE Lendinara, Fratta Polesine, Polesella VERONA LEGNAGO 7 F i u m e Ad i g e This route links the river Adige to the Po, from Barbuglio to Polesella, Palazzo Pretorio, the Clock Tower Within sight of the Great River crossing Polesine from north to south and retracing the evolution stages and the colonnade of the Town Go back to the bank of the of a land between two rivers, shaped by water and man’s work. Hall; don’t miss XIX-century Ca’ Canalbianco and follow it for a few Lendinara Dolfin’s romantic garden. kilometres, until reaching Frassinelle, From Lendinara continue to the whose main features are the typical Rovigo Adigetto canal, along which are rural courtyards and the XVIII-century Villanova del Ghebbio and the estate of Ca’ Pesaro. Continue on to Church of San Michele (XVIII-XIX the lock of Ponte Bussari: from there, A13 centuries), then on towards the make a detour to Arquà Polesine, 8 Scortico Canal, an old commercial overlooking the bend of the old river Fratta .2 10 7 Polesine route between Canalbianco and Po di Adria. The town is dominated by Adigetto. also worth a visit. From Fratta the presence of Este Castle, a medieval o Frattesina n travel for a short stretch on the fortress. Back to Ponte Bussari, cross a 10 d Villas and engineering transpolesana road until meeting over the Canalbianco and continue a P

e masterpieces the towpath and the junction with south to Poleselle, a settlement t o r F i Gorgo di le t s s Arquà o l The Adigetto canal leads to Fratta the Canalabianco canal. Here a named after the canal along which ero Borgata Gorgo C 8 Ta r t a r o te Polesine F an Polesine, famous for its Venetian few detours are possible: heading it developed, the Fossa Poleselle: this isse ev ro o di L DELTA DEL PO 1 T lbianco P . villas, among which is the west is Pincara, while heading was an old waterway, which was later a a r n Frassinelle 7 Via del Mare t a aro C Pincara Starting on the Adige’s banks, near Santa Sofia and the Church of San stunning Villa Badoer, Palladio’s north-east is Villamarzana; the filled and converted into a public Polesine Gorgo della Fossa Barbuglio, follow the directions to Biagio, which are worth visiting as masterpiece. It houses the National former route passes by the Mulino green area. Just outside the town Ca’ Pesaro F ium e Po the village of Lendinara. they incarnate the deeply-rooted Archaeological Museum, which del Pizzon, the only watermill in is Villa Morosini, the southernmost 8 11 Despite having just set off, stop religious traditions of western collects various finds of the area Polesine, the latter is interesting among the Venetian villas; in the Polesella at the Shrine of the Beata Vergine Polesine. Take another break in around Frattesina; Giacomo for its archaeological artefacts and distance the river Po finally comes del Pilastrello, the Cathedral of Piazza Risorgimento and admire Matteotti’s House Museum is the WW2 Memorial . into view. Sinistra Po e Distance: km 34 FERRARA Destra Po Difficulty: 20 verso il Grande 21 Delta 11 8.1 • Piazza Garibaldi in Rovigo’s 8.2 • View of Adria from the e i g historic centre Canalbianco canal d The Road to the Sea (I3.1) A e Rovigo - Adria u m 8 F i Leave from Rovigo and head south to the left bank of the river Po, then walls, of which only a few traces Phaeton and the Museum of Water, The renowned Archaeological wander through the rural landscape and the small villages that overlook remain today, together with the ’s floodplain Museum collects several important DELTA DEL PO the Great River until reaching ; then head north to Adria. towers of the medieval castle. Other and Papozze’s floodplain, where artefacts. The historic centre’s main Rovigo sights include the renowned art the Po flows towards north-east, street, corso Vittorio Emanuele II, is gallery in Palazzo Roverella, which following one of the largest bends of studded with elegant buildings and Adria displays fine canvases from the area its lower course. The establishment squares, such as Palazzo Tassoni (the between Venice and Ferrara from of a WWF oasis in this area’s town hall), Palazzo Bocchi, which the 1400s to the 1700s, the Museum floodplain is the recognition of houses a rich collection of prints, Sant’Apollinare of the Great Rivers and the Church its valuable biodiversity: it is a and piazza Garibaldi, with the New of Beata Vergine del Soccorso, compendium of all the typical Cathedral, the Old Cathedral and the 10 called La Rotonda. Ride along the phases of evolution of wetlands, Clock Palace. The centre of the town Fissero-Tartaro-Canalbianco- Bottrighe Pontecchio Po di Levante Canale Adigetto until reaching the such as deep ponds, marshy fields, is crossed by an anabranch of the Polesine 11 Canalbianco, then head towards dry meadows, willow groves and Canalbianco, whose water level is ; once there, remains of flatland forests. controlled by a system of locks.

