Discover what to do in Arquà Polesine: the Palio dei Ochi, a bike ride in Arquà Polesine, the Castello Estense. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Arquà Polesine?
The municipality of Arquà Polesine borders to the north with Rovigo, to the northwest with Costa di Rovigo, to the south with Polesella, to the southeast with Bosaro, to the southwest with Frassinelle Polesine, to the east with Rovigo and Bosaro, to the west with Villamarzana.
The Palio dei Ochi
The 2024 edition of the Palio dei Ochi is scheduled from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June in the spectacular setting of the Castle of Arquà Polesine.
If you are wondering what to do in Arquà Polesine, this lively folk festival animates the historic heart of Arquà with breathtaking shows by acrobats, jugglers, musicians and flag-wavers, exciting fireworks displays, re-enactments in dazzling period costumes and sparkling medieval armour, as well as taverns full of inviting and delicious dishes worthy of a king and queen!
For more information about this lively traditional event, you can check the Facebook page PALIO DEI OCHI di Arquà Polesine.
Bike ride in Arquà Polesine and Frassinelle Polesine
The starting point of the bike ride is the car park on Via Sant’Andrea, 119, next to the church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo. From the car park exit, turn left onto Via Sant’Andrea. Leave the facade of the church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo behind you and cross Piazza Umberto I, then follow Via Roma to the intersection.
Turn left onto Via Quadrivio del Popolo and head towards the entrance of the majestic Castello Estense, then turn onto Via Castello in the shade of a poplar avenue that stretches along the moat of the fortified complex. Continue for 650 metres along Via Castello, Via Vittorio Emanuele II and Via Giacomo Matteotti, then turn right and head west along Via Condotti and Via Zoline di Vespara, entering the silent Marzanese countryside dotted with farmhouses.
Cross the bridge on your left onto Via Antonio Gramsci and cross the Bastion area, then keep right and continue along Via della Repubblica and Via Cesare Battisti for 1.8 km, immersing yourself in the thick vegetation of cypress poplars, maples, willows, acacias and common reeds lapped by the Canalbianco.
Cross the bridge on Via 43 martiri, turn left and proceed for just over 4 km along the provincial road 23 skirting the Canalbianco, then cross the Conca Bussari bridge on your left. Keep right on Via Valmolin Superiore and proceed for 650 metres, then keep left and follow Via Sbarrette Canale for 850 metres.
At this point, keep left on Via Giacomo Matteotti and continue on Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Castello, retracing the road back to the starting point.
If you are wondering what to do in Arquà Polesine, this itinerary is recommended for those who want a pleasant and undemanding bike ride to discover the extraordinary historical and natural heritage of the Rovigo plain, from ancient farmhouses and millennia-old places of worship, such as the church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo and the little church of Sant’Antonio, to imposing fortifications wrapped in an aura of charm and mystery.
The Castello Estense
Set in the urban heart of Arquà, the medieval architectural complex is harmoniously set in a large meadow surrounded by a moat framed by poplars, cedars, magnolias and many other lush tall trees. Dating back to the first half of the 12th century, the mighty defensive system is accessible via a bridge that leads to a white tower, in the centre of which opens a large arched portal. To the left of the entrance rises a tall crenellated tower in exposed brick.
Characterised by an L-shaped layout, the imposing military settlement includes several service rooms and the manor house, internally embellished with charming frescoes.
