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History and Archaeology

Caption

The Po Delta is an interesting archaeological area with finds dating back to the Bronze Age and the Etruscan civilization.
In the territory, also several finds of the Roman period, the Middle Ages, and the Serenissima period can be found.
Moreover, the most recent rural and industrial archaeological evidences are of great interest.

There are several archaeological sites which have been not yet brought back to light and enhanced (for instance, the "Roman Mansio", an ancient post station with drinking trough in Corte Cavanella).
The most ancient archaeological finds of Polesine date back to the Early Bronze Age (18th-16th century BC) and have been found along Popilia and Ania ways, which linked Rimini to Aquileia through Adria.
At the moment, these areas are covered with earth and cannot be visited.

National Archaeological Museum in Adria [1]
Wonderful Etruscan and Roman finds are on display here, like painted pottery, delicate pots of colored glass, gold and amber jewels. The two-horse chariot "del Lucumone" is extraordinary.

San Basilio [3]
Near the small Romanesque church of the 12th century situated at the top of a fossil dune, the Documentation Center preserves several archaeological finds which have been discovered in the area. Nearby, a huge oak: documents talk about it since 1580.

Ca' Vendramin Regional Land Reclamation Museum [4]
The former dewatering pump is one of the biggest and most powerful plants to raise water, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century.
Nearby, you can see a boundary stone separating the Republic of Venice from the Papal State.

Via della Bonifica [4]
It lies along Valle Mea, which has been drained. The evolution process in the typology of the rural houses is rather clear; evidences of industrial archaeology linked to the reclamation activity, the methane extractions, and the control of waters can be found here.

Santa Maria in Punta [3]
At the bifurcation between Po Grande di Venezia and Po Piccolo di Goro, there are rests of the ancient settlement and of the last kilns, present in the past in great quantities.