Comacchio is a small city tucked away within the jap nook of Emilia-Romagna, a area in northern Italy (map). Constructed on 13 islands on the fringe of a lagoon, Comacchio is dissected by canals and related by bridges. With a historical past going again 2,000 years, Comacchio is usually known as the ‘Little Venice’ of Emilia-Romagna. Missing the grandeur of Venice, Comacchio actually makes up for it with its timeless allure. Certainly, top-of-the-line issues to do in Comacchio is to easily wander alongside its beautiful canals lined by vibrant homes, benefit from the reflections within the serene waters and admire the gorgeous bridges. Learn additional to find different issues to do in Comacchio – I’ve additionally included a strolling route.
I visited the city briefly some years in the past however the rain prevented me from actually appreciating its magnificence. Once I deliberate my Emilia-Romagna highway journey, I used to be positive to incorporate Comacchio in my itinerary! This time round, I used to be greeted with blue skies upon my arrival. I dropped my bag within the lodge and dashed out to see the city simply because the solar was setting. Comacchio didn’t disappoint. Within the smooth glow of the setting solar, Comacchio appeared completely resplendent!
I spent 1.5 days exploring Comacchio and easily fell in love with its charming outdated city. Listed here are eight ideas for issues to do in Comacchio to actually recognize this glorious gem of a spot!
1. Wander across the canals
This merely is one of the best ways to take in the charms of Comacchio! Within the map beneath, you’ll discover a instructed strolling route alongside the canals and bridges of Comacchio, in addition to a number of different locations of curiosity in Comacchio and its environment.
Begin your strolling tour on the Loggia del Grano (level A) within the centre of the outdated city and head south alongside Through Edgardo Fogli in the direction of the Ponte degli Sbirri, then observe the route.
A few of the most picturesque canals embody Through Cavour, Through Edgardo Fogli and Through della Pescheria.
2. Admire the bridges
As you stroll alongside the canals, a number of the bridges to look out for embody the seventeenth century Ponte dei Trepponti, a Comacchio icon, with its two towers and 5 staircases, and the L-shaped Ponte degli Sbirri, which presents nice views throughout.
3. Go to the historic monuments
You’ll cross quite a lot of historic monuments throughout your wander round Comacchio, such because the Loggia del Grano (an outdated grain warehouse), the adjoining Clock Tower, the elegant nineteenth century Palazzo Bellini, which homes a library and artwork gallery, and church buildings such because the Cathedral, Chiesa Santo Rosario and Chiesa del Carmine. An attention-grabbing museum to go to is the Museo Delta Antico, an archeological museum that showcases an historical Roman boat.
Only a brief stroll from the outdated city, don’t miss the Loggiato dei Cappuccini, a seventeenth century, 400 meter-long arcade with 143 columns that connects the city with the Sanctuary of Santa Maria in Aula Regia. Behind it, you’ll discover one other of Comacchio’s sights: Manifattura dei Marinati (see beneath).
4. Take pleasure in a canal-side aperitivo
After your stroll, I like to recommend discovering a canal-side café to sit down at and luxuriate in a well-deserved drink! Within the late-afternoons, be part of the locals for an aperitivo (Italian ‘pleased hour’) with drinks and canapés.
5. Bask in seafood
With its location within the delta of the Po River, Italy’s longest river, proximity to the Adriatic Sea, and a centuries-old fishing custom, Comacchio is a terrific place for lovers of seafood. It’s notably well-known in Italy for its eels which thrive within the waters round Comacchio. The strategies used to seize and put together the eels have hardly modified over the centuries. Eating places the place you’ll be able to strive the native seafood embody Antica Trattoria La Barcaccia, Trattoria della Pescheria and Vasco e Giulia.
6. Study in regards to the fishing traditions
Simply outdoors the outdated city lies the Manifattura dei Marinati, an outdated fish marinating manufacturing unit that’s now a museum. This manufacturing unit was made well-known in a 1950’s film starring Sophia Loren. As you stroll across the museum, you’ll study in regards to the age-old custom of catching and marinating eels, and also you’ll rapidly discover the various pictures of Italy’s most iconic film star!
7. See the fishing huts
Comacchio is surrounded by waters wealthy with fish, clams and eels. A go to to one of many many fishing huts or capanno da pesca outdoors Comacchio offers fantastic insights to how the fish are caught. These conventional huts, perched on stilts over the water with massive nets hanging on one aspect, present the fishermen with shelter and space for storing for his or her gear.
8. Go to the Po Delta
The Po River Delta, the second-largest wetland in Europe, is an space of lagoons, forests, marshes, salt pans and dunes. Wealthy with wildlife, particularly birds, a big a part of the delta is a protected nationwide park and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage web site. Fowl-watching is a well-liked exercise however guests can even benefit from the mountaineering trails, scenic boat rides or horseback driving.
Comacchio is likely one of the locations you shouldn’t miss in Emilia Romagna! Near different historic cities akin to Ravenna and Ferrara (each lower than an hour away), Comacchio is simple to incorporate in an Emilia Romagna itinerary. I like to recommend spending an evening there to take in the fantastic environment.
The right way to get to Comacchio
The simplest technique to get to Comacchio is by automotive. The city is a few 1.5 hour drive from Bologna (by way of Ferrara). Should you’re driving, beware that the historic centre is a restricted space for unregistered automobiles. Depart your automotive in one of many parking tons outdoors the restricted space, such because the Space di Parcheggio Canale Lombardo.
There are additionally frequent buses from Ferrara and Ravenna with TPER.
The place to remain in Comacchio
There are numerous motels and inns within the historic city centre. I stayed at Villa Cavour, located on the beautiful Through Cavour canal. Positioned in a manor home, Villa Cavour has clear, spacious rooms, a few of which have lovely canal views. Seek for motels in Comacchio (Reserving.com).
Notice: my tip to Comacchio was a part of the Artwork Cities of Emilia Romagna highway journey, a collaboration between iambassador and Emilia Romagna Tourism. As at all times, all views talked about above are mine, and mine solely.
