During the Papal reign the economic situation in Comacchio improved however the Estense government forced the citizens of this town into poverty, claiming the fishing and hunting rights and taking over control of the saltworks.
During the Seventeenth and Eighteenth centuries the Papal legates built the monuments and churches that today are characteristic of this town. During the 20th Century the land reclamation of most of the valleys united Commachio with the surrounding dry land. However, the historical centre remains untouched and is crossed by a network of canals whose banks are joined by brick bridges.
There are numerous monuments to visit. There are churches such as, la Chiesa del Carmine, la Chiesa del Rosario, la Chiesa di Santa Maria in Aula Regia, next to which is the museum “il Museo Mariano di Arte Sacra Contemporanea”, the Duomo of San Cassiano and other famous monuments such as the Loggia dei Mercanti, the old hospital of San Camillo, the Capuchin Gallery and the Palazzo Bellini, that is now and exhibition centre. The main attraction of this town is the famous Trepponti or Triple Bridge built in 1635 and crossing three canals.

From Comacchio go westwards following via Spina towards Ostellato. After 1 Km you will cross the bridge that leads to Valle Pega, finally reclaimed in 1957. Continuing along the Fattibello canal you reach Casone Foce that is home to the “ Museo delle Valli” or Wetland Museum. From here there is a spectacular view of Comacchio on the horizon surrounded by the blue of its valleys. From here it is possible to explore by foot or by boat the surrounding wetlands. These wetlands are not only rich in plant and animal life but hide seventeenth century fishing houses for eel fishing. From Casone Foce take the road that runs along North side of the valleys until you reach the Valle Zavelea. This is a fresh water area and today is a protected Nature reserve. Continuing along the Argine Agosta road that probably traces the Roman road that once led from Ravenna to Adria. From this road you can enjoy the extraordinary views of the largest wetlands that survived the land reclamation, 9,600 hectares in total, and that due to their immensity resemble the vastness of the sea.

Just before arriving at Anita, turn left and you reach the banks of the Reno from which you can see the Boscoforte peninsula. This is an area of utmost importance because it was formed by the creation of a dune bank during the Etruscan period. Entering the Boscoforte peninsula proceed along the off road track that runs along the Reno bank that look over the Lido di Magnavacca lagoon. You will finally reach the, now restored, that once hosted Giuseppe Garibaldi and the vast valley reed thickets.

Further on, once across the river loop, on the right you will come across the Reno river dam and on the left the lagoon finishes with wet fields and clumps of tamarisk and hawthorn bushes. In order to return to Comacchio and the Lidi you will have travel along, with utmost caution, a stretch of the busy Romea state Road.