Costa di Rovigo
Welcome to Rovigo: the city of roses!
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Rovigo, a city in Veneto that has a lot to offer. Are you ready to discover all about it?
Physical geography
Rovigo is located between the Adige river to the north and the Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante to the south. The area is flat and highly fertile, perfect for cultivating high-quality cereals and vegetables. Among the canals that run through the territory are Ceresolo, Rezzinella, Valdentro, Adigetto, Canalbianco, and Zucca. It is also home to the Rovigo interport, an important distribution center that has been in operation since 1998.
Climate
The climate in Rovigo is classified as "E", which means that the number of degree days varies between 2,101 and 3,000. The seismicity of the area is very low.
Origin of the name
The name of the city seems to come from the Germanic personal name "Hrodico". Some scholars instead link it to the ancient Greek term "rhodon", meaning rose. In fact, Rovigo is associated with a legend of a group of Achaeans, led by Diomedes, who colonized the Polesine. For this reason, Rovigo is called "the city of roses".
History
The presence of a Roman settlement in the city center is attested to by some archaeological remains. However, the first stable settlement dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. In the 12th century BC, there was an important village of the late Bronze Age, located near the "amber road" in Campestrin di Grignano Polesine. In the 6th and 5th centuries BC, there was a settlement connected to Etruscan Adria. The Balone necropolis attests to its presence. All the archaeological remains are now preserved at the Museo dei Grandi Fiumi in Rovigo.
What to see in Rovigo
The walled city
The historic center of Rovigo is a veritable walled city. Some of the oldest buildings date back to the medieval period, such as the Donà Tower located near the Roncale Palace. This palace was commissioned in the 15th century by Paduan Podestà Andrea Roncale. The palace extends over three floors and is characterized by an open staircase that reaches up to the roof.
The Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso
The Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the city of Rovigo. The building dates back to the 17th century and is characterized by a Renaissance marble portal and a green cupola. Inside you can find numerous works of art and frescoes, among which stands out the work of Giovan Battista Bissoni, "Santa Maria del Soccorso".
The Teatro Sociale
The Teatro Sociale in Rovigo was built in 1819 to a design by architect Giuseppe Jappelli. It was built in neoclassical style and was the first theater in Italy to be illuminated by gas. The theater has undergone some restoration and expansion work over the years, and today is used for concerts, theatrical performances, and conferences.
The Roverella Palace
The Roverella Palace was built in Rovigo in the 15th century. The name derives from the Venetian noble family who owned it for a long time. Today the palace is home to the Museo dei Grandi Fiumi in Rovigo, which houses numerous archaeological finds, art objects, costumes, and historical documents.
What to eat in Rovigo
Rovigo's cuisine is typical of Veneto, but with some local variations. Among the most famous specialties are Bigoli, a homemade pasta made from durum wheat flour and served with meat ragù. Another typical dish is white rice, served with a tomato and onion sauce and accompanied by a lake fish, the pike.
There are many typical desserts in the area: Pandoro, Torta Russa, Tiramisù, and Fregolotta, a sort of crisp made of shortcrust pastry, almonds, and sugar. Additionally, tradition has it that in Rovigo they prepare "Rivine", a sort of dry corn flour biscuit.
Conclusion
Rovigo is a city with a rich history and very interesting natural beauty. Don't miss the walled city, the Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso, the Teatro Sociale, and the Roverella Palace with the Museo dei Grandi Fiumi. And then, so many delicacies to taste and the legend of the "City of Roses" to discover. Come visit Rovigo and fall in love with this wonderful city!
