When you think you’ve seen everything, there is always something else to surprise you… A few days ago I visited the Peninsula of Boscoforte, between Ravenna and Comacchio… But let’s start from the beginning.

The Boscoforte’s peninsula is a strip of land, about 6.5 Km long, which dates back to the Etruscan age, more than 2000 years ago, at the border between Ravenna and Ferrara. Today it is the land known as Valleys of Comacchio.

In this territory water, sand, and wind have created a landscape that everyone should really see with their own eyes.

This place is one of the richest and diverse European ecosystems, home to many different species.

An oasis inside the Po Delta Park

Characterized by warm brackish water and strong wind, the oasis of Boscoforte follows the road connecting Comacchio to the small town of Anita (Argine Agosta), arriving to the northern edge of the Reno river, towards the Adriatic Sea. 

This area has always been closed to the public – it is private land and can only be visited by booking a guided tour. It is the kind of place where the beauty of nature makes you forget about time and space, especially if you find yourself there during sunset as the sun plays games with light and shade. 

The space is big and every time you change your point of view you find yourself in front of a different panorama.

Calm and silence characterize the oasis. The only sound you can hear is the birds singing as they use this area to rest during their migratory flights. 

Flora and fauna: the natural environment of the oasis

Fresh and salt-water live together, and, like in most lagoon environments, flora and fauna are rich and full (a paradise for birdwatchers and for nature photographers) – almost unique.  

Here you can find the marsh reed, the glasswort, and the beautiful flamingos, looking for shrimp larvae, that help to make their plumage so pink. Also, shelduck, black-winged stilt, avocets, spoonbills and the European pond turtle.

The Boscoforte Oasis is a paradise, not just for the plants and animals, but also for the lucky people that have the chance to visit this place, one of the most beautiful areas of the Emilia-Romagna region.

For sure, the most evocative moment is when you meet the wild Delta/Camargue horses that moved here in the beginning of the 80s, today there are nearly 85 species. Regardless of visitors, they spend their days moving in small flocks, looking for cane, salicornia, and rushes to feed on.

A paradise for them, but above all also for us and anyone who wants to discover this beautiful area of ​​Emilia-Romagna.

If I have intrigued you and you want to visit the Oasis of Boscoforte, you can contact the NatuRa Museum of Ravenna (+39 0544 528710) or go to the website www.atlantide.net/natura to find out the times and departures of the next tours.