The hidden lagoon - Assessorato al Turismo della Provincia di ...

The hidden
lagoon
Between archaeology
and nature across
Venetian lands

The hidden lagoon
Between archaeology
and nature across Venetian lands
COMUNITÀ EUROPEA
“Progetto cofi nanziato dall’Unione Europea mediante il Fondo Europeo di Sviluppo Regionale
INIZIATIVA COMUNITARIA INTERREG III A Italia/Slovenia 2000/2006 - PROGETTO “COAST
TO COAST” sezione TURISTICO/AMBIENTALE E CULTURALE” (codice progetto BAVEN 222071)
“Project co-fi nanced by the European Union through the Fondo Europeo di Sviluppo Regionale
(Regional Development European Fund), COMMUNITY INITIATIVE INTERREG III A
Italy/Slovenia 2000/2006 “COAST TO COAST” PROJECT, TOURISM/ENVIRONMENT
AND CULTURE section (project code BAVEN 222071)
“Projekt sofi nanciran s sredstvi Evropskega sklada za regionalni razvoj Evropske unije
POBUDA SKUPNOSTI INTERREG III A Italija/Slovenila 2000/2006 – PROJEKT “COAST
TO COAST” TURISTIČNO/OKOLJSKA IN KULTURNA sekcija” (koda projekta BAVEN 222071)
Comune di
Jesolo
Comune di
Caorle
Comune di
Eraclea
PROVINCIA
DI VENEZIA
Comune di
Concordia Sagittaria
Comune di
Quarto d’Altino
We wish to thank:
Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po, Provincia di Venezia e APT della Provincia di Venezia, Comune di Jesolo,
Comune di Caorle, Comune di Eraclea, Comune di Concordia Sagittaria, Comune di Quarto d’Altino

Venetian lands
tReViso
MestRe
Sile
QuARto
D’AltiNo
VeNeZiA
Piave
QuARto D’AltiNo
toRCello
• Hortus Altini
• The lagoon and
Trepalade
Nature Reserve
CAVAlliNo
sAN DoNÀ
Di piAVe
Livenza
eRACleA
liDo
Di Jesolo
Jesolo
eRACleA
Jesolo
• Lagoon of Mort
• Walking and
scouting…
in Eraclea
eRACleA
MARe
• Jesolo and
its lagoon
• The fi sh farms
poRtoGRuARo
CoNCoRDiA
sAGittARiA
CAoRle
Tagliamento
CoNCoRDiA sAGittARiA
• From clay to ceramic
• Vasa Rubra
• Weapons and
equipment in
the roman world
MAR
ADRIATICO
VeNeto
CAoRle
• Vallevecchia
• Fishing: boats and
trades in the sea,
the rivers and the
lagoons
provincia
di Venezia
Veneto
italia
BiBioNe
slovenija

Index
Foreword 7
The environment 8
Jesolo 13
Eraclea 19
Caorle
Quarto d’Altino 31
Concordia Sagittaria 37
In the surrounding areas 42
25
Foreword
It has been quite some time since Veneto Region is committed in supporting and promoting projects which
develop the dialogue and collaboration among Institutions, with the purpose to valorise environmental,
historical, and cultural assets of the Countries that overlook High Adriatic in an integrated way.
The “Coast to Coast” project, fi nanced with the community’s Initiative Program Interreg IIIA Italy-Slovenia
(2000-2006), is suitable for this valorisation, since it concerns the coastal areas and also the near-by
hinterland of Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Slovenia, and aims at promoting the historical-archaeological
and naturalistic aspects, by pointing out the particular and millenary relations of men with the environment,
lagoon, water streams, and sea. This current publication, “La Laguna Nascosta (The Hidden Lagoon)”,
highlights sceneries, places, and traditions of the eastern part of Veneto that only a few people, up to now,
have the possibility and the luck to know and visit.
At the same time, the coordinating subject of the entire project, Ente Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del
Po (Veneto Del Delta del Po Regional Park Body), is committed in the development of relations - based
on environmental, historical, and tourist analogies - that strengthen more and more, the collaborations
with the territories that overlook High Adriatic’s coasts. In particular, the cooperation with Slovenia,
which involved SLOVENETA D.O.O., Komen, Capodistria, Pirano, Portorose, and Izola municipalities in the
partner project, constitutes a further step towards the valorisation and integrated promotion of Slovenian
and Venetian territories.
Wishing that the above mentioned project guidelines may fi nd further development and may also be shared
in the new 2007-2013 community’s programming cycle, together with the course of the collaboration with
Slovenian and Friulan partners, I invite the readers to a pleasant rediscovery of our territories.
This publication is the result of the EC project “Coast to Coast” within the INTERREG III A Italy-Slovenia
program aiming to enhance the tourism, environment and cultural offer in the areas stretching
out between the delta of the river Po and the Slovenian side thus concerning the whole Province of Venice
and the Venetian coast in particular. These pages are the account of some less known aspects peculiar
to such lands which can be of great interest due to their historical, archaeological and naturalistic
signifi cance.
Our purpose is to highlight hereby the tourism related features according to a specifi c perspective such
as the one resulting from a view of our territory as seen by young people. These areas are in fact linked
by a common history, starting before roman times up until the Middle Age, as well as by the environment
displaying similar features also thanks to the presence of water streams, sea and lagoons.
This guide aims to introduce the general features peculiar to both the inland and the coastal areas of the
Province of Venice, with special attention to those referring to settlements such as Jesolo, Eraclea, Caorle,
Quarto d’Altino and Concordia Sagittaria, along with every possible new fi nding. Some recommended
activities are also listed: nature walks, fl ower- and animal-watching and going in search of history, of
human interventions as well as of local traditions.
So… enjoy your holidays!
Councilman responsible for Tourism of Province of Venice
Danilo Lunardelli
Regional Councillor
Economical and Institutional Policies Department
Attorney Fabio Gava
President of Province of Venice
Davide Zoggia
6 7