take the long cycle path that leads Parco to , on the left bank Adria, a town between the sea and Villanova Delta Marchesana del Po of the Po. the valley Papozze Oasi di Guarda Pannarella .1 As it approaches the Delta, the route e Po 8 Veneta F i u m ARIANO This itinerary corresponds to the Polesine, by following the Great Surrounded by the Po’s fluvial leaves the river bank and heads POLESINE 11 first stretch of the Road to the River. The elegant city of Rovigo, landscape north, to the ancient town of Adria, P Sea (I3), also known as “From the the administrative centre of the The lush river scenery remains which was a flourishing centre Sinistra Po e destra Po o di verso il Grande Delta Go city of roses to the Delta” (I3.1), province, has always been the focal unchanged as the route runs through of commercial and economical ro POLESELLA which connects Rovigo and Adria, point of thriving trade activities and the village of Crespino, with its large development, to the point that it FERRARA the two main historic centres of was originally surrounded by strong square dedicated to the myth of gave its name to the Adriatic Sea. Distance: km 56 Difficulty: 22 8.2 23 Pila 9.1 • The Sacca di Scardovari cove 9.2 • The Ca’ Vendramin Regional Oasi Ca’ Venier Ca’ Zuliani 12 Ca’ Pisani Museum of Land Reclamation Laguna The Donzella Loop (E3) 11 lla Pila del Basson in Po de ADRIA Ven e zia Ca’ Vendramin, Porto Tolle, Scardovari ROVIGO Po d i Tolle 9 Museo Porto Tolle Sinistra Po Regionale Ca’ e Destra Po della Bonifica Vendramin Spiaggia di A fascinating journey through the Po Delta, following its impressive banks, brushing Floating oases presence of a system of shoals verso il Scanno Boa

by the wonderful Sacca di Scardovari cove and exploring reclaimed rural lands, Before reaching the mouth (known as bonelli), where most of Grande Delta Donzella P o

between sky and water, across the rice fields where the famous Delta Rice is grown. of the river is Scardovari, a the local vegetation grows. This is d i T picturesque fishermen’s village the heart of the Po Delta Regional o Sacca Ca’ Dolfin l where a thriving fish market is Park. l e del Canarin held. Continue beyond Bonelli, At the fork head to Santa Giulia, whose single-floor houses with along the Po di Gnocca, where the Oasi Scardovari large square chimneys disrupt an picturesque pontoon bridge that Ca’ Mello otherwise flat horizon of fields connects the Donzella and Ariano 11 Oca Marina and water. islands is located. Bonelli 2 Sacca Levante 9. Bosco Biotopo Val Continue along the coast to Continue upstream on the right Mesola 12 Ca’ Lattis Bonello degli Bonelli Barricata tourist resort, with its marvellous explosion of colours, bank of the Po di Gnocca until Po d Scardovari i lovely marina and sandy beach. sounds and scents. reaching Ca’ Vendramin and Spiaggia G di Barricata Boscone n This area boasts a varied enjoy the rural scenery of this P o della Mesola o c Goro d avifauna, therefore it will not Natural reserves and pontoon reclaimed land, with the large rice i c a

