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Italian River Cruises Through the Passage of Water and History

Author: Lisa Jeeves
by Lisa Jeeves
Posted: Jun 18, 2014

When your holiday involves Italian river cruises along the river Po, you’ll be able to reflect not only upon the tranquil waters passing by you but also on the fabulous history of this lovely area of Italy.

Pre-history

The Etruscans were a somewhat mysterious civilization, which, over 2500 years ago, stretched across much of central, northern and parts of southern Italy – even ruling Rome when the city was still largely a collection of small villages.

Strangely, at one time this part of Italy was also much more closely associated with France and perhaps Switzerland (as they’re called today) than Italy. That’s because in the centuries immediately before Rome’s rise to pre-eminence, the Gauls had entered northern Italy and effectively taken over large parts of it. So, long before Rome entered onto the scene, this part of Italy had already seen a turbulent and multi-cultural past.

History begins

Written in-depth history of the area really begins when, in the second century BCE, the Romans conquered the Gauls in the area and began their long march to empire. Over the following centuries, after Rome’s decline, just about everyone passed this way - so to speak. Byzantine Greeks, Franks, Normans and Venetians all came and went, with each civilization leaving its mark in things such as architecture, culture, cuisine and the language.

It’s perhaps the Renaissance (literally ‘rebirth’) that really defines this part of Italy, however. The great rediscovery of classical learning, art and science may have had its centres in places such as Florence, but great centres of learning and artistic expression also sprang up in places such as Mantua and, of course, Venice.

Later, both France and Austria made claim to the area and like all those that had gone before, contributed their small share to the region’s development until it passed into the modern state of Italy in the mid-19th century.

So what?

It’s possible to look at this long list of ancient people and wonder what relevance, if any, they have for those on today’s Italian river cruises. Well, you’ll certainly see their monuments as you pass by. Ducal palaces, cathedrals, castles, city walls, galleries, battlefields – they’re all there. Then there are the more subtle legacies of the cuisines, linguistic influences and view of life.

Yet above all, perhaps it’s impossible not to associate the slow passage of the river through which your vessel cuts with the flow of time. For instance, in Ferrara, you’ll pass by sites closely associated with notables such as Lucretia Borgia. Critically important at the end of the 15th century, you'll glide past locations stepped in palpable history. Perhaps there’s some sort of long-lasting message, therefore, for us all about the passage of time.

Italian river cruises can take you through a journey of time and place, exploring ancient sites and mementos from long forgotten civilizations. More than simply a holiday to enjoy the finer things of life (although they are that too!), Italian river cruises can serve to remind us of some of the most important events and evolutions in history, while engaging participants in the landscape and traditions of one of the world's most loved countries.

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If you're looking for Italian river cruises, the country has some of the world's most picturesque waterways. We also offer experiences in France, Holland and the UK.

About the Author

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.

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Author: Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

Member since: Oct 18, 2013
Published articles: 4550

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