Adria

Adria is a quiet town in Polesine that does not usually feature on the most tourist itineraries in Veneto, even though the town has a truly ancient history and a rich architectural heritage. This area was originally a Paleovenetian settlement overlooking the sea, so much so that it was an important commercial port for a long time due to its strategic position. Adria’s hegemony at the time was so influential that the Adriatic Sea is said to have been named after the town.

However, the silting up of the port and the moving away from the sea caused the town to lose its important role, and it was only with the first reclamation activities of the marshy areas, carried out in the 17th century, that Adria began to gain importance again. After suffering French and Austrian rule, Adria became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. An event that greatly shook the town was theflooding of the Po River in November 1951 that affected the territory of the province of Rovigo and part of that of Venice, causing hundreds of casualties and thousands of displaced persons.

Now Adria presents itself as the most important town within the Veneto Regional Natural Park of the Po Delta and is a suitable destination for all those who love to take a trip dedicated to nature, history and relaxation.

Things to do in Adria

The centre of Adria is cosy but welcoming and is easy to get around on foot, which is why we can say that half a day is enough to visit the main attractions at leisure and take a rest in one of the bars in the centre. Walking through the narrow streets, one can see the influence that Venetian rule had on the construction of houses, palaces and churches.

Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta

The Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta was originally built on the remains of an ancient pagan basilica and has undergone various works and renovations over the years. The church is also known as the ‘Basilica of the Tomb’ because the remains of the tomb of a renowned Roman figure, Quintus Titius Sertorianus, were found here.

The bell tower that we can now admire in Venetian style was designed in the 20th century by architect Giambattista Scarpari, however according to ancient sources the old bell tower was built in place of a lighthouse that signalled the presence of the ancient Roman port. The interior houses important works of art such as a historic octagonal baptistery, a 15th-century fresco and a terracotta high-relief representing the Dormitio Virginis that is said to have been made by Michael of Florence.

Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

The Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul was erected in the 19th century on the remains of an earlier religious building. The façade is essential and houses a statue of the Redeemer surmounted by a lunette with the Virgin assumed into heaven and St Peter and St Paul on either side. The religious building has a Latin cross plan and is internally divided into three naves.

Works of great value can be admired here, such as a white marble bas-relief depicting the Virgin enthroned with the Child on her lap, which is an ancient testimony of the city’s Marian devotion. The sacristy, on the other hand, houses walnut-carved cabinets made in the 17th century by Jacopo Piazzetta.

Old Cathedral of St John

Not far from the city cathedral is the Old Cathedral of St John, which was built around the 11th century. Beneath the cathedral are the remains of a crypt dating back to the 5th-6th century that features Byzantine-style frescoes. Inside, you can admire several works by Samoggia, such as a plaster bas-relief depicting the baptism of Jesus, and some medallions with evangelists.

National Archaeological Museum

To learn about the history of the town of Adria, but more generally of the Po Delta area, a visit to the Archaeological Museum is recommended. Here, along a path, you can admire artefacts dating from between the Bronze Age and the end of the Roman Age. Of particular interest are the grave goods, characterised by vases with black and red figures dating back to the 6th century B.C., the different types of weapons and some female objects.

Where to stay in Adria

Having not yet emerged as a famous tourist destination, the town of Adria does not have a high number of facilities, especially when compared to the offerings of other Veneto towns.

There are no large hotels in the city, but small hotels, B&Bs and simple but cosy accommodation. Given the presence of a railway station in the town, Adria is often considered a good base for those travelling by public transport in this area of Veneto.

Recommended hotels in Adria

How to reach Adria

The town of Adria can be easily reached by car. Those coming from the north can take the A13 to the Boara-Rovigo Nord exit towards Boara and then the SR443. Those coming from Ferrara should always take the A13 to the Villamarzana/Rovigo Sud exit and then the SP4 towards Adria.

The town also has a railway station that connects Adria to other Veneto towns such as Chioggia, Venice and Rovigo. Local buses, on the other hand, allow Adria to be reached from the main cities of the Po Delta and the city of Rovigo. The nearest airport is Venice, which is about 70 km away.

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