The environment
From coast to coast,
where land meets the sea
In ancient times the upper Adriatic coast was marked by a succession of lagoons from
Ravenna to Aquileia, interrupted only by the delta of the rivers Po, Adige, Brenta,
Piave and Tagliamento. It was therefore possible to sail all the way from Ravenna to
Altino through inner streams fl owing across the lagoons.
However the lagoon is not only a unique place from the naturalistic point of view: its
uniqueness is also due to the fact that here was built and fl ourished the city of Venice.
History and nature connect Venice to all the following centres – Jesolo, Caorle, Quarto
d’Altino, eraclea and Concordia sagittaria – whose special aspects we wish to ighlight
hereby.
The areas in subject were already inhabited during the pre-roman and roman periods,
and they were important since representing the bond between land and water, north
and south and between east and west…real “colonisation” of the coasts, however,
actually took place due to the barbarian invasions (especially the Huns led by Attila
during the IV century a.C. as well as the Longobards during the VI cent.) that forced
the inhabitants of Altino, Oderzo, along with the inland populations, to seek refuge in
the islands of the lagoon which could have been better defended, as then happened for
many centuries, from the incursions of the invaders.
Caorle, Torcello, Malamocco, Chioggia, Grado and Melidissa (Eraclea) along with
Rialto and then Venice represented the core of the new “maritime Venice” and lived
on trading and fi shing, establishing strong links with the East. Over the time some
geographical features have changed, streams caused fl oods and then created sandbanks
thus often turning islands into peninsulas and today into beach resorts…
In the near inland, instead, there were large woods (plain forests) of which nowadays
only small parts have survived near the areas hereby mentioned.
The Republic of Venice and its gradual programme of drainage during the last few
centuries rendered this land habitable and today the historical and territorial
relationships of these centres, between nature and archaeology, are being brought to
light also thanks to the “Coast to Coast” project.
The Lagoons
Lagoons are humid areas where a regular exchange between earth and water takes
place, they are located near river deltas and shallow and sandy sea shores. The largest
lagoon in Italy is the Venetian one divided into North and South lagoon. To be
mentioned are also: Caorle and Bibione lagoon as well as that of Marano, in the Friuli
region, and those at the delta of the river Po. The Venetian lagoon is a very special natural
area that had a quite important role in history and art: the city of Venice in fact was built on
the islands of the lagoon, where the inhabitants of the mainland had fl ed from barbarian
invasions, from the IV to the VII century a.C. Lagoons are environments full of life, in constant
evolution; furthermore, just like all humid areas, they are very important on the ecological
point of view, due to the possibility to protect birds as well as to maintain a close relationship
between sea and its shores.
8 9

10
They feature shallow and brackish waters
that sometimes, depending on tides, fl ood
the sandy areas called barene and velme
(marshes) while the upper areas are called
motte. They are crossed by small inner water
streams called ghebi; the sheets of water
are called either valli (valleys) or ciari
(clear). The area where the lagoon fl ows
into the sea is called bocche (mouths).
Sometimes lagoon areas involve direct human
intervention such as embankments or digging, or simply the wedging in of bricole, wooden
stakes driven in the bottom of the canals in order to indicate the inner navigable water ways,
or sometimes involving only fi shing or hunting. Lagoons feature special vegetation that
changes according to the water type: along the river mouths, where water is fresh, there
are high reed thickets that become lower towards the area of the real lagoon. In the middle
marsh zones spots of lilac colour are due to salt marsh grass (limonium) and sea lavender.
In the areas that get fl ooded more often we can fi nd pickle-weed and eelgrass, low plants
whose roots, however, consolidate the soil; in the less frequently fl ooded areas grows the
cord grass. In the motte and on the islands we can fi nd tamarisks, sea wheat grass and
santonica. The lagoon environment is inhabited by a great variety of animals: molluscs,
insects, reptiles and small mammals. Birds here can fi nd food quite easily either by “fi shing”
in shallow waters or by eating insects. Cormorants, fi shing birds, can be seen resting on the
bricole allowing their feathers to dry, as well as svassi (grebes), diving ducks (where water
is deeper) and different kinds of herons, like the grey heron or the smaller white one called
egret. Birds often nest or stop here while migrating elsewhere. For instance the more and
more often in the lagoons around Venice or Jesolo we can see pink fl amingos that, due to
global warming, are forced to migrate north. Due to the lagoon’s shallow waters sailing is
performed by means of boats with a fl at bottom. Many parts of the lagoon area, about 15%,
are devoted to fi sh-farms, where various types of fi sh are bred according to a “controlled”
system and are afterwards caught to be brought to our tables.
The Rivers
Rivers are another distinguishing element of the province of Venice and of its history.
The most important historical events took place near rivers or near their mouths, and
nowadays their natural and environmental aspects are quite interesting. Furthermore
the history of the Province is strictly connected to rivers’ life also due to the fact that
the Republic of Venice has implemented, during the past centuries, many works in
order to change the course of the rivers and to make life in the lagoon safer and
healthier. Over all we wish to remind here the river piave, renowned for the battles that
took place along its banks during World War I, which is a river fl owing all the way to the
Dolomites with an impetuous course and then fl owing into sea between Jesolo and
Eraclea. Its course was deviated by the Republic of Venice in order to avoid coarser
sediments brought by the river to pile up off shore in the lagoon. There is also a completely
different and quieter river originating much more down below where the plain area starts
and the water is surfacing: it’s the river sile, fl owing near Quarto d’Altino, which is the
longest spring river in Europe. River lemene instead links Concordia and Portogruaro to
Caorle and its lagoon.
11

