Comacchio salt mine

The Salina di Comacchio is a nature reserve located within the Po Delta Park, consisting of interconnected salt basins and wetland areas that span across the landscape. The site features shallow rectangular ponds separated by raised embankments and walkways that guide visitors through the reserve.

Salt production at this location dates back to ancient times, with the region later falling under Venetian control and subsequently under Papal authority. In the 16th century, Duke Alfonso I d'Este commissioned the construction of a fortified tower to oversee salt operations.

The name Comacchio comes from a Latin term meaning swamp, reflecting the wetland nature of this area. The white salt basins remain a defining feature of the landscape and connect visitors to work that shaped local life for centuries.

The reserve is best explored on guided tours that include audio guides available in several languages and must be arranged beforehand. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as the walkways expose you to open landscape for extended periods.

The site hosts large populations of migratory and nesting birds including flamingos, herons, and cormorants that use the salt basins for breeding and feeding. This congregation of species makes it an exceptional location for bird watching and photography.