A river cruise in Italy is a wonderful way to explore the country’s most fascinating - and beautiful - destinations. Not only does it allow for a more relaxed means of exploring but you’ll get to see the country from a different perspective, making for a unique experience. Of course, one of the most popular locations for a hotel barging holiday is Venice, and with its incredible history and romantic architecture, who wouldn’t want to visit. Travelling along the waterways from Venice to Mantua offers a perfect mix of beautiful scenery and wonderful towns to explore.
One of the stops on your river cruise in Italy is Adria, and if you’re interested in history, you’ll not want to miss it. This spectacular city with yellow and orange buildings is truly remarkable in both appearance and origin. Dating all the way back to the sixth century B.C., Adria was once a powerful port. Its story is turbulent with many rulers over the years, making it an interesting place to visit. Read on to find out more about this interesting city.
The Rise and Fall of Adria
Although today it’s little known, the Adria you’ll be visiting on your river cruise in Italy was once an important power on the coast of the country. Its origins stretch back thousands of years, so if you’re looking for a bit of time travel, you’ve come to the right place. In the sixth century B.C., it functioned as an important port on the northernmost bank of the Po, so much so that it even gave its name to the Adriatic bay. However, due to its strategic position, the city hosted several rulers, including the ancient scholars known as the Paleoveneti, the Greeks and much later, the Venetian Republic.
The decline of the city is due mostly to geography. Over the years, the Po delta became filled with sediment, cutting Adria off from the coast. At its lowest point in history, it became a ghost city compared to its former self - a marshland that was prone to outbreaks of malaria. But don’t worry, today it’s a malaria-free city with many interesting cultural sites to visit, including a number of cathedrals, 8th-century frescoes, beautiful churches, and of course the main attraction: the National Archaeological Museum.
The National Archaeological Museum
This is a must-visit on a river cruise in Italy. The collection showcases all the incredible fragments of history, collected since 1780 by F.G. Bocchi and up to the present day. The museum tells the story of Adria from the Bronze age to the Roman period, revealing the events that took place under the rule of the Paleoveneti, Etruscans, Greeks, and Romans. You can spend hours exploring the rich culture and intricate history that’s been excavated from this one city. If you love to learn about the history of a place while on holiday, then be sure to include a stop at Adria on your river cruise in Italy. Ensure you book your trip with a well-established company who will be able to give you the best recommendations about the destinations, making your cruise a holiday to remember.
Author Plate
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury itineraries for a river cruise in Italy, as well as barge holidays in other great destinations. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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