12
View of Jesolo Lido
Jesolo
A golden strip between
fresh and brackish waters
Jesolo is one of the most renowned seaside resorts in italy: there are 15 km of soft
sandy beach, hundreds of hotels and restaurants and thousands of amusements, of
shopping and sport activities, in other words a great variety of ways to socialize.
In ancient times the area where Jesolo is located used to be a lagoon with some
scattered islands. The largest island was called equilium by the Romans: probably it
owes its name to the horses that were already bred by local ancient inhabitants, the
Venetians. This area has undergone a much
faster development at the occasion of the
arrival of the refugees fl eeing to the islands
due to the barbarian invasions. The ancient
Christians also built a church in Equilium,
of which nowadays only some mosaics
survive, and afterwards a basilica, to which
churches and monasteries nearby were
dependent. Its decadence was due to the
rivers fl ooding the area (Sile and Piave)
and rendering it uninhabitable as well
Ruins of the ancient
Caligo tower, medieval garrison.
13

Swinging bridge
on the river Sile - Jesolo
View on the Sile - Piave Vecchia
as causing the lagoon to be fi lled up by sediments. During the latest centuries reclaiming
works started in the whole area called Cavazuccherina. However in year ‘900 the area was
completely drained: the beach was then linked to the mainland and therefore many hotels
started to be built along with helio-therapeutic institutes for the sun therapy: sun and sand
along with the iodine of the sea breeze were deemed to have benefi cial properties. The
ancient name “Jesolo” was reinstated. Nowadays there are many reasons to go to Jesolo:
beach life, walks along the lively roads, but also getting to know the nature and the lagoon
nearby as well as the discovery of the historical spots located in Jesolo Paese, such as those
in the area of the “ancient walls”, and where most certainly were located the churches and
the Cathedral of st. Mary, or also visiting the exhibition housed in the local Town Hall.
in-depth
Jesolo and its lagoon
The lagoon of Venice… extends down to Jesolo !! You may notice that the road to
Jesolo runs along lagoon areas as well as along a very important canal, the idrovia
Veneta, fl owing from the lagoon of Venice to the mouths of river Isonzo.
Within the lagoon of Jesolo, as in others, are carried out very important economical
activities: yet in the past fi shing and hunting were performed and salt-pits were
exploited. The fi sh-farms still exist and particularly important is Dragojesolo area as
large as 1000 hectares. It is a matter of a “framed” lagoon hence supporting the
breeding and fi shing of fi sh, seafood and molluscs, but it is also a greatly important
area due to the other types of fauna. Dragojesolo can be reached by simply taking a
walk from old Jesolo Paese along Salsi Street towards Lio Maggiore, another lagoon
resort: evocative landscapes and great horizons. A few steps away, where the water is
fresher, live turtles, tree-frogs and green toads, while on the lands above sea level
hares and hedgehogs can be seen. However the largest community of animals is the
birds related one: pink fl amingos transit here while migrating, there are several herons
(the purple one as well as the egret), wild ducks, the fen-hawk and the kingfi sher.
Many other types of birds are still to be discovered.
Dragojesolo fi sh farm, Northern Lagoon stretch between Jesolo old town centre and Jesolo Lido
14 15

