Comacchio

Comacchio is a lagoon town in the province of Ferrara, nicknamed "Little Venice" for its network of canals, pastel-painted houses, and criss-crossing bridges in the historic centre, where the Reno and Po rivers meet the Adriatic. Fishing, especially for eel, has shaped the town's economy and cuisine since Roman times; the surrounding Valli di Comacchio wetlands remain an important eel-fishing and birdwatching area. The Museo Delta Antico, housed in a former hospital building, covers the area's history from prehistory through the Roman period and displays the remains of a wrecked Roman merchant ship recovered from the lagoon.

Comacchio is on the Adriatic coast of the province of Ferrara, reachable by road from Ferrara and Ravenna, and by bus from the coastal resorts of the Lidi di Comacchio.

The historic centre is small and best explored on foot along the canals and bridges; boat tours by traditional batana are also available for a view from the water.

The canal-lined historic centre with its bridges (including the multi-arched Trepponti), the Museo Delta Antico, and the Valli di Comacchio lagoon are the main draws.

Guided tours of the Valli di Comacchio lagoon (by boat) cover birdwatching and the traditional eel-fishing stations.

Eel dishes (grilled, in risotto, or with polenta) are the local specialty, especially around the Sagra dell'Anguilla eel festival held in the town each autumn.

Cured and smoked eel is the local specialty product.

Comacchio is close to the beach resorts of the Lidi di Comacchio and within reach of Ferrara and Ravenna.