Rovigo, RO

Bike Veneto, Italy - Rovigo Province

Capital of the Polèsine, the town is first mentioned in the 9th cneture, in 1194 the Este family of Ferrara came into power until 1482.  In 1482 the area became under the control of Venice, which left its mark ont he town's buildings for the next 300 years. It benefited from the consturuction of the Padua-Rovigo railway in 1866. In the 19th century, the walls were destroyed and the ramparts and moat transformed into public parks. In the 1950's and 1960's Rovigo finally developed from being a traditional market town to an industrial center.

Rovigo lies in the heart of the Polesine and is caressed by a sea breeze coming from the nearby Po Delta. It is the least showy of all the cities of the Veneto region. Tourists find many interesting artistic, cultural and environmental elements in this city.

NOT TO MISS:

The architectural remains found along the streets tell of a city founded as a feud between bishops that was enriched with monuments and buildings during medieval times. The Donà Tower, the emblem of the city, and the Mozza tower, the remains of the ancient medieval fortress stand out from the rest of the buildings of the city.

The elegant Buildings of Roncale and Roverella, in the city center, are examples of the Serenissima Republic. The restored Building of Roverella is the new home of the gallery of the Accademia dei Concordi, one of the most important of the Veneto region that hosts contemporary exhibitions.

The Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Soccorso, called the Rotonda is of particular interest because of its octagonal shape. The Rotonda is next to the Longhena bell tower.

The Duomo is not far and is another religious building that still has Baroque architectural features. Those looking for a peaceful place can visit the Olivetian Monastery of San Bartolomeo. To get a better idea of Rovigo and its traditions, a visit to the Museum of Big Rivers (Museo dei Grandi Fiumi) is a must. This museum is dedicated to the history of the peasant civilization suspended between land and water and that is always tied to the rhythms of the Po River and nearby sea.