Strada Alzaia

Strada alzaia

along Adige river in Pescantina

Strada alzaia (alzaia way) Up to half of the ‘800 commercial relations along the Adige river were very intense . There were several boats but all with low draft , that were more suited to inland waterway transport . These boats were loaded with goods direct to the cities of the Adriatic or those of Central Europe . The descent was not a problem because it exploited the current but the ascent involved the use of animals. Long ropes tied to pairs of horses That pulled the boats along the road that ran along the river Adige on the left . This road was known as the towpath or cavalara . During the route at regular intervals after 1-15 miles there was a chance to stop at the stay , rest stations where you changed the animals and fishermen stopped to eat and sleep. The towpath followed the bends of the river without interruption except near the mouths of Progni and close to the town square , a place where they were sorting the goods. When you trade on the river disappeared also the towpath was abandoned . The municipality of Pescantina has taken steps to recover the towpath , cleared of weeds and rubbish is now back walking for about eight miles, becoming an interesting route to be traveled by bike, on foot or on horseback , finding opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The road comes with gravel , sand or cobbles on the one hand there are the fields, on the other hand the Adige river , along the road are the remains of the activities of the past.