Hence the possibility of birdwatching. A good support to improve our knowledge in
Jesolo is also the Museum of Natural History. Here many animals of this area and of the
whole of Europe are displayed: over 20.000 pieces with a great number of birds, in addition
to many tools used in daily life in the lagoon areas and in the fish-farms (therefore also for
fishing and hunting) as well as tools to look after birds in captivity such as cages, troughs,
and instruments used to reproduce the birds singing.
In addition to this there is a palaeontology related section with skeletons, images and
full-size models of dinosaurs and of the fauna of the Mesozoic era. This section will be
further enlarged and enriched in the next few years. Currently there are several
accurate models of land and sea mammals as well as of the great predators at the top of
the food chain, living and non-living species, and of the fauna of the whole Veneto
region and almost all of the palearctic areal.
A naturalistic didactic laboratory is available to let visitors experience the use of
materials such as clay and papier-mache to create reproductions of the fauna peculiar
to the region and to the lagoon of Venice.
The lighthouse in Cavallino
curious facts
The fish farms
(We have mentioned Dragojesolo area but let’s have a look at some further details…)
Lagoon is a landscape influenced by direct human intervention: for instance bricole
and peocere too, in other words the poles and nets used to breed mussels (peoci).
This activity, however, is far more complex and it’s achieved especially through the
fish-farms called “valleys”: in this case the word “valley” comes from the Latin vallum
which means wall or barrier, since these are areas separated from the lagoon by small
embankments or screens built by humans as well as limited by dams called chiaviche.
Fishing hut
These sheets of shallow water rich in fish-
food, are devoted to the breeding of some
types of fish (sea breams, eels, mullets) in
addition to molluscs and seafood. Young
fish are called avannotti or novellame: they
go with the stream and the percentage of
salt in the water and they dwell in these
“controlled” and protected areas. Young fish
are often caught in the sea (for example by the fishermen in Caorle) and then
transferred to the farms. When fish are grown up and able to go back to the open sea,
they are enclosed in the lavorieri, a kind of triangle shaped enclosures, where they are
then caught. In the past, life in the fish-farms was hard, with little food available and a lot of
humidity: fishermen would often spend part of the year living in the Cason da pesca (fishing
hut). There were also many Cason da caccia (hunting huts) and hunting barrels, but these
were used mostly by the lords, the great land owners. There were various occupations: a very
important activity was the maintenance of the boat (kept in covered shelters called cavane)
but also the weaving of nets, cutting the reeds and preparing the nasse, sorts of baskets used
to catch the eels. Reeds were used to manufacture various types of accessories (chairs etc.)
also for people living in the mainland. Some evidences regarding life in the fish-farms are on
display in the Municipal Museum of Jesolo as well as in other exhibitions held in this area
(Museum of Reclaiming Works of S. Donà, Nature Reserve of Averto fish-farm).
info
MuNiCipAlity of Jesolo
www.comune.jesolo.ve.it
library - tel. (+39)0421 359147 - biblioteca@jesolo.it
Apt della provincia di Venezia (tourism promotion Agency) - iAt di Jesolo - Piazza Brescia, 13
Lido di Jesolo - tel. (+39) 0421 370601 - info@aptjesoloeraclea.it - www.turismo.provincia.venezia.it
Municipal Natural History Museum - via Bafile, 172 - Lido di Jesolo - tel. (+39) 0421 382248
16 17

18
View on Eraclea Mare
Eraclea
The Doges’ pinewood
today eraclea is a quiet and green coastal town. In ancient times the island of
Melidissa (its ancient name), inhabited since the fi rst centuries of our era, became the
more and more important due to the
infl ux of populations from the mainland
(especially from Oderzo, where an important
roman community had settled) seeking
refuge in the islands from the barbarians.
eraclea owes its name to the emperor of the
Eastern Roman Empire with whom it had
close relationships.
During the VII-VIII centuries, along with
other villages such as Torcello, Caorle,
Chioggia and Grado, Eraclea became part
of an important network of islands of the
lagoon of the north Adriatic sea that
represented the fi rst settlements of Venice.
Achieving full defence from neighbours and
Scenic view of the sea and of Eraclea Mare pinewood
19

pirates, though, was very diffi cult hence the decision to appoint a commander called “Doge”
who was considered the fi rst Venetian governor.
The town changed again name and was called Cittanova. Wars and fl oods taking place before
year 1000 weakened Eraclea that rapidly declined.
Only from year 1800 the area was drained thus being revived, afterwards the town was called
Grisolera reminding the swamp reeds. During the past century the town took back its ancient
and aristocratic name and the tourism sector started to develop. Vestiges of the past can still
be seen in some areas and are partly housed in the local Museum of Reclaiming Works of
s. Donà di piave.
Reclaiming works Museum interiors in San Donà di Piave
(Last but not least; here in the Piave area took place many crucial battles of World War
i, so many sites are full of memories although they have been repeatedly destroyed).
Lagoon of Mort
in-depth
Lagoon of Mort
Waters often played games with Eraclea, a town enclosed between the lagoon and
important rivers such as the tumultuous river Piave fl owing down from the Dolomites.
The best example is undoubtedly the Lagoon of Mort, a small lagoon thought to have
formed about 70 years ago when the river Piave broke its banks and the fi nal part of its
course has therefore undergone some changes. Thus the actual sheet of water was
formed: it is surrounded by sand and mud and its environment is ideal for both fauna
and fl ora as well as for relaxing walks and bird- or plant-watching. In the inner area the
“fossil dunes” (ie ancient dunes of sand that became stable thanks to the action of the plant
roots and therefore wind can no longer interact) are covered with pine trees. Almost all
the luxuriant plants of the Adriatic area date back to the past century when these have been
used to separate the cultivated areas of the inland and the marine areas. Nowadays these are
quiet corners full of shade. At a not too far distance a vegetation peculiar to the salty and
sandy areas can be found such as marram grass. When walking closer to the water we can
see reed thickets, common reed (phragmites) and other lagoon plants such as the pickle-
weed. To be mentioned are also a couple of interesting plants growing here: the orchid
(mountain and swamp types) and a steppe plant, the spear-leaved dogbane (Apocynum
Venetum), thus proving that once weather here was similar to the steppe one, very windy
and dry. The vegetation of the lagoon beds includes seagrass (Zostera marina) as well as
20 21

