|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
A short trip, starting in Ferrara and following the winding course of the Po di Primaro for about halfway before heading for Argenta and the surrounding nature reserves. An highly enjoyable spin amid rural architectures, ancient parish churches and aristocratic villas that takes tourists to the southernmost part of the province where there were once a great number of swamps.
San Luca, the miracle village
You leave Ferrara by way of the San Luca Village, whose Baroque Sanctuary cherishes an ancient crucifix held to be miraculous. You follow the course of the river, pedalling in the open countryside, and near Sant'Egidio you come to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Poggetto. After a few kilometres you reach Marrara from which, with a detour of 9 kilometres in the direction of San Bartolomeo in Bosco, you can visit the Documentation Centre of the Farming Civilisation (Centro di Documentazione della Civiltà contadina, Info tel. 0532 725 294). Here you will find reconstructions of the Po Valley environments and traditions. Once back on the main road and passing quickly through San Nicolò, you leave the course of the Po di Primaro and come to Benvignante where the villa built for Borso d’Este is well worth a visit. Twelve kilometres to go before reaching Argenta. |
|
Argenta, the rural spirit also in art
Bombed-out during the second world war, Argenta has been almost entirely rebuilt. But some past evidences remain, such as the 7th -century Parish Church of San Giorgio with its portal dating back to 1122, decorated with representations of the months and of work in the fields. Also worth seeing is the former Church of San Domenico which now houses the Municipal Picture Gallery.
In the marshlands, magical natural oases
You can continue from Argenta to the nature reserves of the Valli di Argenta and Marmorta , with stretches of water surrounded by dense vegetation and populated by an extraordinary number of birds and animals. You are recommended to visit the Natural History Documentation Centre, a museum awarded a prize by the European Community. (Info tel. 0532 808 058)
|
|
|
|
