Campanile di Rivà – The Lone Bell Tower of the Po Delta in Veneto
Visit the Campanile di Rivà in the Po Delta: a solitary bell tower without a church, a poetic landmark of Rovigo’s river landscape
VENETO
Region: Veneto
Province / Nearest City: Province of Rovigo / nearest town Ariano nel Polesine (10 km)
Attraction Name: Campanile solitario di Rivà
Address: Via del Campanile, Frazione Rivà, 45012 Ariano nel Polesine (RO)
Distance from Major City: ~75 km from Rovigo (about 1h 15 min by car)
How to Get There:
By car: From Rovigo, follow SS443 to Ariano nel Polesine, then continue toward Rivà. The bell tower stands along the Po embankment, with parking nearby.
By public transport: Trains from Rovigo stop at Ariano nel Polesine; from there, a taxi is needed to reach Rivà.
What Makes It Unique in the World: A brick bell tower rises alone against the sky, with no church beside it. The church it once belonged to was demolished decades ago to reinforce the riverbanks, leaving the campanile as a haunting monument to the vanished community. Its silhouette at sunset, mirrored by the Po River, is one of the most poetic sights of the Delta.
Local Story / Fun Fact: Locals call it “il campanile senza chiesa” (the churchless bell tower). Recently restored, it has become a symbol of resilience—standing tall despite floods and abandonment. From its base, you can also spot the Castello di Mesola across the river in Emilia-Romagna.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon, when the golden light of sunset sets the red bricks aglow. Spring and autumn offer mild weather for exploring the Po Delta landscapes.
Nearby Food & Stay: The Po Delta is famous for eel dishes, risottos with local fish, and clams from the lagoons. Agriturismi and B&Bs around Ariano nel Polesine offer rustic hospitality immersed in the quiet countryside.