several types of algae. In the dune area live leverets, weasels and other small mammals
such as rodents in addition to reptiles and amphibians. The whole area is populated by
several types of migratory birds. Many different types of birds either transit or make a
stop here like wild ducks, teals, garganeys, pintail ducks, whistle ducks, pochards as well
as grebes and other birds of the ducks’ family. Birds like the Kentish plover, the river
nightingale, the zitting cisticola nest here and now and then the grey and purple herons, the
egret and some birds of prey such as the buzzard or the honey buzzard stop here.
Part of the lagoon related environment has been replicated at the environmental
education Centre. The Environmental Education Centre of Eraclea is housed in an old
local building known as the ex-kiln. As a matter of fact it’s a drying-house where goods used
to be dried out, amongst which fruits and vegetables for the Italian troops during World
War I. As many other sites in this area it’s a sample of “industrial archaeology”. Nowadays
it lays deep in the greenery, a few meters from the sea and next to a natural path crossing
the pine-wood and the dunes.
Environmental Education Territorial Centre near the old kiln – Eraclea Mare
Martin Pescatore
curious facts
Walking and scouting…
in Eraclea
What’s birdwatching and what can be seen in the lagoon. Birdwatching consists of observing
birds within their natural habitat. It’s an ecological activity that started to develop in Italy
only recently and that takes place mostly in areas rich in waters or in lagoons: from the delta of
the river Po to the lagoon of Venice, Jesolo and to the other fi sh-farm areas. Birds can be watched
while walking across the fi sh-farm area and reed thickets, by stopping in huts or watch-towers
(along equipped paths) or while sailing on a boat. We would recommend the use of binoculars
and cameras to enjoy better watching. More expert watchers can also use binoculars with a
tripod thus managing to watch more distant birds. In order to perform a good watching session
noticed since animals are quite frightened by visitors.
info
it is advisable to gather in small groups,
wear comfortable shoes, move with extreme
care, avoid wearing gaudy colours (hence
camoufl aging with surrounding nature)
and use a good protection against insects
and humidity…. Along the path, if possible
guided by an expert escort, you will be able
to spot some signs of the presence of birds:
tracks, feathers, egg shells, tracks on the trees
or also their singing and rustling. the best
seasons are springtime and fall. However
it is advisable to go watch birds very early in
the morning: indeed it is during the early morning hours that birds living near the water fl y out
to seek food. In addition to this it would be useful to try and keep the sun behind own shoulders,
so that birds can be in the light, as well as to walk sideways: it’s important to try and avoid being
MuNiCipAlity of eRACleA
www.comune.eraclea.ve.it
library - tel. (+39)0421 234330 - biblioteca@comune.eraclea.ve.it
Apt della provincia di Venezia (tourism promotion Agency) - iAt di eraclea - via Marinella 56
Eraclea Mare - tel. (+39) 0421 66024 - info@aptjesoloeraclea.it - www.turismo.provincia.venezia.it
environmental education Centre of eraclea - via degli Abeti 2 - Eraclea Mare
tel. (+39) 0421 66024
limosa Cooperative - www.limosa.it - tel. (+39) 041 932003
22 23

24
Caorle
Caorle
Life at sea
between history and nature
Caorle is a coastal town offering to tourists not only nice beaches and amusements, but
also an interesting historical centre and an large lagoon area where naturalistic areas
with huts can be found. The historical centre of Caorle reminds of the city of Venice and
the island of Burano due to the lively calli (streets) and campielli (small squares) and to
the multi-coloured houses overlooking the port. Furthermore an ancient bell tower, next
to the cylindrical Cathedral dating back to year 1000, stands out in the town centre.
The town, in fact, has been an important centre for fi shing and trade since ancient times and
especially during the Middle Age.
History is sometimes emerging from the sea: ancient boats, amphorae and other
remains will soon be displayed in the Museum of sea archaeology currently under
preparation.
If you fi nd yourself in the centre of Caorle, leaving from the typical church of the
Virgin of the Angel overlooking the waves, you will certainly enjoy walking along the
colourful narrow streets but also along the seashore and the cliff. However surprises in
this town are not over yet: if you get to the cliff along the sea you will notice that the
rocks have been sculpted portraying various imaginary fi gures thus turning this place
into an open air art gallery to which every year new masterpieces are added during the
25

Hut in Falconera di Caorle, located in front of the old house of Guardia di Finanza
Scogliera Viva festival. The lagoon of Caorle (linked to the Bibione one nearby) is a special
place: water from rivers such as the Lemene here meets with the sea thus creating a unique
landscape. Here next to nature lay also many signs of the life of humans, such as the
fishermen huts, made of straw and reed, called casoni caorlotti slightly standing out
from the reed thickets on the small islands connected to the mainland and creating a
really unique landscape. The lagoon is lapping on the small town of S. Gaetano a little
beyond the fish-farms such as Valle Zignago and Valle Grande.
Out and… deep down the sea there is a very special environment rich in fish: the
tegnue, a rocky sea bed where the fishermen’s nets used to get entangled (hence the
name “tenute” ie held) located offshore in the upper Adriatic, especially out of Caorle
and Chiogga. Amongst these special rocks, formed by marine organisms such as algae
piling up on the sea bed for ages, there are different kinds of marine life: sponges, sea
anemones, shell fish (such as the lobster), and fish like the small cods.
in-depth
Vallevecchia
If you manage to travel a few kilometres further on you will enjoy plunging in a
unique environment surprisingly free from buildings. Don’t miss Brussa and Vallevecchia!
Vallevecchia is an extremely special place, a nature reserve where where it is possible to walk
for as long as 4 km on the sand in the pine-wood. It’s a matter of a large island overlooking the
sea surrounded by canals and rivers and linked to the mainland by a bridge. About a hundred
years ago it used to be a fish-farm that has been afterwards drained. Currently many actions
have been planned for this area in an attempt to bring it back to the original conditions by
restoring the wood, the field shrubs, the moist areas peculiar to the lagoon environment and
managing to preserve the cultivated area according to ecological standards. Therefore it’s
a place enabling us to improve our knowledge (also in the naturalistic education centre)
and where it’s possible to take walks in the pine-wood as well as to swim….also it’s worth
discovering the richness of the lagoon and of the open spaces, and to locate the hidden huts.
Vallevecchia is currently managed by Veneto Agricoltura and it’s a specially protected
zone (Zps) appointed as “site of communitarian importance” (siC), therefore this
area is deemed important on the ecological point of view by Europe too.
26 27
Vallevecchia

