19. Ferrara – Traghetto

Leaving Ferrara, we move south-east towards Ravenna. Here too canals, wetlands, birdlife, plains with extensive and well-cultivated fields.

Starting from the Duomo, you leave Ferrara on Via Bologna. You cross the Po di Volano and, walking on the cycle path to the left of the road, which is very busy, you pass the railway and arrive at the Church of Chiesuol del Fosso. Taking Via Sammartina and going straight you pass over the highway. You follow various country roads typical of the low reclaimed plain, with many water collecting canals, for several kilometres. Then you reach Boschetto and then Marrara, a fraction of Ferrara, a typical center of the “bassa”, which developed precisely following the continuous reclamation of the marshes (Ferrara reclamation). Today it includes a center for raising the waters of the various canals in the Po di Primaro. The parish church from 1392, the 16th century Villa Antonelli and the oratory of the Spirito Santo from 1848 are noteworthy. From Marrara you reach San Nicolò, a small town in the municipality of Argenta, beyond the Po di Primaro. Take the SP 22 again and arrive at the bridge over the Po di Primaro which you cross and take the SP 7. Then you walk along the river bank, passing a barrier. (from here cyclists will take the SP 7 and continue up to the Po di Primaro; total 4.8 km). A beautiful path between rows of vines and oaks leads to Ospital Monacale. Worth a visit is the Museum of peasant arts in Villa Muratori and the Delizia Estense in Benvignante about 5km away (reported: the Ring of the Borgias cycling route). On leaving the centre, a short stretch of paved road, then again on the embankment. You pass the Po di Primaro and enter Traghetto, a stopping point with an excellent B&B. Beyond the Reno river there is also Molinella, where you can find accommodation.