G Barricata

take much time before catching a bridges fields where the Delta Rice (P.G.I. o

r Ponte glimpse of a few local specimens Make a brief stop at the visitors’ product) is grown. The Regional o di barche le 1 a Santa Giulia o . during the ride along the centre of the Ca’ Mello Reserve Museum of Land Reclamation is S 9 l c e Gorino ti The departure point of this itinerary the roofs of the houses. Near Tolle Sacca degli Scardovari. Cavane and learn about the Po Delta’s housed inside a former drainage d ia ia Sullam r V d (E3) is Porto Tolle, whose lands the Po separates once again before (i.e. covered boat shelters), natural environment, agriculture pump station which was built at a A tic 12 Sacca r are below sea level, deep in the Po reaching the sea: here we follow fishermen’s cabins and fish and fishing activities. Next comes the beginning of the last century. n Gorino Ma A di Goro Ferrarese Delta’s area. Here the embankments the bank of the Po di Tolle branch, farms are the ruling elements of the Val Bonello Biotope, the From here, head back to Ca’ Bocca of the Po di Venezia, the river’s heading towards the cove known as this land halfway between earth remnants of a fish farm area, with Tiepolo, the starting point of this di Gnocca main distributary, are taller than Sacca di Scardovari. and sky; here the sunset is a salty waters and marked by the itinerary. Distance: km 70 RAVENNA Faro Difficulty: 24 di Goro 25 10.1 • View of the Canalbianco 10.3 • The interior of Mulino Pizzon Fissero-Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante 10.2 • The Gorgo della Sposa pond in Trecenta 10 Trecenta, Pincara, Adria, Porto Viro Cruise through Polesine and all the way to the sea, gently floating on which allow to stop off and Maestra, approaching Trecenta, The water tour begins at the appealing scenery of fields and highlights include: Tomanin, the waterway, with the possibility to stop at either bank and explore explore the great variety of look for a few ponds: it is the boarding point located 400 m picturesque waterfront villages. Vallerini and Zambonin villas, the river landscape and the small waterfront villages. landscapes shaped by water and so-called gorghi, sites of special from the centre. On the right is the town of which all date back to the XVIII man’s work through centuries of environmental value, whose , with its elegant century. As the cruise continues, history presence is evidence of the Sailing between the banks historic buildings, castles and look for , whose existence of an ancient branch of After boarding the ferry (bicycles villas, among which stands name was inherited from a Through a land shaped by water the river Po. The village’s historic can be taken on board) on the out Villa Ariosto, built during no longer existing medieval Visitors who have not already centre unveils several aristocratic left bank near Trecenta, continue the XVI century for Niccolò fortress which was mentioned in left by boat can depart mansions, which were built for towards the sea, admiring the Ariosto, captain of the garrison Boccaccio’s Decameron. from the powerful families of Ferrara of Polesine and father of the Here the route reaches another and board a boat at the first and , such as Palazzo great poet. On the right bank is docking point, which connects docking point on the left bank. Pepoli, also known as “Palazzon”. , behind whose tall walls the Canalbianco riverbank to 10.4 This is the westernmost village hides Villa Nani Mocenigo, a the inland area near the old of Polesine, which rises at the gem of the XVI-century Venetian Napoleonic road. Frassinelle, Ponte Bussari (which confluence of the Tartarto and architecture. Continue on water and reach connects to Arquà Polesine the Fossa Maestra and Scolo Further on, between Presciane Pincara, with its docking point, through a road) and Bosaro, a Malopera canals, which partly and , lie the most lock and the famous Mulino del small village whose surrounding 10.1 flow through two former beds appealing palaces and villas Pizzon, the only watermill of countryside used to be one of the The Fissero - Tartaro - connecting the Park and of the Adige. Ride through lush of the middle stretch of this the area. Also on the left bank lushest of Polesine thanks to the Canalbianco - Po di Levante the Po Delta Park. Its middle woods, where the rich vegetation itinerary, such as the XVIII- and a short ride to the north abundance of water and the rich waterway links Mantua to the segment runs across the whole of the river ecosystem grows century Villa Bolognese and lies Fratta Polesine. Further on vegetation: today visitors can sea: its 135-km course remains of Polesine from west to east; abundant, heading to the area’s Villa Ca’ Moro, behind which downstream on the Canalbianco, enjoy fascinating cycling tours mostly parallel to the river Po along the route there are several embankments. While riding a Neo-Classical rustic country after a few kilometres, the along the old canal that linked all the way to its delta, ideally docking points on both banks, on this stretch of the Fossa 10.2 10.3 house stands out proudly. Other route encounters Villamarzana, the Canalbianco and the Po. In 26 27 10.4 • View of Adria’s centre F i u m e A Fissero-Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante d i g e 10 Trecenta, Pincara, Adria, Porto Viro Torretta the community of Bresparola Beata Vergine delle Grazie and Sea, as it was the port which with beautiful areas of high Veneta look out for an interesting Palazzo Gradenigo Mocenigo. granted access to the Po Valley. environmental value, such as I d r o v i a F i s s e r o Ta r t a r o C a n a l b i a n c o hydraulic engineering landmark: Then comes Adria, with its Nearby, a docking point allows fish farms, lagoons, coves and it is a botte, i.e. a multiple elegant palaces and squares visitors to stop, step off the boat the sea. Little villages follow one MANTOVA culvert assembly built in 1901, overlooking the anabranch of and on their bicycles and enjoy another, showing the increasing which served to discharge water the Canalbianco, which crosses another tour on land. influence of the Serenissima, as for land improvement. the centre of the town. As the displayed by Loreo’s buildings. Sardagnola Giacciano name also suggests, during the Towards the lagoons and the sea The itinerary reaches Porto Viro, Gorgo con Baruchella Brushing by historic towns Greek age the small city’s control Beyond Adria lies the heart which occupies the area where di Marola Continuing on towards the sea, reached as far as the Adriatic of the Po Delta, studded the taglio (cut-off) and diversion San Pietro F Polesine DELTA DEL PO iu the waterway flows past the of the main of the Po was m Zelo Gorgo e Malopera P southern edge of Rovigo, the made at the beginning of the o administrative centre of the XVII century. Canda Polesine area; it is possible to Between Loreo and Porto Viro, Trecenta stop here and reach the historic near the Volta Grimana Reserve, centre by bicycle. Further on begins the last stretch of the Gorghi di Trecenta lies the village of Lama Polesine, waterway, which here is known (Zucolo, Della Castelguglielmo Sposa, Gaspera, Bagnolo Po which overlooks the left bank as Po di Levante; around its Bottazza e Magon) mouth area a marina and several Sinistra Po of the Canalbianco: here get a e Destra Po glimpse of XVIII-century Villa docks are available, which are 11 verso il Passarella. The following village the starting point of land tours Grande Delta is , with the picturesque along the coast or water tours in piazza XX Settembre, the town the neighbouring lagoons. hall, the Archpriestal Church of Distance: km 113 Difficulty: 28 10.5 29 F iu F i u m e Ad m e i g e Ad ig CHIOGGIA e Giardino Botanico Litoraneo 10 Porto Caleri Valli del Lendinara Parco Delta Delta del Po Laguna del Po di Caleri Isola Dall Adige al Po Rosolina Albarella Rovigo

