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URBAN PACKRAFT · MEDIEVAL VICENZA
Paddle into Vicenza through its medieval water gate
Follow the Retrone from the green edge of the city to Renaissance palaces, Roman port remains and the old river entrance
La Porta d’Acqua is a guided packraft journey along the Retrone, following the historic river approach into Vicenza. Starting from Parco Retrone, the route passes beneath Ponte Furo, once one of the city’s medieval water entrances, then continues past Renaissance buildings, remains of the Roman port and bridges that still record Vicenza’s centuries old relationship with the river.
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Know before you go
La Porta d’Acqua runs on selected dates rather than as a daily activity. Places are limited and advance booking is required. The 2026 edition has concluded; check the official source for 2027 dates. Phone +39 0444 323725 Email info@teatroastra.it Organiser La Piccionaia · with RiverLand ASD
About
For centuries, the Retrone was one of the ways merchants, goods and travellers approached Vicenza. La Porta d’Acqua retraces part of that route from water level, in a packraft.
The journey begins at Parco Retrone, south west of the historic centre. The first section follows a green stretch of river towards the city; around Santa Libera, the skyline changes and Palladian Vicenza appears ahead. The route then passes beneath Ponte Furo, one of the medieval water entrances into Vicenza, before continuing between buildings and bridges along the old urban river corridor.
The route ↓
From Parco Retrone to the old city
After leaving Parco Retrone, the route follows the river past the railway station and towards Santa Libera. From here, the historic city begins to appear across the water.
Ponte Furo marks the most important change. Passing beneath it brings the packrafts into the old urban section of the Retrone, along a route once used by people and goods entering Vicenza by water. Beyond the bridge are traces of the Roman port and a series of arches, some now blocked or buried, that once provided shelter for boats.
The river then passes Ponte San Michele, the Venetian bridge connecting the two sides of the historic centre, followed by Ponte delle Barche, whose name preserves the memory of the river traffic that once defined this part of Vicenza. The journey finishes near Teatro Astra in Contrà Barche.
What the experience is like ↓
Packraft, headphones and the city from water level
La Porta d’Acqua is more than a guided paddle. It was conceived by Carlo Presotto as a Silent Play fluviale, combining the physical journey with an audio narrative.
Participants travel with wireless headphones while recorded material, literature, music and live narration accompany different sections of the river. The production is by La Piccionaia in collaboration with RiverLand ASD.
The water is generally calm and previous paddling experience is not required; participants must, however, be able to swim. Earlier editions provided a shuttle from the meeting point at Teatro Astra to the launch at Parco Retrone, with packrafts and paddles supplied as part of the experience.