Rovigo

Rovigo is a city and comune in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Rovigo, and serves as an administrative and commercial center for the Polesine area.

Geography and setting: The city lies in the Po valley's Polesine, a flat alluvial plain between the Po and Adige rivers. The surrounding countryside is largely agricultural, with rice paddies and cereals forming a significant part of the landscape and economy.

History: The area has ancient roots, and Rovigo developed as a medieval market town. Over the centuries it passed under various regional powers before becoming part of the Republic of Venice. Following the Napoleonic era, Rovigo became part of the Kingdom of Italy and later the modern Italian Republic. The town preserves a number of historical buildings from different periods.

Main sights: The Duomo di Rovigo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, is the city’s cathedral and a focal point of the historic center. The Palazzo Roverella is a prominent building that houses a regional art collection. The Torre Civica (Civic Tower) is a tall medieval tower that dominates the central square. The Museo Civico di Rovigo preserves local archaeology and art, reflecting the city’s civic history.

Economy and culture: Rovigo serves as the administrative and commercial hub of Polesine. The surrounding countryside supports agriculture, especially rice and cereals; light industry and services contribute to the local economy. The city hosts cultural events and offers museums, galleries, and theaters for residents and visitors.

Transport: Rovigo is served by a railway station with connections to regional and national lines and is linked by roads to Padua, Verona, and Bologna, connecting it with other major northern Italian cities.