This Roman road, dating back to the 2nd century B.C. connected a southern terminus identified in Adria (or even further south according to some sources) with Aquileia, after passing through the towns of Padova, Altino and Concordia Sagittaria, extending for over 200 kilometers.

A project has been dedicated to the Via Annia and is currently mounting exhibitions in halls in the five archaeological museums of the aforementioned towns.

The itinerary we offer is currently limited to Adria and Padova, departing from Adria and arriving in Padova, and can be completed in a day. Today the exhibitions in the National Archaeological Museum of Adria and in the Eremitani Town Museum of Padova are ready and can be visited. The excursion will be extended and completed by the end of next year when the other exhibitions are ready.

Adria flourished greatly between the 6th and 2nd century B.C., due to its river port and its role as an international emporium. Ancient Veneti, Greeks and Etruscans met there, and from it goods and ideas were spread forth. In spite of the great interest that this emporium has always provoked, in reality the ancient urban plan is still largely unknown and the traces of its grandeur can principally be found in the splendid collections of the National Archaeological Museum.

Leaving Adria behind us, we travel towards Padova, the ancient Patavium, a city of noble origins which was founded, according to tradition, by Antenor, a hero who survived the destruction of Troy. This town was extremely prosperous both in the proto-historic and Roman period and was the birthplace of numerous famous people including Livy. Apart from visiting the Eremitani Town Museum, which also displays the Ostiala Gallenia stele, a visit to the Arena, also dating to the Roman period, is further recommended, as well as the Scrovegni Chapel which preserves an extremely important series of frescoes by Giotto. Both the Arena and the Chapel are located near the Museum.

Mode of transport: car. Padova and Adria are also connected by rail, changing train in Rovigo

To visit:
National Archaeological Museum via G. Bedini, 58 - Adria tel 0426-21612
Eremitani Town Museum via Eremitani, 8 - Padova  tel 049-8204550

Link:
http://www.archeoveneto.it/portale/