Rivers of Italy
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The ten longest Rivers of Italy are headed by the River Po which extends to a length of 652 kilometres and encompasses four of Italy's northern regions.
Just like the second river on the list, the River Adige which is 410 kilometres long, it empties out into the Adriatic Sea on Italy's eastern coast. Although not the longest Italian river, the River Tiber is perhaps the country's most famous by virtue of the fact that it flows through the centre of Rome before emptying out into the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west coast. |
River Tiber, Rome
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Another of Italy's most famous waterways, the River Arno which drifts gracefully through Florence and Pisa in Tuscany, is only the eighth longest. A full list of the top ten Italian rivers by length can be found by scrolling to the bottom of this page.
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River Po
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The River Po is Italy’s longest river, stretching approximately 652 kilometres from its source in the Alps at Pian del Re, near Monte Viso, to its delta in the Adriatic Sea. Flowing eastward across northern Italy, it passes through regions like Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, shaping the fertile Po Valley.
This region is a vital agricultural and industrial hub. Major cities along its course include Turin, Piacenza, and Ferrara. Historically, the Po has been a lifeline for trade and settlement since ancient Roman times. Its delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a haven for biodiversity, featuring wetlands, lagoons, and a rich cultural history tied to the river’s influence. |
River Po in Turin, Piedmont
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River Adige
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The River Adige, Italy’s second-longest river, flows through the northeastern regions, spanning 410 kilometres from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. Originating in the Resia Pass in South Tyrol, it winds through picturesque landscapes, including vineyards, valleys, and historic cities.
Notable towns along its course include Trento and Verona, where the river enhances the scenic charm of their historic centers. The Adige has played a vital role in regional trade, agriculture, and transport since ancient times. Points of interest include the iconic Castelvecchio Bridge in Verona and the Adige Valley, renowned for its wine production. |
River Adige in Verona, Veneto
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River Tiber
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The River Tiber, Italy's third-longest river, flows for 406 kilometres from the Apennine Mountains in Emilia-Romagna to the Tyrrhenian Sea near Rome. Central to Rome’s history, the Tiber has been a lifeline since ancient times, providing water, trade routes, and strategic defence.
Key landmarks along its course include Tiber Island, the only island in Rome's river, and iconic bridges like Ponte Sant’Angelo. The river winds past historic sites such as the Roman Forum and Vatican City. Today, it remains a symbol of Rome's enduring legacy. The Tiber also features tranquil walking paths and is integral to the lush countryside it traverses. |
River Tiber, Rome
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River Adda
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The River Adda is a significant waterway in northern Italy, flowing through the Lombardy region before joining the River Po.
Stretching approximately 313 kilometres, it originates in the Alps near the Stelvio Pass and traverses picturesque landscapes, including Lake Como, where it forms its southeastern arm. The river is known for its serene beauty, meandering through lush valleys, historical towns, and fertile plains. Historically, the Adda has played a vital role in regional trade, agriculture, and energy production, with Leonardo da Vinci designing canals and locks along its course. |
River Adda, Lombardy
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River Oglio
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The River Oglio is a major watercourse in northern Italy, flowing through the regions of Lombardy and Brescia. It originates in the Alps, near the town of Edolo, and flows southward, eventually merging with the Po River.
The Oglio River is known for its scenic landscapes, meandering through valleys, forests, and agricultural land, providing water to the surrounding areas. The river passes through charming towns like Darfo Boario Terme and is integral to the region's natural and cultural heritage. Its clean, flowing waters make it a valuable resource. |
River Oglio in Edolo, Lombardy
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River Tanaro
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The River Tanaro is a major river in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Originating in the Ligurian Alps, it flows eastward through the province of Cuneo before merging with the Po River near the city of Alessandria.
The Tanaro is known for its winding course, passing through picturesque valleys and agricultural land, providing vital water resources for the region. Historically, the river has played an important role in the development of local trade and transportation. It was also a strategic waterway during the Roman era. Today, the Tanaro is appreciated for its scenic beauty, and it contributes to both agriculture and the regional economy. |
River Tanaro, Piedmont
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River Ticino
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The River Ticino is a major waterway in northern Italy, flowing from Lake Maggiore in the Swiss Alps and traveling south through the Lombardy region. It is a key tributary of the Po River, with a length of about 248 kilometers.
The Ticino is known for its picturesque landscapes, meandering through forests, farmland, and historic towns. Historically, the river was a boundary in various conflicts and has supported settlements since Roman times. Today, it is valued for its natural beauty, recreational activities, and importance to local ecosystems. |
River Ticino, Lombardy
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River Arno
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The River Arno is a major waterway in Tuscany, flowing for about 240 kilometers from the Apennine Mountains to the Tyrrhenian Sea.
It passes through several cities, including Florence, Pisa, and Empoli, and is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. The river has played a vital role in the region's development, serving as a transportation route for goods and contributing to the growth of Florence as a major centre of art and culture during the Renaissance. |
River Arno in Pisa, Tuscany
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River Piave
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The River Piave flows through northeastern Italy, primarily in the Veneto region, and stretches for about 220 kilometres.
It originates in the Alps and flows southward, eventually emptying into the Adriatic Sea. The Piave is known for its role in both natural and historical contexts. It passes through mountainous terrain and fertile plains, providing water for agriculture and industry. Historically, the river is famous for its significance in World War I, where it served as a crucial defensive line during the Italian campaigns, particularly the Battle of the Piave in 1918. |
River Piave, Veneto
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River Reno
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The River Reno is a tributary of the Po River, located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy.
Originating in the Apennine Mountains, it flows through the provinces of Bologna and Ferrara, eventually joining the Po near the town of Ferrara. The Reno is known for its winding path, scenic landscapes, and agricultural significance, particularly for irrigation. The river’s surrounding areas have been inhabited since Roman times, and it continues to be vital to the local economy. |
River Reno, Emilia Romagna
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Top Ten Rivers of Italy by Length
1. River Po (Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Veneto) - 652 km
2. River Adige (Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige/South Tyrol) - 410 km
3. River Tiber (Lazio, Umbria, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna) - 405 km
4. River Adda (Lombardy) - 313 km
5. River Oglio (Lombardy) - 280 km
6. River Tanaro (Lombardy, Liguria, Piedmont) - 276 km
7. River Ticino (Piedmont, Lombardy, Switzerland) - 248 km
8. River Arno (Tuscany) - 241 km
9. River Piave (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia) - 231 km
10. River Reno (Emilia Romagna, Tuscany) - 211 km
