Plain and Coast of Ferrara

<< Emilia-Romagna

The entire Province of Ferrara is located in the Po Valley, and is mostly rural, with a few agricultural centers. Near the coast are some historic attractions, the wetlands of the southern part of the Po Delta, and a few seaside resorts.

Comacchio

Comacchio is a town of ancient origins at the southern end of the Po Delta. The area was inhabited by the Etruscans, while Comacchio emerged in the Early Middle Ages, when it was on the main stream of the river Po, which was later diverted. For centuries it was the main settlement in the area and a major trading station, contested between local powers. Despite its decline during the Modern age, it is still a relevant regional center.

Trepponti Bridge

The Trepponti Bridge (Ponte dei Trepponti) is the most recognizable landmark in Comacchio. This bridge was built in 1638 and it is a system of five arch bridges crossing the confluence of four different canals. Adorned with two towers, the bridge also served as the fortified gate of the town for vessels coming from the Adriatic Sea.

Museo Delta Antico

The Museo Delta Antico is an archaeological museum located in a former hospital built in the 18th century. The museum houses a collection of ancient findings from the surrounding area and the Etruscan city of Spina, located nearby. The exhibition includes the cargo recovered from a Roman ship dating from the 1st century BCE.

Valli di Comacchio

The Valli di Comacchio are a series of lagoons located south of Comacchio and along the Adriatic coast. They form part of the Regional Park of the Po Delta and were formed during the 10th century due to changes in the local environment. Originally much larger, most of the area has been reclaimed for agricultural use. As a major wetland, this area hosts a rich flora and fauna, and it is also a major hub for fishing and birdwatching.

Lidi Ferraresi

Also known as: Lidi di Comacchio

The Lidi Ferraresi are a series of seven beach resorts along the coast of the municipality of Comacchio. From north to south they are: Lido di Volano, Lido delle Nazioni, Lido di Pomposa, Lido degli Scacchi, Porto Garibaldi, Lido degli Estensi, and Lido di Spina. Stretching along the Adriatic coast, they are part of the Regional Park of the Po Delta and a popular summer destination for both local and foreign tourists.

Codigoro

Codigoro is a town in the Province of Ferrara, located near the Po Delta. Now a small agricultural center, it enjoyed some relevance during the Middle Ages, thanks to the nearby abbey.

✪ Pomposa Abbey

The Pomposa Abbey (Abbazia di Pomposa) is one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in Northern Italy. It was founded in the Early Middle Ages and rose to prominence since the 11th century, gaining possessions in all of Italy. During its golden age, it was also an important cultural center, housing a rich library. In this abbey during the 11th century, scholar Guido of Arezzo invented the modern musical notation still in use to this day. After the Middle Ages, it suffered a decline and the monastery was suppressed in 1653. Now the abbey is regarded as a great example of Romanesque-Ravennate architecture, and it hosts many well-preserved ancient mosaics and frescoes.

Mesola

Mesola is a town on the southern side of the Po Delta, along the Po di Goro. The area was once marshy, but was reclaimed during the rule of the Este family.

Mesola Castle

The Mesola Castle is one of the Delizie, the large residences built by the Este family during the Renaissance. This castle was built at the end of the 16th century and now it dominates over the center of the town. Inside, it hosts a museum showcasing the local flora and fauna.

Voghiera

Voghiera is a small town in the countryside of Ferrara. The nearby village of Voghenza was a Roman town and the most important settlement in the area during the Early Middle Ages, but it was eventually overshadowed by Ferrara after being damaged by barbarian invasions.

Delizia di Belriguardo

The Delizie are a series of Renaissance palaces and residences built by the Este family that ruled over the Duchy of Ferrara. One of the best preserved ones is the Delizia di Belriguardo, near Voghiera. The historic palace was built in the 15th century as a summer residence of the Este family and now it hosts a museum with a collection of archaeological findings from the Roman period and the Early Middle Ages, along with various Renaissance and Modern artworks.

Cento

Cento is the second largest center of the Province of Ferrara, located close to Pieve di Cento. The town grew from a small medieval settlement originally under the rule of Bologna and became the most important city in the area. Now it is still the main center of the surrounding countryside, and it is famous for the historic Carnival that takes place here every year.

Rocca of Cento

The Rocca of Cento is a medieval castle built during the 14th century, under the rule of Bologna, and later enlarged. The fortress was used as military barracks and prison until 1969. Now it is partially visitable and sometimes hosts exhibitions and events.