Rome Path - Anthony Path: Polesella - Ferrara

Right at Polesella, we cross this feared river, which originates at the French-Italian border and is the longest river in Italy at 650 km. The Romans called it "Padus" and before it was tamed, it spread out for kilometers during floods. Gradually, attempts were made to keep it in check and to reclaim the surrounding swamp land. Bounded on both sides by embankments that include sufficient floodplains, the once wild companion has become gentler. And so we can calmly walk 13 km along the embankment, past bird paradises and poplar plantations that were established here for timber production. The lower-lying fertile surrounding area is also used exclusively for agriculture. In Ferrara, the refined city of art, we are in Italy’s "bicycle capital", with more bicycles than inhabitants. Upon entering the city, we face a stronghold of the city wall, and it is hardly imaginable that behind it lies a jewel of urban design and a UNESCO World Heritage site.