Forests and green pinewoods, an abundant flora and fauna population, valleys of freshwater and brackish water and rivers that flow into the Adriatic: these are some of the pieces that make up the extraordinary mosaic of the Po Delta, a magnificent example of biodiversity, in which water has been the absolute protagonist for centuries.
Anyone would be amazed at the wide variety of environments and cultural attractions that this area can offer. Located next to each other, in an uninterrupted flow, there are the remains of primitive Mediterranean scrubland, hygrophilous woods, coastal lagoons, brackish valleys and freshwater wetlands that intermingle with the ancient vestiges of Etruscan and Roman settlements, Byzantine mosaics and the charm of Benedictine and Este-era architecture.
“One of the most beautiful oases in Italy, and the second largest wetland in Europe. Here, where the land and the sky blend together, there are captivating natural treasures like few others that exist in the world, so unique as to have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.”
Two parks protect this wonderful natural district, which covers an area of more than 66,000 hectares and stretches over two regions. A maze of scenic possibilities that includes, on one side, north of the mighty River Po, the Veneto Regional Park; and, on the other, towards the south, the Emilia-Romagna Regional Park.
The many species of birds have transformed the area into a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts with specific itineraries, picnic, service and recreational vehicle parking areas and observation sites, as well as an international festival (The Birdwatching Fair). A visit to the Po Delta Park means having the opportunity to make direct contact with the culture, local traditions and culinary specialities of a land that has always been on the “margins”, far away from the chaos of the town centres.