History Displayed Through a Po River Cruise

I think that everybody is of the same opinion with me when I say that nothing is more refreshing than to have your cup of coffee in the morning on board of a ship, planning to cruise some of the most visited banks of Italy: the banks of Po River. Boarding at San Basilio Quay we set our course for the next day to catch us in an excursion to the islands of Lagoon, beginning with Murano, the place that has its glassmaking industry run since 13th century. The quay-sided houses spread in the area were said to be very favored by the artists as they displayed contrasting and amazing bright colors meant to offer unique landscapes to the painters.

Next morning we cruised to Chioggia, the place which revealed the town of Saint Anthony: Padua. The same setting was chosen by Shakespeare for his "The Taming of the Shrew" play. Returning on board we moored for the night, dreaming of the next day and what would it bring to us. Leaving Taglio di Po and cruising towards Polesella we had the opportunity to visit another one of Shakespeare's dear places, the one which inspired the beautiful and romantic story of Romeo and Juliet: Verona. The famous balcony was also present in a building that perfectly integrated into the view of Roman remains collection existing in the northern Italy. In the evening we returned to the vessel carrying with us the cameras that have caught the traces of history which will become remarkable memories in our photo album.

The Renaissance town of Ferrara with its wall surrounding the place displayed an entire defense system that was meant to protect what lied behind the wall: churches, palaces and monasteries of the Renaissance age. Another place that had various architectural styles, from Renaissance, Baroque, Mannerist to Art Nouveau had enchanted our eyes through the view of the city of Bologna. Being overwhelmed by this diversity of buildings, we returned to the ship. It was my first time that I have ever seen piled up in a single cruise so many data that comprised a country's history.

Illustration: The lighthouse of Gorino. Provincia di Ferrara/Massimo Baraldi