7 Loreo Baricetta P o Adria d A13 i L ev l B i an t na a n c e Lama a o C Porto Polesine Levante C o l l e t n o to r e Pada Oasi Volta Grimana Sant’Appolinare Fenil 8 12 del Turco Fratta Polesine Bottrighe Porto Viro Gorgo di Gavello Borgata Laguna Gorgo della Vallona Villamarzana Arquà Valli del Delta Polesine del Po Taglio Gorgo Dolfin 8 di Po Pincara Bosaro Sinistra Po Frassinelle 12 e Destra Po P Polesine o verso il P o d Le Gorghe i Grande Delta Gorgo della Fossa e l d M a i a o P S l Mare F i u m e V i Via de 11 s 8 l t e r e a 11 n d Po d i e G a z F i ARIANO i o a FERRARA iu V POLESINE m e r Po o a c i t n

A 11.1 • Along the right bank by the 11.2 • Villanova Marchesana’s Sinistra Po and Destra Po cycle paths: to the Great Delta Castle of Mesola brickyard 11.3 • Villa Morosini in Polesella 11 Melara, Polesella, Porto Tolle / Berra, Mesola, Goro Ride a bicycle along the Po, on the left bank from Melara to Porto Tolle value, such as floodplains, fish blanketed by willows and poplars the Bolognese painter Crespi. Do river to the opposite bank. and on the right bank from Berra to Goro, or glide on its waters with a farms and lagoons; join in the and alive with the calls of common not miss the Museo della Giostra is renowned for its boat to the Great Delta through a picturesque scenery marked by flood traditions and enjoy the colours moorhens, coots and herons, to the (Museum of Popular Amusement), scenic flood plain, but is also sadly plains, fish farms, lagoons and, finally, the sea. and flavours of the centuries-old small village of Bergantino, whose inside Palazzo Strozzi, which noted as the location where the communities that found their name was inherited from the provides a fascinating journey Po overflowed, causing the flood identity by learning to live side by Brigantine, a sailing vessel used to through the traditions connected of Polesine in 1951. Continue to side with the river. travel up and down the river. The to the history of the Great River. Polesella, which, after belonging XVII-century Church dedicated A fairly linear stretch leads to to the Este family, became part On Sinistra Po cycle path to San Giorgio, located on the , located at a large double of Venice’s territory and evolved Both land and water routes start in village’s main square, boasts of bend where the river bed widens: into a major river port; it is also Melara, since both docking points a few canvases, including a fine right in the middle appears the location of several structures 11.3 and intermodal transportation painting of the Holy Family by Boschina island, a lush island engineered to contain the force of facilities are available here. Before which was created by the sandy the river’s water. The glory of the further on, Villa Selmi. Polesella range of peculiar species of plants leaving the town, the westernmost transported here by the Serenissima lives on in the elegant was also heavily hit by the 1951 and animals. of the , pay current. Villa Schiatti Giglioli, seat villas dotted along the banks flood, when the village of Santa Visitors can either land in Polesella a visit to the historic centre, to of the town administration, is one of the Po, among which shines Maura was wiped out, along with or cross the river and head towards the XVIII-century Church of of the main attractions of Ficarolo. Villa Morosini Mantovani, which its old fishing tradition and the Ro Ferrarese, thus connecting to 11 .1 San Materno, the small tower Next is , where it is worth was the countryside residence Fossa Polesella, the canal which the itinerary on the right bank of The itinerary takes visitors on a by water on leisurely cruises, to from the XV century, which stopping to visit Villa Camerini- of the Venetian Doge Francesco linked the Po and the Canalbianco, the Po. journey to discover the Great River enjoy the river’s ecosystem to serves as a belfry, and the Civic Bertelè, inspired by the XVIII- Morosini and still is the location provided a direct connection Enjoy the view of wide, clay-rich both exploring the land along its the fullest, beyond administrative Archaeological Museum housed century architectural style from of several cultural and artistic for the owners of the villas and fields, studded with corti di bonifica banks – the left one in the Veneto boundaries. Discover small in the town hall, which collects Ferrara, and further on lies Santa events. Other attractions are the supported the land improvement (i.e. rural settlements built after region and the right one in the waterfront villages and areas of Prehistoric and Roman artefacts. Maria Maddalena, with its docks lavish XVI-century Villa Armellini, works; however, today what land reclamation) and farmhouses, region of Emilia Romagna – and great environmental beauty and Follow the large bend of the Po, and the bridge that leads across the Villa Rosetta Chiereghini and, remains of it is home to a great the vibrant colours of nature and 32 11.2 33 11.4 • Docking point on the Po river 11.6 • Sailing to Gorino’s lighthouse Sinistra Po and Destra Po cycle paths: to the Great Delta in Polesella 11.5 • Ro’s mill 11 