Occhiobello
Occhiobello, an Island of Tranquility Immersed in Polesine
If you are looking for a peaceful place surrounded by nature and far from the chaos of the cities, I recommend you to visit Occhiobello, a municipality located southwest of Rovigo in the Veneto region. With its 11,971 inhabitants, this town is an oasis of peace that will make you forget the stress of daily life.
Physical Geography
The municipal territory of Occhiobello is located on the left bank of the Po River and is entirely flat. The area is classified as low seismicity, so there are no risks of earthquakes. The climate is rather mild, with average temperatures of 1°C in January and 24°C in July. The average annual precipitation is about 600mm.
History
The territory of Occhiobello has a very ancient history, dating back to prehistoric times. Over the millennia, this territory has been occupied by several civilizations, including the Celts, Etruscans, and Gauls. During the Roman Republic, the territory of Occhiobello was a very important rural transit zone thanks to the presence of a road network. Over the centuries, the territory has undergone significant natural and historical transformations but has always managed to flourish thanks to its strong cultural and economic identity.
The Domain of Ferrara
Around the year 1000, the marquisate of the Ferrarese Polesine was entrusted to the noble family of the Marchesi de' Contrari di Ferrara, who governed the area with a firm hand for several centuries. The territory of Occhiobello was divided into three localities: Le Casette (now Occhiobello), Gurzone, and Santa Maria Maddalena (still united with Pontelagoscuro until 1152). After the death of Alfonso II d'Este in 1598, the entire duchy of Ferrara passed under the control of the Papal States.
Attractions
Occhiobello is a very quiet municipality, but it has several attractions that you can visit. The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a small church dating back to the 18th century that houses works of considerable value. The Municipality Palace, built-in 1934, is a majestic building that overlooks Piazza Risorgimento. The Oratory of Sant'Antonio Abate is a small Baroque jewel dating back to the 18th century that houses the statue of the patron saint of the village. You can also visit the Deer Park, a green area of about 30,000 square meters where you can admire the deer in freedom and walk among the tree-lined avenues.
Food and Wine
Veneto is famous for its typical dishes, and Occhiobello is no exception. Here you can taste the polenta and beans, a rustic but very tasty dish that is served with local cheeses. You can also taste the risotto alla pilota, a specialty based on rice and sausage typical of the Polesine area. Finally, you cannot leave Veneto without tasting its famous wines, such as Soave, Prosecco, or Valpolicella.
How to Get There
Occhiobello is easily reachable by car from the city of Rovigo via the Strada Regionale 6 del Po. Alternatively, you can take the train to Rovigo and then take a bus that will take you directly to Occhiobello.
Conclusion
Occhiobello is a town that is definitely worth a visit if you want to spend a few days in total relaxation and enjoy the beauty of the Polesine landscape. With its ancient history, cultural attractions, and excellent cuisine, Occhiobello is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and tranquility without sacrificing the quality of life.