Parade Caorlina boat during
the Madonna dell’Angelo feast
that took place in Caorle on
15.09.05. The Bishop of Venice
curious facts
Fishing: boats and trades in the
sea, the rivers and the lagoons
In Caorle it is possible to practise fi shing-tourism: a day at sea on fi shermen’s boats
going fi shing as well as enjoying eating the fi sh already caught. A coastal town has its own
boats too. The Caorlina boat owes its name to Caorle, it’s a slender but spacious fi shing
and cargo boat peculiar to the rivers and lagoons and whose existence has been testifi ed
since the XVI century. The main feature of the Caorlina refers to the shape of its fore and
aft, which are stretching out high and are of the same length thus enabling rapid changes of
direction. It looks like a gondola and can have more than one rower. It can also be dragged
ashore (from the alzaie) when sailing across the canals or in case of sailing to the sea sails
could be used. However the Caorlina wasn’t and isn’t used only in Caorle: if needed it was
operating as supporting boat for the fi shing activity both at sea or in the lagoon (mostly for
fi shing with fi xed nets), however this boat was also used in rivers. The greengrocers of
the islands of Venice would sail on the Caorline early in the morning to go to the
market in Rialto and they would be racing with each other to get there fi rst and enjoy
the privilege of being able to display own products in the best place. The shipyards for
these boats, as well for the bigger boats such as the burci, are usually located along the
river Sile towards Treviso. Nowadays some of this coloured boats can be seen along the water
streams of the province of Venice during sport competitions and festivals (palii remieri) or
at the occasion of historical celebrations (historical regatta). fishing in the rivers, just
like in canals or ditches of the Venetian countryside, was a daily practise and quite popular
amongst locals who where therefore able to secure what was often their sole source of
nourishment. fish were caught by means of rudimental but effi cient tools whose
manufacturing belongs to the cultural legacy of the populations inhabiting the areas along
the river. One of the most interesting tools that can still be seen in the lagoon areas is the
bilancia (square fi shing net), a tool composed of a square net pulled by iron arches
weighed at both ends by some lead ballasts replacing the bamboo canes used in the
Fishing square net
on the river Livenza
past. The sides of the square nets can measure one or more metres thus stretching out
for the whole size of the river or canal. The net is then lowered in water from either the
shores or a boat so to get it to lay on the river bed. After a certain lapse of time it gets
quickly raised so to catch the fi sh transiting above the net and attracted by the baits
arranged on this purpose. The pulling system is operated either by a pole to whose
end a rope is tightly bound or by a pulley.
Bunch of vine wood: this fi shing method implemented in rivers and in lagoons was
quite popular in the past when technology still didn’t offer other alternatives. Our
grandfathers used to bind together some freshly cut vine-shoots thus obtaining large
bundles, sometimes they would arrange baits inside the bundles.
Placed in water the bunch would constitute a fake lair for eels and after a few days it
would be quickly pulled out the water thus catching the eels that were trapped inside.
To catch the fi sh a kind of funnel-shaped nets (once made of wicker) called nasse (or
bertavelli) were also used: once the fi sh was in, it was impossible to come out again
and fi shermen were forced to release the fi sh by pulling them by the tail.
info
MuNiCipAlity of CAoRle
www.comune.caorle.ve.it
library - tel. (+39)0421 219255 - biblioteca@comune.caorle.ve.it
Apt della provincia di Venezia (tourism promotion Agency) - iAt di Caorle
Calle delle Liburniche 16 - Caorle - tel. (+39) 0421 81085
info@caorleturismo.it - www.turismo.provincia.venezia.it
Angelo Scola onboard
28 the Caorlina.
29

30
Cycle path on the river Sile
Polychrome glazed vessel
National Archaeological
Museum of Altino
Quarto d’Altino
A crossroads
of history and nature
In the heart of the upper Adriatic sea, a few kilometres far from Venice, is located the
ancient Altinum, a roman town, whose utmost fl ourishing took place between the I and
the II century a.C.
Overlooking the lagoon, it enjoyed a privileged position: inner lagoon routes were
setting courses across the Adriatic; a close network of roads connected the town to the
major city centres of Venetia, while navigable water ways, such as rivers Sile and
Piave, enabled to reach the piedmont areas.
The town, built on natural small hills and crossed by several
canals, was surrounded by a wall and had an imposing door-
berthing place on the northern side. There were public
buildings and residential areas with domus embellished by
mosaic fl oors. Along the roads heading out of the town
there were ample necropolis where over 2000 precious
funerary dowries have been found. Nearby there were
large villas, partly intended for the otium of the wealthy
owners, and partly housing some production plants making
them autonomous as well as prosperous.
31

