Winter along the River Po offers unexpected scenes: quiet landscapes, clear skies and a natural world that reveals itself more readily.
This day-long itinerary on the border with Lombardy, between Piacenza and Cremona, is designed for those seeking a slow-paced experience combining the outdoors, culture and local traditions. The route centres on Isola Serafini, the only inhabited island on the Po, a special place home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, and continues to the village of Monticelli d’Ongina.
With nature walks, art installations, birdwatching and guided tours, the experience is enriched by unusual stops such as the fish passage and concludes with an immersion in local history.
An itinerary suitable for everyone, perfect for milder winter days.
Once you arrive in the municipality of Monticelli d’Ongina, you reach Serafini Island, the largest river island and the only inhabited one on the River Po.
Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is recognised as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and is a valuable habitat for biodiversity, a resting and feeding place for migratory birds and notable for its endemic vegetation, making it ideal for those who love observing flora and fauna.
To do
Must-see
The art installations of Fluvius Art, a contemporary art project from 2025 that interacts with the natural landscape.
Tip
To warm up and discover local traditions, stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants to sample river fish dishes and Piacenza cuisine.
At the hydroelectric power station lies one of the most intriguing features of the itinerary: the fish passage.
Guided tours are available by booking: a concrete example of the balance between infrastructure and environmental protection.
To know
Following the construction of the power station in the 1960s, fish migration had come to a halt. The system was restored in 2012 and is now open to visitors.
The final highlight not to be missed is the Rocca Pallavicino Casali, which overlooks the centre of Monticelli.
Commissioned by Rolando Pallavicino, it may stand on the remains of an older castle. Its quadrilateral structure has shaped the urban fabric, influencing its development.
To see
Events
If you visit the area in autumn
