Chiavica dell'agrifoglio

Chiavica dell'Agrifoglio is one of the oldest hydraulic structures in the area, dating back to the 17th century. It was built to improve the flow of water from the Galvano canal and to replace a previous lock, which had become unsuitable due to continuous changes in the coastline and, above all, due to the major hydraulic intervention known as the “taglio del Po” (1604), which diverted the course of the Po River to the south.

Many materials from the old sluice were recovered for its construction. In addition, the Cavo Novo was dug: a new canal connecting the Ippolito and Galvano, already important waterways of the Great Land Reclamation of the Este family.

The structure we can admire today dates back to 1784: an impressive building, supported by three solid terracotta vaults and sturdy pillars, featuring a covered bridge with a gabled roof and a room for equipment.

The sluice worked on the principle of high and low tide and allowed the low waters of the Pomposiana area to drain into the Volano. In the lower part there were “wind gates", better known as Vinci gates, as well as manual gates, called ‘ussare’ or “usciare,” which operated according to the variations in the tides.

The sluice remained operational until the early decades of the 20th century. However, subsequent reclamation of Valle Giralda and Volano River meant that it was no longer needed, leading to its definitive decommissioning in 1958, the year of the reclamation of Valle Giralda.