Rivers in Italy

The Marmore Falls, in the heart of Umbria Less than ten kilometres from Terni, in Umbria, are the Marmore Falls, among the highest waterfalls in Europe, at a whopping 165 metres. These are actually artificial waterfalls that form where the Velino River, starting from Lake Piediluco, flows into the Nera River. The Romans began excavating the canal, specifically the Curiano Trench, in 271 BC. This engineering work aimed to drain the waters of the Velino River, which was overflowing onto the land, creating stagnant, swampy and toxic areas. The water was directed towards the edge of the Marmore cliff, and over the following centuries many alterations have been made to it until it ultimately became what we see today. Three unique points of view The Marmore Falls are divided into three jumps, which you can admire from two different points, the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere. The first is located on the outskirts of the village of Marmore, on the road leading to Piediluco, offering spectacular views of the first jump, while from the Lower Belvedere you can admire the entire waterfall in all its majesty. A scenic path connects the two points. From the Lower Belvedere, you can also access the Lovers' Balcony, a small terrace located in front of the first jump of the waterfall, embedded in the rock. It is so close you can reach out and touch the water, so don't forget to bring your waterproof! And unlike with other viewpoints, you have to be accompanied by an experienced guide in a small group. The Falls at night With the exception of the Balcony, you can visit the Marmore Falls on your own. There are six well-signposted trails, so you can admire the jumps from every possible angle. In the summer months, opening hours are extended past sunset to allow you to admire the views long into the evening. An LED lighting system brings a whole new charm to the Falls at night, producing special effects with beams of light that enhance the movement of the falling water. Marmore: sport and culture The Marmore Falls are also an ideal destination for water sports: from rafting to soft rafting, from canyoning to hydrospeeding, from kayaking to river walking, you are sure to be spoiled for choice. Near the Upper Belvedere you will find the Industrial Archaeological Park of Campacci di Marmore, which preserves objects from the Narni and Galleto hydroelectric power stations. The caves of the Archeological Park in Marmore The Marmore Falls also have another nice surprise in store for its visitors. The park to which it belongs has karstic caves, which have been excavated by water over millennia. The main ones, in terms of both speleological interest and beauty, are set in three distinct complexes: the first includes the Grotta della Morta and the Grotta delle Diaclasi, the second is the Grotta delle Colonne, while the third, extending over 190 metres, is the Grotta della Condotta, named after the ancient conduit that once fed the hydroelectric power station system. How to organise your visit Visiting the Falls is a truly unique experience. So you can best enjoy its beauty, we highly recommend planning to be at a good viewpoint the moment the gates are opened so you can watch the powerful rush of water. Otherwise, the Falls are still open, but with a reduced jet of water. The Falls also serve the Galleto hydroelectric power plant, meaning it is not only an environmental asset of rare beauty, but also a valuable resource for the area. Find out more: https://www.raftingmarmore.com https://www.cascatadellemarmore.info

A rich and diverse natural heritage Val Resia is one of the most picturesque of all the Alpine valleys. It is located in the province of Udine and is crossed by the Torrente Resia, which rises at the foot of Monte Canin, separating the Alps from the Julian Prealps, up to the border with Slovenia. Val Resia’s natural heritage is one of its main attractions and the inspiration behind numerous excursions. The area has rich, diverse vegetation and its fauna comprises more than 1,200 species. In addition to hiking trails, there are also the cultural routes which allow you to discover historic sites, along with the landscape. Sports enthusiasts in Val Resia can enjoy mountaineering, bouldering and water activities such as rafting and kayaking. Each of the five main villages in the valley has a centre surrounded by typical buildings, consisting of large stone walls and wooden roofs. The Museo etnografico della gente della Val Resia ethnographic museum, housed in the Casa Buttolo Ploc, is well worth a visit. It is perfect for discovering the history of the local people.

A green oasis in the heart of Milan Milan boasts big squares, old palaces, churches and skyscrapers. In the centre of this Lombard capital there is also a green lung that allows the city to breathe and gives locals and visitors a place to feel immersed in nature. Parco Sempione is among the most beautiful metropolitan oases in Italy. You can enter the park through its most impressive gate, the majestic Arco della Pace, and head towards its main attraction and one of the undisputed symbols of Milan: the Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century manor commissioned by Duke Francesco Sforza. For a special romantic moment, cross the Little Mermaid Bridge, named after the two pairs of statues guarding it. Before you stretch out on the lawn and relax in the sun or hop on a bike to explore the park and its surroundings, make sure to stop for a visit to other landmarks in this part of Milan: the Acquario Civico, popular among children in particular, the Arena Civica, an important Milanese sports venue, the Triennale, for fans of contemporary art, and the Torre Branca, for panoramic views from its height of 108 metres.