Melara, Polesella, Porto Tolle / Stellata, Berra, Mesola, Goro attests the productive wealth blurred. To the north lies the town On the Destra Po cycle path reproduction of a mill on the Po, the view on the Island of Ariano, generated by the river; closer to of Adria; alternatively continue The right bank of the Po river complete with current-operated the strip of land that sits in the the village are the XVIII-century along the bank, heading to Porto provides a 120-km-long, flat grindstones, which are still used to middle of the bifurcation, and is parish church, the stables of Villa Viro, whose area is surrounded itinerary, which is suitable for produce flour. Here visitors the perfect place to try some of Luisa and Villa Camerini, once a by the salty fish farms to the east, all bicycle riders; it is ’s can also follow the literary route, the area’s typical products. Before Carthusian monastery. En route which then give way to the lagoons longest cycling route, starting in a 6-km cycling path that leads to reaching Mesola, surrounded by to Papozze, the village of Berra, and the sea near Porto Tolle. The Stellata and reaching the mouth the places connected to Riccardo canals and drainage pump stations .6 which is part of the right-bank other distributary is the Po di Goro, of the Po di Goro, and is also the 11 Bacchelli’s works, a writer who set used to constantly improve the itinerary, can be spotted across where the itinerary meets with middle stretch of the Eurovelo his most important novel in this area’s lands, it is worth stopping Mesola Forest Natural Reserve, the overlooks the cove bearing the .4 the river. In Papozze is the XIX- the right-bank route thanks to the 8 - Mediterranean Route running area; it is also possible to cross at Abate Tower, which dates back largest in the . same name: this fascinating 11 from Cádiz to Athens. The small century parish church, with its fine small crossings in the communities the river and continue on the left- to the XVI century, when special Guided bicycle tours are available, place is home to several coastal its powerful scents. The next stop is canvases and artwork, and Villa of , Rivà and community of Stellata in the bank itinerary. Further on along efforts were made under the Este which give the opportunity to bird species, both resident and Crespino, with its square dedicated Zotti on the island of Mezzano, Gorino Veneto. province of Ferrara boasts of the the right bank, after crossing the rule to reclaim and recover this observe the succession of areas migratory, such as little terns, to Phaethon, who, according to which used to be the village’s powerful Rocca, a defensive tower municipality of Berra with its land. Nowadays the building displaying ancient vegetation and oystercatchers and Kentish the ancient myth, fell in the waters historic centre before the great dating back to the XI century, typical flood plain, whose rich is surrounded by a pond and swamp areas on alluvial lands. plovers, a birdwatcher’s and of the Eridanos river (which is flood; further on is the Pannarella which later became an observation habitat is a protected area, is the aquatic plants and is a pleasant The reserve is home to a large nature photographer’s paradise. associated with the Po); other Reserve. The itinerary has now tower monitoring water traffic so-called Porta del Delta (i.e. “door destination for nature excursions. deer herd, fallow deer, European Board a boat to Goro’s lighthouse, landmarks are the Church of Santi reached the Po Delta Regional and trade. The cycling path runs to the delta”), near Serravalle: Once in Mesola, do not miss the badgers and crested porcupines. which looks out to the Adriatic Martiro e Severo and the Museum Park of the Veneto Region; after parallel to the boundary between it is a landmark of this side of wonderful XVI-century castle The itinerary continues towards from the beach near the mouth of of Water, which recounts the area’s the bifurcation the route follows Emilia Romagna and Veneto and the itinerary, as it is the location overlooking the river, a former Goro, which gives its name to one the Po di Goro. Goro and Gorino river-connected working activities the first main distributary of the reaches Ro, where a docking of the first bifurcation of the Po hunting base belonging to the Este of the branches of the delta which provide visitors with a large and daily life. Next comes the flood river, the Po di Venezia: here the point is located; the village’s river, the threshold of the delta’s family, once enclosed by walls and flows in the Adriatic Sea. The selection of cruises around the plain of Villanova Marchesana, fine limit between land and water main attraction is the Museum of area, as the name rightly suggests. protected by towers. Close by and small town (whose main activities cove, to the mussels farms and the with the ancient brickyard, which becomes softer, the edges are Bread, located inside the accurate Stop at this equipped area, enjoy near the sea is a forest, the Great are fishing and clam farming) Venetian Delta. 34 11.5 35 MANTOVA Melara Bergantino Crespino ROVIGO Guarda Veneta