32
Northern door-berthing place:
a reconstruction assumption
(watercolour by Elena DePoli)
The village of Altino is currently composed of a small settlement surrounded by cultivated
areas, the actual town centre instead, grown around Quarto d’Altino town, has been moved
north. In 1960 the National Archaeological Museum of Quarto d’Altino has been built
on the ancient roman site housing a variety of fi nds from digs of about 2000 tombs. The fi nds
include stone sculptures such as monuments and funerary stele with inscriptions, heads
depicting female and male subjects along with funerary dowries including both terra-cotta
and glass pottery, adornment objects and coins. Furthermore some mosaics coming from
the settlements are also on display in the museum rooms. Two large archaeological sites
open to public visits are located outside the Museum building. One of the two sites hosts a
staircase enabling access to the berthing place on the canal as well as a stretch of road paved
with trachytic basoli and lined with ruins of houses and mosaic fl oorings. The second site
displays the sandstone block foundations of the monumental door-berthing place with two
square towers and a central courtyard that was once overlooking a water stream.
Due to the extraordinary wealth of fi nds housed in the Museum’s warehouse soon the
Museum itself will be moved to two large buildings nearby dating back to ‘800 which have
been suitably restored and equipped for the new exhibition. Such a remarkable facility will
also house a variety of items including several small statues and bronze lamina recently
found during some archaeological investigations carried out in the museum area where a
shrine, dating from pre-roman and roman times, has been also unearthed.
in-depth
Spanish broom
(from G. Negri,
Illustrated Herbal)
Box-tree
(from G. Negri,
Illustrated Herbal)
Hortus Altini.
From vegetal fi nds to restoration
of the ancient environment.
Ancient sources and data obtained as a result of the paleo-botanical
investigations carried out on several fi ndings from excavations,
gave us an idea of local landscape during roman times. Towards
north an expanse of woods of mainly oaks and hornbeams, with
ash trees, elms, maple and beech trees, was stretching out to crops
of cereals, mile, barley and spelt. There were fruit trees such as
cherry and plum trees, peach and hazelnut trees as well as fi g trees.
Wall-nut trees were grown both for their fruits and their valuable
wood; the vineyards supplied wine for the tables of Altino.
Box-wood foot
from a piece
of furniture
(I cent. A.C.)
Towards south the landscape was
characterized by marshes covered
with fen-grass and fl owers where canals, bordered with reed
and carex thickets, once fl owed. Pine-trees were standing out
and were quite appreciated thanks to their small and copious
fruits, while the renowned brooms from Altino (Grazio’s altinates
genistae) are blots in the landscape with their colours. Around
the town the necropolis looked like gardens with hedges of
evergreen boxtrees and bushes of wild roses: ...ut... largius rosae
et esc[ae]...ponerentur, hands down the stele of Lucius Ogius
Patroclus from Altino who had made a donation thus granting
plenty of roses to be spread on his grave.
Sole of female
sandal made
of box-wood
(I cent. a.C.)
Wild rose
(from G. Negri,
Illustrated Herbal)
Oak-tree
(from G. Negri,
Illustrated
Herbal)
33

curious facts
The lagoon
and Trepalade nature reserve
If walking or cycling along the green paths along the water streams fl owing across
Quarto d’Altino area towards the lagoon, we will meet trepalade and portegrandi
villages. Many of these areas are located in the natural regional park of the river sile.
The Sile is the longest spring river in Europe:
it doesn’t originate in the mountains but
in the belt area, near Treviso, between
mountain and plain areas where, due to ground
modifi cations and slant, water is surfacing
thus creating for instance the fontanassi.
The water stream is quiet and clear as well
as easily navigable both with motorboats
and canoes or kayaks.
Trepalade owes its name to the presence,
in the past, of three poles used as a barrier
for boats carrying goods to Venice and that
were therefore compelled to pay a toll or a
Birdwatching hut
fee to pass. Nowadays in Trepalade there is a naturalistic oasis: everything here has been kept
the same and the ancient landscape, recently destroyed by agricultural development, has been
restored. A great variety of animals live here undisturbed in the bushes or in the fen-reed area:
Trepalade nature reserve
Mallard
several birds of different types manage to feed themselves with insects and with fruit of the
hedges such as dog-roses and wild plums.
You will be able to identify, both kept in cages or fl ying free, some of the birds peculiar to our
areas such as the butcherbird, the blackcap, the blackbird, the red woodpecker, the great
titmouse and the kingfi sher in addition to all those animals living by the water such as the
egret, the wild duck, the sheldrake, along with frogs and turtles. The wood nearby hosts hares,
hedgehogs and weasels.
info
MuNiCipAlity of QuARto D’AltiNo
www.comune.quartodaltino.ve.it
library - tel. (+39)0422 823769 - biblioteca@comunequartodaltino.it
Apt della provincia di Venezia (tourism promotion Agency) - iAt di Venezia
tel. (+39)041 5298711 - info@turismovenezia.it - www.turismo.provincia.venezia.it
trepalade Nature Reserve - tel. (+39) 0422 789041 - www.oasitrepalade.com
National Archaeological Museum - via S. Eliodoro, 37 - Quarto d’Altino - tel. (+39) 0422 829008
34 35