Green oasis in the Abruzzo Apennines Unspoilt nature, scenic trails and fast-flowing streams. You can find this and much more in the Regional Nature Reserve Cascate del Verde, a WWF Oasis since 1997 on the border between Abruzzo and Molise. Covering an area of around 287 hectares, the area takes its name from the Rio Verde stream, which flows through the middle Sangro Valley and is the park's main attraction. With a drop of 200 metres, the Cascate del Verde waterfalls are the highest in the Apennines and the most impressive in the whole of Italy. Easy to reach via the well-marked main path, they are an impressive spectacle of nature: impressing you with their roar, the force of their water jets and their dizzying height. Let yourself be tempted by the many trails in the reserve, such as the "Vecchio Mulino" or "Natura" trails, to immerse yourself in the flora and fauna that inhabit the area. To gain access to the Reserve, leave your car at the free car park at the entrance and buy your ticket at the ticket office. Here you will also find picnic tables, a barbecue area and a play area for the little ones.

Raveo, one of the smallest villages in Carnia, is nestled in a green and sunny basin that extends itself between the mountains of the Carnic Alps. Its territory has been settled since pre-Roman times, as demonstrated by recent archaeological excavations on Monte Sorantri, which revealed the existence of a Celtic village. Apparently, a castle also existed in the vicinity, but where it was located is unknown. Despite the fact that the 1976 earthquake compromised the original face of Raveo forever, there are still some noteworthy buildings that can be seen while strolling along the village's quiet streets. Beautiful for nature lovers is the Cladonde waterfall, set between the cracks in the mountain. Lastly, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Raveo, built in 1619 and located halfway along the ancient cobbled road connecting the village to Valdie, is splendid. The municipality of Raveo is characterized by the presence of numerous craft workshops and is known for the production of typical biscuits: the 'Esse' of Raveo.

A natural waterfall in the historic centre It is so beautiful and unexpected that it seems unreal. And yet, the waterfall in the middle of the historic centre of Isola del Liri is completely natural. This ancient village in the province of Frosinone is among Lazio’s most interesting hidden gems, offering a breathtaking setting that will leave you wanting to immortalise every corner in photos and videos. The waterfall springs from the waters of the Liri River, which forks up at the Boncompagni Viscogliosi Castle. On one side, it creates the spectacular 30-metre Cascata Grande. On the other, it plunges into the less scenic Cascata del Valcatoio, which feeds a hydroelectric power station after passing through an inclined plane. Already splendid in sunlight, the Cascata Grande becomes even more beautiful at sunset or nightfall, when its waters light up in a thousand colours, in an unmissable spectacle.

Italy’s highest waterfalls at the top of the Seriana Valley At 315 metres and divided into three drops, the Serio Falls in Valbondione, in the upper Seriana Valley, are Italy’s highest waterfalls. You can only admire them five times a year, from June to October, on four Sundays and one Saturday. On these days, the spectacle begins with the opening of the Barbellino dam, as its waters rush over the waterfall, crashing onto the rocks below with a roar audible throughout the valley. The rest of the year, only a trickle of water falls over the cliff. If you visit on a Saturday, you can observe the night-time opening of the dam. Once darkness falls, the waterfall is illuminated by powerful spotlights, creating a magical atmosphere. The waterfalls are only accessible by foot. You should set off from Valbondione at least two and a half hours before the start of the show and drive to Frazione Grumetti. From there, you can hike path CAI 332 towards Borgo di Maslana. In an hour and a half, you will pass several huts, cross the Piccinella bridge and reach the Maslana Flora and Fauna Observatory in the Grandi Macigni area, with fantastic views of the Falls. If you visit on days when it is not open, you can still admire the surrounding landscape by stopping at the outlet of the Serio river.

