The Po Valley, or Pianura Padana, is a vast, fertile plain in northern Italy, shaped by the Po River. Its rich soil and strategic location made it crucial for agriculture, trade, and settlement. In ancient times, it housed Italic tribes before becoming a key Roman expansion area in the 3rd century BCE. The Romans improved agriculture, building canals and roads.

During the Middle Ages, cities like Milan, Venice, and Bologna thrived, boosting the economy and culture. The region’s fertile lands supported grains, wine, and textiles, contributing to the Renaissance. Today, the Po Valley remains Italy’s agricultural and industrial heartland.