F iu m 11 Polesella e o

P P o e m Fis 10 i u ser F Castelnovo o Ta Bariano rtaro C a A13 na lb Mulino Ro ian co di Ro Ferrarese DELTA DEL PO Stienta

F Sermide iu m Occhiobello e Canaro P o

Santa Maria Maddalena Salara

Pontelagoscuro

Gaiba Stellata Ficarolo

BONDENO F ium e Po Bosco di Distance: km 120 Porporana Fiume BOLOGNA Difficulty: Panaro Ferrara 37 12

12 Mar 10 12 Adria 8 Oasi Volta Laguna di tico 10 co ADRIA Grimana Fiss er bian Porta del Parco CHIOGGIA P Barbamarco o T al ROSOLINA o P a n Delta del Po d Valli del Delta o Riserva

rtaro Ca P

i del Po Naturale o d Bottrighe F G i

Porto Viro Bocche di Po 11 i n u d M o a

m i a i t r c s e Parco Delta

G

P c ROVIGO o del Po Laguna a 12 o Golena del Burcio r

o Ca’ Pisani Valli del Delta Pila Corbola Ca’ Zuliani del Po Batteria Po d i Ve n e z i a Laguna Taglio del Basson l l a P i l a di Po Anello della Donzella 9 d e Villanova Po Marchesana 9 Ca’ Vendramin P Anello della Donzella Tolle Papozze o Porto d Crespino Oasi di e i l Tolle Spiaggia di Panarella a M Oasi Valle o Berra Scanno Boa S P a Dindona Goro e Porta l i m e s u del Delta d t

i r Donzella P F a Cologna a Bosco i Santa o V Serravalle Giustina d Sacca a i c Ponte di del Canarin P i T o t barche o n d ll i A Ca’ Dolfin e G San Basilio Parco Delta 12 o del Po r Sacca Parco Delta o 12 Gorino del Po di Goro P Ariano o Polesine d i Ariano Oasi Ferrarese P G Scardovari

o n Ca’ Mello

o d

Rivà Bosco Boscone c i

della c Santa Lanterna a FERRARA G Sacca Giustina Vecchia Mesola o Bonelli r degli Levante Mesola o Biotopo Val Scardovari Bonello Faro Bonelli Torre di Goro Pineta del Scanno Abate Motte del COMACCHIO di Goro Spiaggia di Barricata Fondo Torre Palù