A must-see destination in the Dolomites In the heart of Alto Adige, not far from the Austrian border, a valley opens up that includes some of the most famous and impressive destinations in the Alps. This is the Val Badia, a basin along the length of the Gadera river. It is usually divided into two areas, Alta Badia and Bassa Badia, linked by the Punt de Fer, the boundary between the borders of Badia and La Valle. Take some time to explore this valley at a leisurely rate, uncovering all its remotest corners through the more than 400 kilometres of trails. Nature will leave you breathless in front of the Pisciadù waterfall or on the banks of the Lech Da Sompunt lake. Make a stop at the little church in Colfosco for a postcard view. Savour the mountain silence at the Pralongià plateau and watch the most beautiful sunset in Alto Adige at the Gardena Pass. Round off your day with a dinner of canederli and turtres with the Dolomites as the backdrop in your journey of culinary discovery of the Ladin food and wine tradition.

An agricultural centre in the upper Trebbia Valley, it boasts ancient origins. Evidence of this can be seen in the historical connections in the year 1000 between the church of S. Onorato di Torriglia and the church dedicated to S. Maria with the annexed "hospitale" of Montebruno, a place of refuge and rest for merchants, horsemen and pilgrims travelling along the "caminus janue", a medieval connection route between the river port of Piacenza and that of Genoa. In 1164, the Malaspina family received the feud of the castle of Montebruno from Frederick Barbarossa. In the second half of the 17th century Montebruno was the seat, for a short time, of a mint for the production of 'luigini and octavetti' with the effigy of Violante Doria. In memory of the Napoleonic period, a colourful hot-air balloon festival is organised in the locality every year, linked to the accident that befell Sophie Blanchard who fell here in 1811 with her own balloon. The locality is home to the Photographic Museum of Balloon Flight. Today, in addition to the four-arched stone bridge over the Trebbia, you can visit the Museum of Peasant Culture with its extensive collection of material, the Bookbinding Museum and the Augustinian Sanctuary of N.S. di Montebruno, dating back to 1496. The aforementioned hamlet is also part of the Antola Regional Natural Park: one of the most enchanting areas of the Apennines and the Ligurian hinterland, thanks to the extraordinary panorama of the 1600 m Mount Antola and the activities of the nearby Brugneto Lake.

A pleasant locality on the shores of Lake Barrea, in the Abruzzo National Park, on the southern slopes of Monte Mattone, it is immersed in a suggestive natural environment where the beautiful pine forest of black pine, a local variety, stands out. The present village is built around a small 14th century castle built in the upper part of the town; the many stately homes dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries are interesting, recognizable by their rich decorations, the coats of arms of the most important families, and the enormous portals, so built because they had to let through the mighty carriages used at the time as means of transport. It is possible to reach Lake Barrea and follow the cyclo-pedestrian paths that run along its shores on both sides, while a fascinating alternative is the more demanding route that from Decontra, the mountain facing Villetta Barrea, reaches Camosciara, so called because of the high presence of wild chamois, one of the most popular destinations in the Abruzzo National Park. Particularly striking is the footpath parallel to the Sangro river that runs through the centre of Villetta Barrea. Here it is not uncommon to encounter deer and fawns grazing on the grass or cooling off in the waters of the river.

Scontrone is a village with a dual soul, ancient history and modern art, attachment to its roots and a desire to invent a future. Like its essence, the village's structure is also dual: the municipality is located in the highest part of the town, in the most historic part, while the hamlet of Villa Scontrone lies downstream, on the Sangro river. In the ancient village, the intertwining of the medieval imprint and contemporary art is evident: here, in fact, people can admire marvellous murals and sculptures, which embellish the village. Finally, Scontrone has, still in the artistic sphere, a very ambitious project: it wants to become the House of the Muses, spreading art in all its aspects, from music to theatre, from poetry to painting and multimedia art.

Discovering one of Europe’s most fascinating canyons A perennial course on the Tyrrhenian side of Calabria, the source of the Lao river is in Basilicata, in the Pollino National Park, with the name Mercure. On its 55-kilometre route, it passes through several historically and culturally interesting villages like Laino Borgo, Laino Castello, Papasidero and Orsomarso, where it joins the Argentino River, its main tributary. After an underground section, it comes out and widens considerably, branching off in deltas into several secondary branches to flow into the Tyrrhenian Sea near Scalea. The Valle del Lao Oriented Nature Reserve, where the river valley stretches between woodland formations and Mediterranean scrub, is rich in stunning itineraries that can be travelled by mountain bike, from the paths that run alongside the watercourse to the beech forests of the Pollino massif. The more observant will be able to spot local fauna among the vegetation, like wild boar, wolves, foxes, golden eagles, peregrine falcons and imperial ravens. Due to its particular conformation, making it one of the most fascinating canyons in Europe, it is perfect for water sports such as rafting, canyoning, water trekking and canoeing.

