EXPLORE THE POLESINE AREA

And why not stay a few more days?

If you'd like to explore the surrounding area after a rejuvenating night on our comfortable mattresses, Rossella and Massimo will be happy to recommend itineraries and activities to extend your stay in Polesine! Discover a region rich in history, nature, and authentic flavors.

A village with deep roots

HI Hotel Italia is located in Santa Maria Maddalena, a village with historical roots dating back to the Estensi family and the clergy. Admire the church of Santa Maria Maddalena, dating back to the 13th century and rebuilt after the Second World War.

Occhiobello, with its Roman origins, offers a fascinating journey through time. Explore the numerous churches and stately rural residences, including La Colombara (16th century), La Rizza (17th century), the Savonarola monastery complex, Palazzo Pepoli, La Piacentina, and Villa Prearo, known as the “Castello del Gurzone.”

A short distance away, visit the village of Fratta Polesine, with Villa Badoer, a UNESCO heritage site designed by Andrea Palladio, and Lendinara, the "Athens of Polesine" for its artistic treasures, such as the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Pilastrello, Palazzo Pretorio, Ballarin’s Theatre (“Teatro Ballarin”) and Saint Sofia’s Cathedral (“Duomo di Santa Sofia”).

Parrocchia S. Maria Maddalena Occhiobello

A stone's throw from Ferrara

Occhiobello is the gateway to Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site and vibrant university city. From its glorious past as an European capital of culture, art, and politics, Ferrara's remaining features today are its innovative urban layout, the 14th-century Castello Estense, and the spectacular palaces: Palazzo dei Diamanti, Palazzo Schifanoia, and Palazzina Marfisa d'Este…

Explore Ferrara by bike, cycling along the nine kilometers of the city walls.

At the table, between Ferrara and Polesine

Just steps from the hotel, the cuisine showcases centuries of fusion between Venetian and Emilian traditions. Ferrara's pumpkin tortelli lead the way: fresh pasta filled with pumpkin, mustard, and amaretti biscuits, a sweet-savory flavor worth the trip.

On your plate you will find DOP and IGP products (Polesine garlic, Scardovari mussels, Po Delta rice), homemade pastas such as bigoli and agnolotti, fish dishes such as barbon in tecia and l’anguilla sull’ara, and simple but surprising desserts: miassa, pears in red wine, tampelun with chestnut flour.

For those who want to learn more: in Piancara, the Museum of the Ancient Mantovani’s Distilleries recounts six generations of distilling history.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Polesine, a land embraced by Adige and Po rivers. Discover the legacy of milling, with ancient mills dotting the landscape.

A few kilometers from the hotel, visit the Ecomuseum Mulino al Pizzon in Fratta Polesine, a jewel of proto-industrial archaeology that preserves original machinery from centuries past.

Biodiversità Delta del Po e del Polesine

Land of water

Land of biodiversity

Discover the Po Delta Park, one of the most important nature reserves in the Mediterranean, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Admire the variety of landscapes, including canals, marshes, lagoons and forests.

Spot the 370 species of birds that inhabit the park and enjoy a unique birdwatching, cycling, or riverboat experience.