Plizio Visual Lab
Po River
The Po is the longest river in Italy, stretching 652 kilometers and serving as the primary hydrological artery of the fertile Po Valley. It originates at Monviso in the Cottian Alps at an elevation of 2,022 meters and flows eastward across Northern Italy until it reaches its vast delta on the Adriatic Sea. Its drainage basin spans approximately 71,000 square kilometers, accounting for nearly one-quarter of Italy's total land area. Geologically, the Po basin is a structural depression filled with thick layers of sediment eroded from the Alps and Apennines over millions of years. Historically, the river has been a fundamental transport route and irrigation source since Roman times, shaping the growth of major cities like Turin, Piacenza, and Ferrara. The Po Delta is currently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized as a critical wetland habitat for hundreds of bird species. While essential for Italy's industrial and agricultural output, the river faces modern challenges from industrial runoff and increasing frequencies of extreme drought.
- Location: Italy
- Nearby: Pila (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 67 | 63 | 60 | 78 | 58 | 52 | 60 | 82 | 76 | 83 | 60 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- At 652 km, it is the longest river entirely within Italian territory.
- The source is located at 'Pian del Re' at the foot of Monviso.
- The river is fed by 141 tributaries from the Alps and Apennines.
- The Po Delta covers an area of approximately 380 square kilometers.
- The river basin supports a population of over 16 million people.
- The Po Delta and Ferrara became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Po River (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Po river?
Where does the Po rise?
Can you go boating on the Po?
Which cities are located along the Po?
Is the Po Delta protected?
Po River: where is it located?
Po River: when is the best time to visit?
Po River: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
More places