Goro 12.1 • Cervia’s salt production plants 12.2 • The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare The Ancient Salt Road in Classe 12.3 • Detail of Ravenna’s mosaics 12 Cervia, Comacchio, Porto Levante, Chioggia There is a road that cuts across the Po Delta from south to north and highly-saline environment. Specks past took up most of this region, Galla Placidia. Must-see locations surrounded by red-brick buildings, Visitors can explore the area on has been the route of the precious mineral since the Middle Ages. It of pink, flocks of flamingos, dot and reach the Cubo Magico in the heart of the historic centre moving once again to the coastline ferries, thanks to the boat + bike begins in Cervia, in Ravenna’s hinterland, and leads to Chioggia. the expanse of shallow water: Bevanella, a Po Delta Park’s are piazza Duomo, the town hall, is a pleasant change. The cycling combined tours. Stazione Foce is along with pied avocets and Visitors Centre, close to the river Dante’s Tomb and the Churches paths lead to the sea, to Punta the departure point of the tours to black-winged stilts, they are the Bevano: this is the departure point of San Giovanni Evangelista and Marina Terme and Marina di Comacchio’s salt pond, renowned most common birds of this area. of beautiful guided tours by foot, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Ravenna. for the large flocks of flamingos Those who wish to know more the bike or boat. The route runs parallel to the that chose this place as their home. history of the “white gold” can The and the coastline to Casal Borsetti and 12.3 From here, follow the Longonovo visit the Camillone salt plant or The city of mosaics coastline beyond, until it reaches the banks bend of the Reno and then the canal, continue towards the coast head to the salt warehouses, where Before reaching Ravenna, stop at After wandering the pebbly streets, of the river Reno. After heading Argine Agosta road lead to Valle and on to Lido degli Estensi, then the MuSa, the Museum of Salt, is the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in upstream for a short stretch, Fattibello: here either turn left and head south to visit the Remo located. Classe, a UNESCO world heritage stop and visit the Palazzone di visit Comacchio or veer right and Brindisi Museum in Lido di , site and a must-see landmark. Sant’Alberto, an ancient inn dating head to Stazione Foce to visit the or head north and follow the Discovering Cervia Ravenna, the town founded by the back to the Este age, which now Valli. coastal cycle path that connects From the centre of Cervia head to Romans, which lived its golden is a Visitors Centre of the Po Delta The latter are what remains of a Lido Estensi to Lido di Volano. the canal harbour and then along age during the Byzantine rule, Park and also houses Ravenna’s large, once flooded area, which the cycle paths that cut through is just a few kilometres away. A Museum of Natural Science; was later reclaimed and turned Emilia Romagna’s border towns 12 .1 the salt ponds and pass by tourist perfect place to visit by bicycle, guided tours (by foot, bicycle or into farmland. They stretch across Comacchio is made up of The old tracks of the Salt Road ponds, which already existed resorts such as Milano Marittima, it features several attractions, like electric minibus) depart from here. about 11,000 ha and are used for five small islands, which are begin in Cervia, the southern gate during the Etruscan age, the and Ravenna’s beaches in Savio churches and parks. Start at the Continue against the backdrop fishing and farming a wide variety interconnected by bridges and to the Po Delta Park, at the salt colours turn brighter: salicornia, and Classe, then continue inland Mausoleum of Theoderic, then of the salty lagoons of the Valli of fish species, such as the eel. canals. Trepponti is the most ponds, a productive area of over limonium and pucciniella are towards Ravenna. Ride through continue to the majestic Rocca di Comacchio and follow the dirt Fishermen cabins, which rise famous landmark and in the 800 ha that spreads along the just a few examples of the plants lush Pineta di Classe, part of the Brancaleone, the Basilica of San paths along the banks, only a few along the main road of the lagoon, past it was the town’s seaward coast. As we approach the precious that grow in such an extreme, ancient pine forest which in the Vitale and the Mausoleum of 12.2 metres from the water’s edge. The dot the otherwise flat landscape. threshold. Tasting an eel dish and 40 41 12.4 • Trepponti in Comacchio 12.6 • Gorino’s pontoon bridge The Ancient Salt Road 12.5 • Sunset over the river Po 12.7 • Biking on the beach 12 Cervia, Comacchio, Porto Levante, Chioggia paying a visit to the fish market Manifattura is a Visitors Centre Sacca di Goro cove and the final where intermodal transportation evolution of the coastline. Beyond the Adige lies the Dogado, are a must, as well as visiting the of the Po Delta Park, houses the segment of the Po di Goro. From facilities, such as docking points After crossing the Po di Levante the Doge’s territory. Here lies Manifattura dei Marinati, where Eel Museum and is a Slow Food Mesola, cross the river and step and the marina, are available. on a boat (boat + bike service Nordio Forest, a natural reserve visitors can learn the secrets Presidium for the production of on Venetian land, in the Province In the last stretch of the itinerary, available by reservation), continue of great environmental value, behind the process of both salt- the Traditional Marinated Eel of Rovigo. connecting Porto Levante and on the Via delle Valli (tour of featuring rare and ancient and fresh-water fish marinating. of the Valli di Comacchio. The Chioggia, water gradually regional importance) and finally plant species, which marks a As a matter of fact, the itinerary continues along the From the Delta to the river Adige overtakes land and splashes reach Rosolina Mare’s beaches radical change from the typical Once in the heart of the Great against the ancient strip of fossil and the Botanical Garden of Porto coastal landscape, surrounded Delta, ride along the banks of dunes which feature impressive Calieri, at the mouth of the river by sandy fields and mostly the Po di Venezia towards Taglio plant relicts, snapshots of the Adige. cultivated with radicchio (P.G.I. 12.5 di Po, passing San Basilio, its product). Chioggia, the itinerary’s archaeological site and the destination, keeps alive the 12.7 sea and leads to the Benedectine Romanesque church, then on historic memory of its salt ponds, Abbey of Pomposa, where to Adria, where the National once a great centre of production of Cervia, Porto Garibaldi, Goro, visitors can dive into Medieval Archaeological Museum is of the white gold. The sea town Porto Barricata, Porto Levante, and Romanesque culture and located, and finally towards offers a rich tourism infrastructure Albarella, Chioggia. Each of them art. Then the cycle path crosses Porto Viro, to the Visitors Centre and intermodal transportation allows visitors to easily reach and an area of great environmental of the Po Delta Regional Park. services and facilities. The Ancient mix and match different tours value, the Great Mesola Forest, Along the Po di Maistra and Salt Road can also be followed by and continue their exploration and continues on to the town of towards the flood plain of Ca’ sea, either with privately owned by bicycle on land. Exclusive Mesola. Take a 16-km detour to Pisani the route becomes more boats or using the intermodal tours across the lagoons, among Goro and Gorino, the last seaside and more fascinating, as it winds transportation services which the reeds and fish farms, are also town of the Province of Ferrara . on the embankments leading to are offered by the main ports available. 12.4 Enjoy the spectacular view on the Scanarello and Porto Levante, along the itinerary: the harbours 42 12.6 43 Argine Agosta

