Page 140 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

138 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

Above Flamingos feeding on the wetlands,
Valli di Comacchio Above right Sumptuous 8 Valli di Comacchio 9 Argenta
mosaic inside Ravenna’s Basilica di San Vitale Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna; 44022 Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna; 44011
Below Frescoed nave in the Basilica di The lagoons of Comacchio are As the mouth of the Po Primario, the
Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna wetlands of international importance old River Po, silted up, channels were
and the centrepiece of the Parco Delta cut to the sea. One of these became
del Po (www.parcodeltapo.it/er), which known as the River Reno. On its
VISITING RAVENNA covers an area of 3,500 hectares (14 sq northern bank lies quiet Argenta, an
Tourist Information miles) and stretches from Chioggia to ideal spot for bird-watching forays to
Ravenna’s tourist offices sell a combined Comacchio. It was designated a World the Campotto Oasis, three small
ticket that includes entry to: the Basilica Heritage Site in 1999. Large raised lagoons south of the town. Just by
di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian banks divide the lagoons, providing the oasis stands the Parish Church of
Baptistry, the Basilica di San Vitale and
the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. A clear flat paths perfect for cycling along, San Giorgio (Via Cardinala), built in
map is provided with the ticket. and here and there stand the remains 569, it is one of the oldest buildings in
Via Fiandrini Benedetto, Via Di Roma of fishing lodges and small salt pans. the delta. Although the church is
or Piazza Duomo; 0544 541 688; The shallow, brackish waters are an rarely open, its portal of Roman
www.turismo.ravenna.it
ideal habitat for more than 300 marble is worth a look. Further south,
species of water birds. Species that on the same road, is the excellent
can often be sighted include Museo delle Valli (closed Mon; www.
flamingoes, avocets, spoonbills, vallidiargenta.org). Traditional life in
shelducks, black-winged stilts, slender- the delta, land reclamation and local
WHERE TO STAY
billed gulls and Mediterranean gulls. wildlife are well covered by its displays
AROUND ARGENTA Visitors can also view the lagoon and bicycles are available to hire for
Val Campotto inexpensive by boat or from walking trails. an excursion around the lagoon.
This farm stay, just south of the lagoon, ª Return along Via Martinella Rotta. ª From Argenta, turn right into Via
has nine rooms and a pleasantly rustic Turn left at Via Valle Umana, at Anita Nazionale Ponente/SS16 for 36 km
ambience. There is local produce for turn right on Via Fossa dei Socialisti (22 miles). Take the exit for Ravenna
sale and an onsite restaurant.
Strada M Margotti 2, 44011 Campotto and left on Via Pagana that leads Centro, follow Via Faentina/SS253,
di Argenta; 0532 800 516; to Longastrino. Turn right at Via then go left at Circonvallazione San
www.valcampotto.it; offers bicycle hire Molinetto/SP10, which curves left. Gaetanino. Turn sharp right at Via Don
RAVENNA Turn right at Via Giovanni Amendola/ Giovanni Minzoni, fork right, then turn
SS16, which continues to Argenta. left into car park at Largo Giustiniano.
Hotel Centrale Byron inexpensive
This budget hotel is in the historic
centre and offers basic, but clean and
comfortable facilities. There is parking
in a nearby private garage.
Via IV Novembre 14, 48121; 0544 212
225; www.hotelsravenna.it
Villa Santa Maria in Foris moderate
Set in a comfortable, restored villa in
the historic centre, this hotel offers
pleasant, modern rooms.
Via Giuseppe Pasolini 61, 48100; 0544
212 163; www.villaforis.it
Albergo Cappello moderate–expensive
A superb Renaissance palazzo only
a few steps from Piazza del Popolo –
some rooms and suites have period
furnishings with elegant frescoes.
Via IV Novembre 41, 48121; 0544 219
813; www.albergocappello.it
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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