The jewels of Sabina In the heart of Italy, straddling Umbria and Lazio, the Tiber flows and creates a gentle valley, a treasure chest of historical and naturalistic gems to explore at a very slow, unhurried pace, so as not to miss a single corner of this magnificent land. You will find countless enchanting villages. It is impossible to choose the most beautiful among centres like Casperia, recognised by the Bandiera arancione, the fairy-tale Stimigliano, in the province of Rieti, Roccantica, home of legends and folklore, Capena, an important Sabine site, and many others. We recommend visiting the Benedictine Abbey of Farfa, a jewel of 6th-century religious architecture. There is no shortage of breath-taking landscapes, such as those of the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve or the Monte Soratte Nature Reserve, which combines natural beauty with the fascination of archaeological excavations. The Via Francigena passes through the Tiber Valley, where there is a dense network of paths to travel on foot, bicycle or horseback. Between stops on your hike, you can stop to recharge your batteries by sampling the local food and wine delicacies.

The river with two faces With its 410 kilometres from source to mouth, the Adige is the second longest river in Italy after the Po. Like the latter, it can boast part of its long journey in the Po Valley. It originates in the Upper Vinschgau, in the Reschen Pass, and for the first part runs through canyons and valleys, crossing the Adige Valley and touching the cities of Merano and Bolzano. On its descent southwards, it collects the waters of the Passirio, Isarco-Rienza, Noce and Avisio rivers before reaching the city of Trento and Rovereto. When it reaches Verona, the Adige begins to show its second face, that of a river with a slower flow ready to cross the Po-Venetian countryside. Here, in the city of love, there are many bridges allowing you to cross it, true works of art that make the river one with the treasures of Verona's historic centre. Along its banks runs one of the longest cycle paths in Italy, the Adige Valley cycle path. What better occasion to discover some of the most evocative landscapes of the Bel Paese up to the great Po Delta Park?

The small village of Airole, a village in the lower Roia valley, stands on a hill overlooking the river that gives its name to the valley and is a jewel of stone and nature, set a few steps from the French border, in a land of passage and wild beauty. Nature here shows its double soul, the more archaic and uncontaminated one of the mountains and the impetuous force of the water - the Roia river is the perfect place to experience rafting and canyoning - and the one that has allowed himself to be tamed over the centuries by the patient and hard-working hands of man. A fertile, generous land, here grow centuries-old olive trees and vineyards laden with grapes, a wealth that grows luxuriantly thanks to the sun that warms the air and the passion of those who have always tended fields and plants with dedication and love.

At 1,118 metres above sea level, it is the highest municipality in Liguria, extending along the left bank of the Cassingheno stream. Like other towns in the Upper Trebbia Valley, its origins can be traced back to the flight of populations from the coast in medieval times. Its toponym derives from 'fascia', the name of a strip of land cultivated and supported by dry stone walls, typical of the Ligurian rural landscape. Immersed in a typical mountain environment, Fascia offers numerous summer holidaymakers walks and views of its plateaus on the slopes of Mount Antola. A controversial tradition has it that Fascia is the home of ravioli, while a typical speciality is apple pie (pai) imported from North America, the destination of emigration of many of the town's inhabitants in the second half of the 19th century. The parish church of the Assunta, dominated by a slender Baroque bell tower, built in the mid-17th century, is worth a visit. The aforementioned hamlet is also part of the Antola Regional Natural Park: one of the most enchanting areas of the Apennines and the Ligurian hinterland, thanks to the extraordinary panorama of the 1600 m Mount Antola and the activities of the nearby Brugneto Lake.

