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A journey through the Estense Duchy: Amid the Delizie and the Natural Surroundings

A route for walkers of approximately 60 km, to be completed in 2 or 3 stages. Mostly on unpaved, country roads, especially after leaving the historic centre of Ferrara. You walk along canals or ancient rivers, in a plain area, preferably in the more climatically pleasant intermediate seasons
A journey through the Estense Duchy: Amid the Delizie and the Natural Surroundings

The itinerary can be travelled independently or in small groups, taking advantage of thematic guided tours of certain sections of the route or places of interest.

Departing from Porta Paola, turn left to follow the moat of the Walls to the Po di Volano, crossing the southeastern limits of the city, headed toward Aguscello. Paved roads alternate with pleasant grassy sections, bordered by canals
framing the lush countryside, where the typical local crops change with the seasons.

After approximately 20 km, you’ll arrive at Voghiera, a municipality rich in archaeological and historical landmarks, such as the Roman Necropolis and the Modelling Museum. Beyond Voghiera’s centre lies the Estense Delizia of Belriguardo, once the Este family’s summer palace, and now home to the Civic Museum. In Gambulaga, the white Delizia del Verginese stands proudly against the blue sky, a symbol of the court’s splendour and grandeur.

Continuing onward, you’ll come to Ostellato, where the freshwater lagoons are home to a Wildlife Protection Oasis. From this point, the route grows increasingly wild, leading walkers along the right embankment of the Canale Circondariale Gramigne Fosse, and exiting onto Strada Mezzano.
The last stretch of the journey traverses a landscape shaped by large-scale land reclamation, with a geometrically structured expanse of agricultural fields. Not far off is the archaeological site of the ancient Etruscan city of Spina, and finally, Comacchio – a charming city cradled by the waters of its canals and lagoons.

We recommend splitting the itinerary into 3 segments:
Ferrara - Belriguardo
Belriguardo - Ostellato
Ostellato - Comacchio and the Lagoons

Points of interest along the route

Church of San Giorgio Ferrara
Parish Church of San Leo (loc. Voghenza)
Museum of historical modelling “Leonello Cinelli” loc. Voghenza
Roman Necropolis of Voghenza
Delizia Estense di BelriguardoCivic Museum of Belriguardo Voghiera
Delizia Estense del Verginese loc. Gambulaga
Pieve di S. Vito - Ostellato
Anse Vallive di Ostellato (Osservatorio astronomico Le Vallette di Ostellato)
•Area archeologica di Spina

Travel time and technical features

An itinerary to be experienced to discover the hidden beauties through the natural landscapes of the Estense Duchy. It can be done independently, however, it is possible to request dedicated quotations.

To make the most of your experience, consult the route map on Google My Maps, here you will find detailed mapping of the route and the reception and catering services.

Route map on the Komoot platform.

Before setting off, always check the updated information on services, openings and availability.

Discover Ferrara's accommodation and restaurants and consult the list of bicycle hire points.

Route map on the Komoot platform.
Before setting off, always check the updated information on services, openings and availability.
Discover Ferrara's accommodation and restaurants and consult the list of bicycle hire points.

Itinerary locations

Price

It can be done independently, however, it is possible to request dedicated quotations: booking@inferrara.it

Information office

IAT - R / Ufficio Informazione e Accoglienza Turistica di Ferrara

Ferrara
Castello Estense
last modified Jan 20, 2025 09:54
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