This tour takes you to discover the great River and everyday life in the Reggio Emilia Lower Plain, with its stories and characters, between the towns of Boretto and Luzzara.
A unique territory, with an environmental and landscape wealth that few urban centres have.
A landscape that offers naturalistic views, cycle paths and true gastronomic experiences: are you ready to discover these places of the Reggio Emilia area?
Before starting please download the App Terre di Po in bici (Po Lands by bicycle, iOS version and Android version): you will find the detailed route and the map that may also be referred to offline! For bicycle rent services you can ask to the local Tourist Office.
Nestled against the main embankment of the Po River, the historic center of Boretto is known as the most “riverine” town in the Reggio Emilia area. The town reflects centuries of life shaped by the great river, with monumental architecture and unique local traditions.
The Basilica of San Marco Evangelista dominates the town, a reminder of Boretto’s strategic role for the Venetians, who used it as both a stop along the Po and a base for trade and military ventures. A visible trace of this past is the pillar with the Lion of Saint Mark, an unmistakable gift from the lagoon city.
Along the embankment, the region’s river navigation traditions come to life through two main museums:
Not to miss
A walk along the main embankment of the Po, combining history, scenic views, and river traditions, with a visit to the museums to explore the stories of the river.
Curiosity
Boretto is considered the most “riverine” town in the Reggio Emilia area: for centuries, the Po has shaped its landscape, economy, and culture.
For cycling enthusiasts, the bike path along the Po River offers a pleasant way to reach Brescello, the town made famous by the stories of Don Camillo and Peppone, created by Giovannino Guareschi.
Strolling through the village, visitors encounter iconic locations such as Don Camillo’s church, the “talking” crucifix, the Sputnik bell, and Peppone’s house, all of which bring the characters’ stories and their connection to the local area to life.
The town’s museums complete the experience:
Not to miss
A walk through the streets of Brescello to relive scenes from the novels and films, exploring symbolic locations and museums that tell the town’s literary, cinematic, and archaeological story.
Curiosity
The “talking” crucifix in Don Camillo’s church has become one of the most beloved symbols for visitors, and every corner of the village echoes Guareschi’s stories.
Tips
In about forty minutes along the Po River, it is possible to reach Gualtieri, a small Renaissance gem in the Bassa Reggiana. The Bentivoglio family shaped the town by building the palace and reclaiming the surrounding marshland.
North of the village, a cycle path runs along the floodplain, leading to the area of the old river port and to the Isola degli Internati, a natural oasis where former prisoners of the Second World War once worked the land and harvested timber to earn a living. The area is defined by poplar trees, misty landscapes, and glimpses of the Po, an atmosphere that also inspired painter and sculptor Antonio Ligabue, who often retreated here during difficult periods.
Must-sees
Curiosity
The Isola degli Internati is one of the most evocative and lesser-known places in the Bassa Reggiana, where history, nature, and art come together.
Tips
The cycle path along the Po River leads to Guastalla, set among floodplains and distinctive riverside landscapes. Among the most evocative spots are the Crostolina axis, the Isola del Peccato, and the Saliceti Allagati, a restored natural area where the original environmental balance has been carefully re-established.
The route then continues towards the historic center, where the Palazzo Ducale tells the story of the town and the House of Gonzaga.
Must-sees
Curiosity
The Saliceti Allagati are a fine example of environmental restoration, where nature and history coexist in harmony, making this floodplain a unique landscape in the Bassa Reggiana.
Tips
The final stop of the itinerary is Luzzara, located on the right bank of the Po River and known as the birthplace of Cesare Zavattini, an internationally acclaimed screenwriter, writer, and painter.
The town center features several historical and architectural highlights, including the 55-meter Civic Tower, the Church of San Giorgio with its Romanesque apse, and the small palace known as “La Macina.”
Must-sees
Curiosity
The village of Villarotta is known for its long-standing tradition of straw hat production, made from wood shavings obtained from the Cavo Tagliata—an example of local craftsmanship that is unique to the region.
Tip
For those seeking outdoor adventure, the River Park offers five routes of increasing difficulty for both children and adults, as well as baby and junior courses suitable for the whole family.