A cycle path surrounded by the Ticino Park The Naviglio di Bereguardo is one of the historical artificial canals dug from the late Middle Ages onwards to connect the city of Milan with the large water basins in the area, from Lake Maggiore to Lake Como. One of the first of these was precisely the Bereguardo Canal, commissioned by Duke of Milan Francesco I Sforza connecting to the Ticino river in the province of Pavia. The canal originates in Abbiategrasso, breaking away from the Naviglio Grande with a route of approximately 19 kilometres southwards to the town of Bereguardo. The completion of the more modern Naviglio Pavese made the Bereguardo Canal obsolete in the early 19th century. Today, what became to all intents and purposes an irrigation canal is a destination for evocative excursions in contact with nature in the Ticino Park. Here you can marvel at the small stone bridges, masonry remains of the old basins and a long, paved, easy cycle path, to be travelled in its entirety or in the most famous stretches such as the one near the Abbey of Morimondo.

The centre of Old Milan and of city nightlife The Naviglio Grande canal is one of the most stunning icons of the Ambrosian capital. Its picturesque sites bear traces of Old Milan, as if the city were frozen in time. Along this canal, the oldest in Milan, you can take a boat tour along the Darsena and catch unique glimpses, among hidden alleyways and courtyards. The first landmark is Vicolo dei Lavandai, which is immersed in an atmosphere far removed from that of modern skyscrapers. Then there is the Cortile degli Artisti (Artists’ Courtyard), home to local arts and crafts. Continuing along the banks of the Naviglio Grande, you will come across the Ponte di Pietra, dedicated to poet Alda Merini. But alongside traditional Milanese art, the area also boasts contemporary expressions, such as Street Art, which overwhelms the walls of buildings, doorways and bridges. Murals are another iconic element of the Navigli, the perfect tool to combat urban decline. Finally, we have the nightlife: the Naviglio Grande is famous for the countless places where you can enjoy the famous Milanese aperitif.

Situated on a plateau sandwiched between two rivers, Cagli still recounts its medieval past, which has left traces on its territory, in its architecture and in the narratives that have come down to us. Incorporated into the Duchy of Urbino, it was fortified by Federico di Montefeltro. Today, only a few ruins remain of the fortress, strategically positioned on the Capuchin Hill, while the ancient Torrione, now home to the Centre for Contemporary Sculpture, is still intact. Adaptations to the Palazzo Pubblico, which today houses the Town Hall and the Archaeological Museum, also date back to the Montefeltro period. The architectural beauties of the town do not end here: there are many churches worth a visit, including the Church of St. Francis and the Church of St. Dominic, both rich in paintings and frescoes, also of mediaeval origin.

Situated on a rocky spur in the upper Conca valley, the small village of Monte Cerignone is formed by a small town located at river level and a 'castle' set on a tuffaceous ridge. This is the oldest and most fascinating part of the village, where visitors will get lost admiring the charming cobbled streets that climb up to the ancient fortress, built in the 12th century at the behest of the first counts of Montefeltro and partially rebuilt in the late 15th century by Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The history of the village is told by the Mons Cerignonis historical re-enactment, which, with its procession and palio, takes place in the castle every year in July.

The small village of Mercatino Conca was officially born in 1508 with a decree issued by Guidubaldo I di Montefeltro, authorising the Community of Monte Grimano to hold the weekly Friday markets and the Good Friday, St. Ubaldo and St. Peter cattle fairs in the square of this newly-born village, then called Genga del Mercato. Geography has entered overbearingly into the history of this town: its name, in fact, derives from its proximity to the Conca River and its position on the border with Romagna gave rise to the construction of the imposing six-arch bridge that crosses the river and allows trade with the surrounding lands.

Situated near the River Foglia, where the watercourse draws a wide curve before leaving the lands of Montefeltro, Montecalvo is characterised by a building that is a symbol of its past and history. It is an isolated mediaeval tower on the top of a hill: it is the Torre Cotogna (Quince Tower), the only testimony that remains to remind us that the territory of Montecalvo was a border zone between the lands of Montefeltro and the coastal lands of the Malatesta family. A semantic curiosity: its name seems to derive from the fact that the village stands on land subject to landslides due to its clay composition, a characteristic that made it bare of vegetation and, therefore, 'bald'.

