Portomaggiore is a small city in Ferrara that has been a major port throughout history. In ancient times, it was known as Portus Maior. It was first mentioned in 896 AD. The main attraction of the city is the Delizia del Verginese – a medieval palace of the Duke of Ferrara. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Oasis of Porto is a water attraction that makes for an excellent picnic spot. It is an excellent idea to rent a bike and explore the city.

Portomaggiore has been home to a large and rapidly growing community of Pakistani citizens since the early 2000s, alongside an important community from Morocco. The percentage of foreign residents, apart from seasonal workers, is currently over 19%, mainly employed in the agricultural sector, with an average of over a thousand people in recent years, hosted for the most part by compatriots. These are figures that stand out in the context of the Province, mainly dealing with depopulation and ageing population problems.