Ostiglia

Even in Roman times, its location was strategic: Hostilia was a port on the River Po, and it was from here that the Via Claudia Augusta began, the ancient road linking the Po Valley to the regions beyond the Alps.

You can still sense its history as you stroll through the town centre. Its medieval towers are a reminder of the ancient fortified system, whilst the Archaeological Museum houses artefacts testifying to a region that has been inhabited since ancient times. The towers are joined by Art Nouveau palazzos and buildings, as well as a more recent history linked to Arnoldo Mondadori, who set up the first printing works of what was to become his publishing house, right here in Ostiglia.

But to really understand Ostiglia, you have to head back towards the water. The River Po flows alongside the village, opening it up to a landscape of riverbanks, floodplains and natural areas that can be explored on foot, by bike or, for a completely different perspective, directly from the river.
Ostiglia, river, walks and cycling
There are many ways to rediscover the connection with the River Po. Ostiglia can be reached by boat via the Canal Bianco, rediscovering the historic role of waterway links in the area, in a setting of riverside vegetation, sweeping horizons and bridges linking the two banks.

Once on dry land, the river continues to accompany the tour. From the village, you can reach the banks of the Po and continue on foot along paths that wind through the river landscape and surrounding natural areas. Not far away, between Ostiglia and Revere, the Isola Boschina Nature Reserve also rises from the river. This is an island covering approximately 37 hectares, characterised by woodland and floodplain habitats.

You can also explore the area further by bike. Ostiglia lies along several cycle tourism routes and is one of the stops on the route known as Giro dei Tre Ponti, a circular route that follows the Po and Secchia rivers, also passing through Quistello and San Benedetto Po. This route will take you along river embankments, side roads and through the countryside, while crossing the bridge over the river offers a fresh view of the Great River.