Venue

Venue of Taphos 2025

Comacchio, often called the "little Venice," is a captivating town nestled in a lagoon, eastwards Ferrara. The etymology of the name is uncertain (Greek-Latin cumaculum meaning "small wave"; "grouping of humps" in Etruscan).

The actual centre almost certainly originated from a Roman castrum located along the ancient course of the Po River which arose between the 7th and 8th centuries.

Its charm lies in its authenticity and well-preserved character, thriving thanks to a deep respect for its history and the surrounding natural environment. The crystal-clear light, characteristic of coastal areas, bathes the town and is amplified by the tranquil canals that weave through it. Known today as the capital of the Po Delta Park, Comacchio is a hidden gem, a town that has always existed between the land and the water, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

The best views of Comacchio can be enjoyed from the Ponte degli Sbirri, offering a glimpse of the historic Ospedale degli Infermi on one side, and the 19th-century Palazzo Bellini and the iconic Trepponti on the other — the true symbol of the town.

From the Loggiato dei Cappuccini, which leads to the Church of Santa Maria in Aula Regia, you can visit the historic Manifattura dei Marinati, where the traditional pickling process is still carried out. Here, you can explore the "Sala dei Fuochi" with its 12 stoves, where eels are roasted on spits before marination. The elegant 17th-century Fish Market speaks to the town's rich maritime history, still offering the daily catch for sale.

Other notable landmarks include the ancient Cathedral of San Cassiano, the Loggia del Grano, and the Clock Tower, each adding to the historical allure of this charming town.

Getting to Comacchio from the Bologna Airport:

By car: The regional road RA8 is a confortable road connecting Ferrara to Comacchio (c. 52 km).

By bus:

- Bologna-Ferrara:

1) the company Bus&Fly provides connection services between the Bologna airport and the Ferrara train station in about 35 minutes. The ticket must be purchased online (I recommend purchasing both the outward and return tickets):

https://www.ferrarabusandfly.it/en/

2) by train from Bologna airport to Bologna train station:

https://www.bologna-airport.it/en/from-and-to-the-airport/transfer-from-and-to-the-airport/train-to-the-city-centre/?idC=62594

In Bologna train station, please buy the train ticket to Ferrara at the vending machines:

https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

- Ferrara-Comacchio:

the bus Tper 331 connects Ferrara train station to Comacchio (Tre Ponti), the journey takes about 60 minutes. The ticket can be purchased at the Tper office in the train station and costs 6 €. Please, check the schedules in the attached pdf file.