The peninsular country, Italy, is bordered by the Alps and surrounded by several islands.
Bestowed with bountiful natural settings, Italy has some noteworthy rivers on its geography.
Most of the Italian rivers drain into the Adriatic Sea or the Tyrrhenian Sea, while a few drain into the Black Sea or the North Sea.
Here are 10 famous rivers of Italy.
Flowing through some of Italy’s prominent cities like Ferrara, Piacenza and Turin, Po is the country’s longest river.
1. RIVER PO
Springing from the Alps, on the border between Italy, Austria and Switzerland Adige is the second largest river of Italy.
2. RIVER ADIGE
This river forms the artificial Lake Reschen, which hides beneath an abandoned underwater village, whose church belfry still surfaces from the waters.
It is believed that the flow of lava emerging from Mount Etna blocked the river bed creating huge columns that the river later naturally eroded resulting in remarkable gorges and ravines.
3. RIVER ALCANTARA
The Alcantara River Park was founded to protect the river and is visited as a recreation and tourist spot.
Originating from Piana degli Albanesi, the river runs for around 45.5 kms in the form of right Belice until it merges with the left Belice eventually flowing into the Strait of Sicily.
4. RIVER BELICE
Originating through the Alps the river flows its way into the Gulf of Venice. It is one of the prime water source in the plains of Veneto for farming and generation of hydroelectricity.
5. RIVER PIAVE
As homage paid to the tough battles fought on its banks, River Piave is also named as “Fiume Sacro alla Patria” meaning River Sacred to the Country.
With its source atop the Mount Flaterona, the Arno is a major river of Tuscany. Flowing westwards, towards the Ligurian Sea, It touches cities such as Pisa, Empoli and Florence.
6. RIVER ARNO
Known as Medoacus during the roman era, it divided into two branches near Padua - Medoacus Maior (Greater Medoacus) and Medoacus Minor (Lesser Medoacus).
7. RIVER BRENTA
Around the early middle ages, the river changed its course. Now, It runs from Trentino to the Adriatic Sea.
Its sources is located at an elevation of 1,126 meters on Mount Castelvecchio. Its surroundings are well preserved and it comprises of The River Savio National Park.
8. RIVER SAVIO
The river runs through the middle of, Mountains of Ala and the Gulf of Asinara. Two artificial lakes have been created in its path to acquire extra water for electricity generation.
9. RIVER COGHINAS
The river sources from two springs towards Mount Fumaiolo known as “Le Vene”. It is well-known for being the main water basin touching the everlasting city of Rome.
10. RIVER TIBER
The river was vital for the trade and commerce in the ancient times. Rome is believed to have been founded on its banks.