3 jewels in the Tiber River Park. The village of Corbara, the lake, the Forello Gorges... only a taste of countless treasures The Tiber River Park is a treasure trove of wonders: archaeological sites and prehistoric settlements, villages and castles, oasis and wetlands, caves and gorges, forests populated by deer, mouflons and a variety of migratory and resident birds... We have chosen three: just a taste. 1 - The wilderness of the Forello gorges Nestled between the Peglia Mountains and the Amerini Mountains, in the area between Todi and Orvieto, the waters of the Tiber make their way through the narrow Forello Gorges: high and jagged banks reaching almost 200 metres, a dense vegetation, karstic coves and magnificent cave complexes carved over the centuries by water into the calcareous rock. A true wonder of nature. The Forello gorges are an ideal destination for speleology enthusiasts. Not to be missed, the "Pozzi della Piana" caves, accessible from Roccaccia, near the ancient village of Titignano, on the right bank of the Tiber. 2,500 metres into the bowels of the earth, in a labyrinth of tunnels - and stalactites and stalagmites - where artefacts dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages have been found. Equally exciting is the Vorgozzino cave: the entrance is a chute in the centre of a sinkhole and then all the way down in a 123 metres deep well. The landscape shaped by the river waters is impervious and wild, primordial, with no obvious traces of human presence. Not only caving enthusiasts, but also climbing lovers will find satisfaction here: an equipped crag with more than 20 routes, to be practised especially during spring and autumn or in summer mornings. It is located on the left bank of the Tiber, before the Lake Corbara. There are also plenty of trails along the river or through the woods to immerse in nature at a slow pace. 2 - Lake Corbara Lake Corbara has a pretty recent history: it originated in 1962 after the construction of a dam for hydroelectric power generation and soon became a paradise for fishing and a destination for active and naturalistic tourism. Many sports and activities can be practised in this corner of Umbria: canyoning, canoeing, stand up paddling, caving... Birdwatchers will also find enjoyment, given the presence of a large number of herons. But even relaxation fans will not be disappointed at all! 3 - Corbara The lake takes its name from Corbara, a tiny village that stands right next to the dam, to the south. The ancient village is enchanting, dominated by its castle, a fortified mediaeval complex with a rectangular plan and an inner courtyard, a loggia and a circular tower, surrounded by ancient oaks. From Corbara's panoramic viewpoints, the eyes embrace the lake and the surrounding fields of lush vines and aromatic olive trees. Bacchus' friends will be glad to know that, thanks to the special soil quality and the microclimate of the lake, the wines produced in the hills between Corbara and Baschi had gained a specific high quality denomination in 1998: “Lago di Corbara DOC”. The food lovers, instead, are reminded of an unmissable culinary event: the traditional "Sagra dell'Oca" (or goose festival), in June. The undisputed protagonist is obviously the roasted goose, traditionally eaten in ancient times to celebrate the end of wheat threshing. Is there more? Oh yes, there is much more. The pleasure of discovery is all yours! Credit to: Andrea Arbia

Attigliano, a terrace over the Tiber valley An ancient ruined castle above the river that flows toward the Eternal City Attigliano is a small Umbrian village in the province of Terni, very close to the border with Lazio. Its current name seems to come from the Latin word attilius, linked to the presence of a forest of linden trees that once provided refreshment to the villagers. The village stands as a true natural terrace overlooking the Tiber Valley. On the central square, Piazza della Rocca, is the bell tower with its unusual clock showing 12 hours and a single hand, and, in the centre, the Dolphin Fountain, made in 1885 by Ramperto da Amelia. Why it is special The village's origins are Etruscan, but the buildings that now distinguish the village's oldest core date back to the mediaeval period. Elements of great charm are certainly the remains of the castle: portions of the walls, some towers and the entrance portal. Looking at them, one is caught up in fantasising about how it must have been once upon a time: a true fortress with a moat and a drawbridge. Soon, however, your eyes return to the present, and you are guided to the most scenic cliff, overlooking the valley crossed by the Tiber. A bit of history The history of Attigliano is very eventful: first it was in the hands of the Counts of Alviano, then it was involved in the wars of Todi, the town that retained possession of the castle until the sixteenth century. The domination then passed to the Alviano family and later to Pope Paul the Third. From there the village passed to numerous eminent families of the time, until the Unification of Italy, when Attigliano finally became independent. Good to know Although the old town no longer retains evidence of the oldest times, the village's surroundings show visible historical relics: tombs and crypts dug into the tuffaceous rock that testify to the passage of the Etruscan civilization. Credit to: LigaDue

