Parco Delta del Po Emilia-Romagna - TOURISM > Itineraries and Birdwatching

		Campotto di Argenta

		The lagoons called Valli di Argenta represent one of the few examples of fresh-water wetlands in continental Europe. These lands escaped reclamation thanks to their important hydraulic function, as they act as expansion basins holding the water of two of the river Reno's tributaries when it is in flood. The territory is crossed by a huge network of canals, which help regulating the flow of the water streams. This environment, whose international importance has been acknowledged by the Ramsar Convention - there are 11 Ramsar zones within Parco del Delta del Po of the Emilia-Romagna region - presents some vegetable and faunistic features which, in all probability, used to characterise the old marshy areas of the Po plain. The nature reserve contains reed-, bulrush- and water-lilies beds, wet meadows and the hygrophilous Traversante wood. Many bird species are attracted by such a peculiar vegetable situation: among them, Purple Herons, Squacco Herons, Spoonbills, Ospreys and Whiskered Terns. Argenta A town with Roman origins, whose name is supposed to be due to the silvery reflections of the lagoons water and of the surrounding wet lands. According to historians, it represented a fundamental halting place along the road linking Ostiglia to Ferrara and Ravenna. Pieve di San Giorgio The small church called Pieve di S. Giorgio, dating back to the 6th century, is just a stone's throw from the Valli di Campotto lagoons (2 km far from Argenta). It was built with un-plastered bricks and it has a small bell gable. On both sides of the 12th century marble portal there are allegoric scenes of the most important and typical activities carried out in each month of the year, whereas the central lunette shows St. George's Martyrdom. Traces of old frescoes remain inside the church. Santuario della Celletta This Sanctuary rises two kilometres far from the Argenta town centre, on the main road towards Ravenna. Born as a Renaissance cella, it was subject to baroque changes and restored in the second half of the 20th century. San Lorenzo Church and Capuchin Monastery Built in 1556, this complex still presents its original structure. The Capuchin monastery is an active cultural centre and houses the town library. S. Croce Oratory Harmonious and elegant building with a brickwork facade by the local architect G.B. Aleotti (1546 – 1636). San Domenico – Town Museum Inside this one-nave building with large side niches, restored in 1973, there are still some frescoes made by artists of the 16th century Ferrara-Romagna school. In its central part, it houses an archaeological section, whereas the perimeter houses a picture gallery with some important works by Benvenuto Tisi da Garofano, Antonio Aleotti and Scasellino. Museo della bonifica (Reclamation museum) – Salarino Industrial archaeology seen from a modern point of view: this is how the Salarino museum - through an historical path - suggests visitors discover the places and machinery which enabled land reclamation. Casino di Campotto – Museo delle valli (Lagoon museum) This early 19th century rural building houses the Museo delle Valli di Argenta (Argenta lagoons museum) which includes - besides its exhibition rooms - a library, a photo library, as well as spaces for didactic and projection activities. Casse Campotto and Bassarone basins These water expansion basins are situated between the river Reno and the Idice stream. With a surface of more than 600 hectares, they represent an ideal habitat for many animal species, notably for Passerines such as the Reed Warbler, the Great Reed Warbler and the Reed Bunting. Bosco del Travesante Pedunculate oak, Ash, Elm, White Poplar and White Willow are the main arboreal species that can be found in this 130 ha hygrophilous wood, which becomes regularly flooded. Vallesanta Wetlands situated between two water streams: Idice and Sillaro. Next to Vallesanta there is a 30 hectare wet meadow.

Campotto di Argenta