12 Valle Sito Zavelea Archeologico Ravenna di Spina Punte Oasi Alberete di Boscoforte

Lagosanto

Pineta Valli San Vitale Museo Classe Sant’apollinare Natura di Comacchio in Classe Isola degli Spinaroni Sant’Alberto Comacchio Castiglione Pialassa della Baiona Stazione di Ravenna Foce Pialassa Marina Piomboni Romea

Marina Duna di Valle Bertuzzi Pineta di Ravenna Porto Corsini di Classe Punta Marina Volta Valle Scirocco Mandriole

Lido di Lido di Saline Ortazzino Ortazzo Museo Remo di Cervia Porto Scacchi Pomposa Lido delle Vene di Brindisi Garibaldi Nazioni Bellocchio Lido degli Volano Cubo Magico Estensi La Bevanella Lido di Spina Lido di Mar A o Lido di Classe driatic Volano Lido di Mar Adriatico Milano Savio Cervia Marittina Distance: km 142 Difficulty: 45 Dallo zucchero San Basilio CORBOLA ADRIA Loreo Loreo 4 Monticelli Porta del al sale

Parco Delta

Oasi Volta del Po Adria F

i Grimana u

12 m

e

5 Abazia Bottrighe B

di Pomposa a

Pineta del Motte Taglio c Ippovia c

del Fondo h

Rivà di Po i della Brenta

Corbola g

Pomposa l

Porto Viro i

o n

Mesola e Monticelli z ia Rosolina Rosolina e n e d i V Cavanella d’Adige Laguna Torre Po Abate di Venezia Boscone della Mesola Torre Ca’ Vendramin Bosco Palù Nordio Bosco Chioggia Santa Giustina Valli del Delta Sinistra Po Sant’Anna del Po Fiume Po Valli del Delta e Destra Po del Po verso il Laguna 11 Lusenzo Grande Delta F i Goro B u Sacca Laguna r m Rosolina e Laguna di Caleri n e di Goro di Caleri Mare t Valli del F a Delta del Po iu Loreo m e Giardino A Oasi Volta di Porto Golena Valli del Delta Botanico ge Ponte di Ca’ Pisani Grimana Porto Caleri barche Donzella Tolle del Po Gorino AnelloDonzelladella Isola Po d i M Albarella Taglio o a i z e n Ve i d Po a i s Po d i G or t r a di Po Porto Viro Porto c o Levante cqua a t i c a 9 io d a r i o c erar M a r A d G n e - itin d i el Sal Po Via d Laguna della Vallona 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. From the Alps to the The Walled Cities’ The Euganean Hills From Sugar to Salt The Brenta Bridleway The Taglio From the river Adige The Road to the Sea The Donzella Loop Fissero-Tartaro- Sinistra Po e Destra The Ancient Salt Road Adriatic Sea Loop Loop (E2) Nuovissimo Canal to the Po (I3.1) (E3) Canalbianco-Po Po: to the Great Delta di Levante IAT Legnago IAT Este IAT IAT Chioggia IAT Chioggia Villa Levi Morenos, Tel. 0442 20052 Tel. 0429 600462 Tel. 049 8669055 Tel. 041 5298711 Tel. 041 5298711 Mira Taglio Lendinara Provincia di Rovigo Turismo Provincia di Rovigo Turismo Provincia di Rovigo Turismo IAT Porto Tolle Servizio Informativo del iatlegnago@fondazione- [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tel. 041 5298711 Monselice Tel. 0425 642389 Tel. 0425 386290 Tel. 0425 386290 Tel. 0425 386290 Tel. 0426 247276 parco - infopoint Area Leader fioroni.it [email protected] IAT Montagnana Tel. 0429 783026 IAT Bacino Turistico IAT Bacino Turistico della [email protected] servizio.turismo@provincia. servizio.turismo@provincia. servizio.turismo@provincia. [email protected] Delta del Po - Comacchio rovigo.it rovigo.it rovigo.it Cell. 346 8015015 Tel. 0429 81320 turismo@comune. della Saccisica Villa dei Leoni Fratta Polesine Servizio Informativo del servizioinformativo@parco ufficioturistico@comune. monselice.padova.it Tel. 049 9709331 Tel. 049 9709331 info@ Mira Riviera Tel. 0425 668030 Proloco Adria IAT Rosolina Mare Fratta Polesine parco - infopoint Area Leader deltapo.it montagnana.pd.it [email protected] turismosaccisica.it Tel. 041 4266545 [email protected]. Tel. 0426 21675 Tel. 0426 326020 Tel. 0425 668030 Delta del Po - Comacchio [email protected] ro.it [email protected] iat.rosolina@provincia. [email protected]. Cell. 346 8015015 IAT Rosolina Mare rovigo.it ro.it servizioinformativo@parco Tel. 0426 326020 Polesella Tourist information Tourist deltapo.it iat.rosolina@provincia. Tel. 0425 447111 IAT Porto Tolle Proloco Adria rovigo.it Tel. 0426 247276 Tel. 0426 21675 [email protected] [email protected]

Railway station: Railway station: Railway station: Railway station: Railway station: Railway station: Railway station: Railway station: Land-water transfer facilities, Railway station: Railway station: Railway station: Legnago. Montagnana, Este. Terme Euganee, Battaglia Pontelongo. Chioggia. Oriago, Mira Buse, Lendinara, Fratta Polesine, Rovigo, Adria some of which offer Fratta Polesine, Arquà Destra Po: Ferrara, ; Cervia, Ravenna, Lido Terme, Monselice, Este. Campagna Lupia, Bojon, Arquà Polesine, Polesella bike+boat service. Polesine, Rovigo, Lama, Sinistra Po: Polesella, Adria, di Classe-Lido di Savio, Adria, Campolongo Maggiore, Adria, Loreo, Rosolina Loreo, Rosolina Loreo, Rosolina, Chioggia . Intermodality

Paved paths with Unpaved cycle paths along Paved and unpaved Paved secondary roads Paved secondary roads Paved secondary roads Secondary roads and paved Roads and cycle paths. I3 Partly unpaved roads along European class V navigable Paved surface in good/ Segregated or unpaved cycle signposting along the banks. the banks, a few stretches cycle paths. E2 regional along the banks and a few along the banks and along the banks. Consistent cycle path. Consistent regional signposting. the banks. E3 regional waterway. mediocre conditions. Mostly path and light-traffic roads on paved secondary roads. signposting. stretches on dirt paths. E2 a few stretches on dirt signposting. signposting. signposting. From Torretta Veneta’s lock bicycle and pedestrian paths. or streets restricted to local regional signposting. The paths. Somewhat erratic to Volta Grimana’s lock, traffic. final stretch leading to signposting. from Volta Grimana to Porto Sea cruise available, with

Route Chioggia is quite congested. Levante. main stops at the ports of Cervia, Comacchio, Goro, Porto Levante, Chioggia.

www.veneto.to www.polesineterrafraduefiumi.it www.adriabike.eu www.tourism.verona.it www.bassapadovana.com www.bassapadovana.com www.veneto.to www.veneto.to www.turismovenezia.it www.ciclabileadigepo.it www.veneto.to www.polesineterrafraduefiumi.it 48 www.parcodeltapo.org www.ferraraterraeacqua.it www.parcodeltapo.it 49 Rural tourism between the great rivers Rural tourism promotion in the lowland territories crossed by the great rivers LEADER Inter-territorial Cooperation Project

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe invest in in rural areas Initiative funded by the Rural Development Programme of the Veneto 2007 - 2013 - Axis IV - Leader. Institution responsible for the information: . Managing Authority: Veneto Region - Directorate of Plans and Programs Primary Sector