Po della Donzella: the Santa Giulia pontoon bridge The thrill of a river crossing on one of the last barge bridges The Po della Donzella is one of the seven branches of the “delta” formed by the great Po river. After detaching from the main branch, it heads south-east and reaches the Adriatic Sea after 25 kilometres of sinuous advance through the outermost reclamation lands of Polesine. The only chance to cross it in its lower course is offered by the Santa Giulia pontoon bridge, a rare witness to the local way of life in the recent past, between the First and Second World Wars, before the introduction of reinforced concrete to build large bridges. Here, on the bridge over the Po della Donzella, the carriageway rests on 22 large boats tied together and firmly anchored to the river bed. A picture-perfect subject, not least because of the oak beams that serve as planting. In the middle, an unexpected accessory: a wooden shrine with a crucifix. Was it just in case of need, to promptly recommend the soul to God? Why it is special After the Second World War, pontoon bridges have been progressively replaced by more modern permanent structures. That was partly because they had been damaged during the war, but even more because they were unsuitable for the increasing road traffic. Today, the "surviving" bridges can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and that of Santa Giulia is in one of the most picturesque locations. Today, the few pontoon bridges still in operation have become monuments in themselves and true tourist attractions. Visitors want to experience the thrill of the noisy passage over their wooden surface. At both ends of the pontoon bridge, signs stand out with size and speed restrictions, as if to certify the role the pontoon bridge can play in the development of slow tourism in the near future. Not to be missed If you are not in a hurry, it is worth having a word with the last representatives of an endangered human species, the pontoniers ("pontieri"), i.e. those who man the bridge to take care not only of its constant maintenance, but also of its safety during, for example, river floods, or in case of shoal waters. During a river flood the boats could be damaged by a floating log or even swept away by the current, as has happened. In this case, the pontoon bridges are designed to be opened in the middle, allowing the two trunks to pivot to reach the position of least resistance to the water. In case of shoal waters, the bridge could sag to the point of making it dangerous to get on the access ramps. A bit of history Until the early 20th century, crossing a large river was no easy thing. More often than not, there were barges shuttling between the two banks. It was, of course, a paid passage, all the more so if it involved not only people but also goods subject to duty, or if the river, as in the case of the Po, marked a state border. That's why, at the busiest transit points, it was advantageous to set up a pontoon bridge. This was a difficult operation, but still more convenient than building a masonry bridge. Following a centuries-old technique, a series of barges were placed side by side, they were tied to each other and then firmly anchored to the river bed, so that a wooden planking could be laid across the hulls as a passageway. Still at the beginning of the 20th century, along the Po, downstream of Pavia, there were about twenty pontoon bridges, others were often built at the mouth of tributaries. Good to know The “boats" used for pontoon bridges are of a very special kind. They have a slender shape, to better face the current, but they are quite different from a boat. The most surprising thing is that they are made of reinforced concrete! Nothing strange, because despite the high specific weight of the material, Archimedes' principle explains how they can float. Rather, it is hard to believe that you can build vessels with such thin sides with the same technique used to build dams and smokestacks! The method, based on using concrete reinforced by wire mesh, was actually developed during the Great War by the Italian Army Corps of Engineers. Fun fact: after the war, many of those barges, by now war relics, were "recycled" for the construction of those barges that can still be found along the river today as fishing huts. Credit to: Francesco Soletti

A natural paradise of precious biodiversity It is one of Italy’s most picturesque oases, a precious example of biodiversity that stretches between the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna regions and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The Po Delta, Europe’s second-largest wetland, is where Italy's longest river, with its various branches, meets the Adriatic Sea. Amid expanses of fresh and brackish water, lush woods, centuries-old pine forests, and one of the richest wildlife and plant populations in the world, the Po Delta is protected by two vast regional parks that cover between them over 60,000 hectares. As well as the Po River, the two regional parks also include the mouths of the Reno, Lamone, Fiumi Uniti, Bevano and Savio rivers and vast wetlands. Further south of the great Delta you can find more than 20,000 hectares of brackish areas overlooking the Adriatic Sea, from the Valleys of Comacchio to the salt pans of Cervia. There are plenty of activities to enjoy and attractions to see in the Po Delta area. The oasis boasts places of rare beauty, such as the Sacca di Scardovari lagoon, the Santa Giulia pontoon bridge and the Regional Land Reclamation Museum in Veneto. In Emilia-Romagna, we highly recommend visiting the Pomposa Abbey and the Mesola Wood. Birdwatching enthusiasts and visitors who enjoy open-air excursions are sure to find this vast area a true paradise that is perfect for unforgettable holidays and weekend getaways.