Numerous rivers can be found in Italy; with most of the major rivers located in Northern Italy. Many of these rivers, like the Tiber, were in ancient times and even today important for trade and commerce. On this page is a list of the 10 major rivers in Italy followed by short descriptions of the top 5. You will find facts about where they are located, what famous cities they flow past, and how long they are. This information is written for both adults and kids.
10 Major Italy Rivers
Po River
Adige River
Piave River
Savio River
Tiber River
Alcantara River
Arno River
Coghinas River
Belice River
Brenta River
Description of the 5 Major Rivers in Italy
Po River
The Po River is the longest river in Italy. It is 405 miles long (651.8 kilometers).
This river is located in northern Italy.
Its width at the widest point is 1,650 feet (503 meters).
The Po flows from west to east.
The Po flows into the Adriatic Sea near Venice.
The river forms a huge valley called the Po Valley or Po Basin.
Adige River
The Adige River is the second longest river in Italy; second to the Po River. It is 255 miles (410 kilometers) long.
The Adige originates in the Alps, near Italy's border with Switzerland and Austria, and flows south and east into the Adriatic Sea.
This river is located in North-East Italy.
Tiber River
This is the third longest river in Italy. It flows for 252 miles (406 kilometers).
The Tiber originates in the northern Apennines Mountains and empties into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
This river flows south.
The Tiber River is perhaps Italy's most famous river do its importance to ancient Rome. In fact, Rome was founded along the banks of this river. The Tiber was extremely important for trade in ancient Rome.
Piave River
This river is located in Northern Italy.
The Piave River is 137 miles (220.5 Kilometers) long.
The Piave River originates in the Alps and flows southeast. It empties into the Adriatic Sea near Venice.
This river is often referred to as "Fiume Sacro alla Patria" which means "Sacred River of the Homeland". The river is often called this because in 1918, during WW1, the Italian army won an important battle near it called the Second Battle of the Piave River.
Arno River
The Arno River is the major river of Italy's Tuscany region.
This river is 150 miles (241 kilometers) long.
This river originates on Mount Flaterona in the Apennine Mountains and empties into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The Arno initially flows south but then turns and flows westward.
This river flows past two of Italy's most famous cities; Florence and Pisa.
