Francolino on the Po

Francolino lies directly on the Po Grande and stretches along Via dei Calzolai. Its river landscape, cycling routes, and cultural and historical sites give this destination several distinct facets. As you plan your trip, you can decide whether to focus mainly on its connection to the river and cycling or on the town’s history and architecture.

By the Po and on Two Wheels

The embankments of the Po Grande and the “Destra Po” cycle route are a unifying feature of Francolino and a distinctive part of its landscape, nature, ecology, and identity. “Destra Po” is one of the existing cycle routes in Francolino. A cycle path runs along the eastern edge of Parco Urbano “Giorgio Bassani,” allowing you to reach the Po embankment at Francolino by bike. Check the conditions of the relevant route before setting out.

Parco Agricolo Bassani extends from the historic center to the southern boundary of the Frazione of Francolino. In addition to its direct connection with the river, the park’s size is another geographic landmark for the area.

History of Trade and Remembrance

Francolino’s history dates back to the 10th century. The town was an important river port for the salt trade and a site of battles between the Venetians and the people of Ferrara. The salt trade illustrates the economic side of the town’s connection with the river, while the battles mark a different historical focus. Francolino’s history thus encompasses trade along the river, conflict, and remembrance of the world wars.

The Monumento ai Caduti di Francolino was inaugurated on November 5, 1922. It commemorates those who fell in the First World War. After the Second World War, the memorial was expanded to include the victims and missing persons of that conflict.

Oratory, Church, and Villa Costabili

The Chiesulin of Francolino is a 17th-century oratory, now dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great (Sant'Antonio Abate). The Chiesa di San Marco Evangelista is designed in the Baroque style. The two religious buildings therefore differ in their cultural character: the Chiesulin is defined by its age and dedication, while San Marco is distinguished by its Baroque design.

Villa Costabili is generally identified with the former Delizia Estense of Francolino. This connection adds another historical reference alongside the religious buildings and the monument. Francolino also benefits from the presence of the “Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori – La Via del Grande Fiume” route. Its name evokes wine, culinary themes, and the Great River, adding another thematic perspective to the area’s connections with the river landscape and history.

Choose Francolino as Your Destination

When deciding where to travel, you can distinguish between the main attractions: the Po embankments and cycle routes reflect the area’s connection with the river and cycling, while the monument, oratory, church, and villa represent Francolino’s cultural and historical side.

Discover more destinations: Quartesana, Stellata, Monestirolo, Lido Degli Scacchi, Sant'agostino, San Bartolomeo In Bosco, San Nicolò, Lagosanto

Go to the main travel overview: Ferrara.