36
Bishop Palace
Concordia
Sagittaria
From roman memories
to the routes across eastern Venice
A typical town located on the banks of the river lemene, fl owing fi rst to the lagoons and
then to sea, whose centre is rich in history. As a matter of fact it’s the site of the ancient Julia
Concordia, one of the most important sites of the Triveneto, located on the Annia road at
the crossroads with Postumia. The town centre was built around a network of roads, whose
decumanus maximus (the main road along the east-west axis crossing the cardo, ie the
north to south hinge) can still be seen today, and was embellished with walls, doors and a
theatre, both public and private spas and some rich domus. The town became a defensive
bulwark under the Romans as well as quite renowned for the manufacturing of arrows (the
word Sagittaria was added up to its name in the last century in order to recall this feature
peculiar to the town). The town had also a quite important role during the Christian period
and by the end of the IV century it became the Bishop See. Between the V and VII century
a.C. the inhabitants of Concordia fl ed to Caorle due to barbarian invasions. Nowadays many
evidences of the roman and late-ancient era are still to be seen such as the remains of streets,
walls, door a bridge, spas and water wells, warehouses, a theatre as well as the military burial-
ground… Many fi nds, however, are on display in the National Archaelogical Museum
of portogruaro (such as remains of mosaic fl ooring, inscriptions and funerary urns of the
roman period), but there is also a very interesting exhibition of fi nds (such as amphorae,
pottery dating back to different eras, pillars, ancient water pipes) at the Town Hall. Very
37

interesting are also the stratifications, dating back to different ages, that follow one another
in the town centre around s. stephen’s Cathedral which is housing many paintings and
ancient remains. To walk down the stairs or a few metres ahead means stepping back in
time. The whole paleo-christian area (ie dating back to the early Christian age) was built
above a large roman domus, dating from the I century a.C., in order to host the relics of
the Apostles. Currently there are still some remains of the Trichora Martyrum dating back
to 350 a.C. as well as of the Basilica, built a few decades later and housing some mosaics.
The well-preserved baptistery
(dating back to year 1100 ca.) is a
typical example of romanic-byzantine
art with its ancient frescos depicting
holy accounts. It is possible to follow
an historical itinerary starting from
Cardinal Costantini Square (near the
Cathedral) and then heading towards
north along the roman walls to end up
in the archaeological area dedicated to
them as well as in the spa site. If we continue towards Mazzini Street and then Claudia Street
we will end up where the ancient town door and the cardine road were.
We can then either continue towards the roman bridge or turn onto the archaeological digs
where houses, water wells and a theatre have been found.
S. Stephen Cathedral
Cathedral apse
in-depth
From clay to ceramic
Clay, the raw material used to manufacture bricks, roofing tiles, pots, mugs, dishes, bowls
and glasses, is a rock whose peculiar feature is “plasticity”: thanks to this feature the
potter can easily mould clay when it’s still moist. Plasticity disappears with cooking, thus
delivering a product with good endurance qualities and with the desired shape.
Once cooked, clay is called ceramic. The potter used to mould clay with his hands, giving
it the shape of the object he wished to create: a dish, a bowl and so on. This process called
foggiatura (shaping) could be either handwork (in this case the technique was called a
colombino - fig. 1) or achieved by means of a potter’s wheel, a tool composed by a bat, a
flat disc, revolving freely around a vertical axe wedged in the ground. The potter would place
a small ball of soft clay on the turntable that he was continuously turning while moulding the
clay with his hands: at this stage the object would gradually get its shape.
Once the ware had been moulded it was allowed to air dry for a few days and then duly
cooked. The simplest technique to cook pottery was called a cumulo (heap - fig. 2): the
dry and raw vessels were arranged in layers, one on top of the other, and then covered with
earth. Fuel was then placed in the middle of the pile and around it and set on fire: in a very
short time the temperature would reach 500° degrees and the vessels would cook thus
hardening.
A more advanced system was the one called a fornace (kiln - fig. 3): the kiln was a small
construction with thick walls, composed of two superimposed layers. Firewood was put
in the lower one, holes in the ceiling would allow combustion smoke to blow towards the
upper layer. The vessels to be cooked were then stacked and arranged on the upper layer.
Within a few hours the inside temperature in the kiln would get to 800-900° degrees which
were needed to cook the pottery, afterwards the cooling process would then start.
fig. 1
fig. 3
fig. 4 fig. 5
38 39
fig. 2

fi g. 6
Vasa Rubra: the sealed earth
Scholars were using the name “sealed earth” to classify the production of fi ne ceramic for
tableware in roman times, whose peculiar features were: a shiny surface and a mostly red-
orange colour obtained through a special cooking process. The name “sealed earth” has
very ancient roots: sigillum, in Latin, is in fact short for signum whose meaning is “statue”.
Therefore the term “sealed” includes, strictly speaking, all the ceramics whose surface is
decorated with “small fi gures” created by using a matrix and are then imprinted in the
negative or laid on (fi g. 6). However scholars nowadays include by convention in
such a production also ceramics featuring a smooth and glazed surface.
The roman city of Arretium (Arezzo) was the most ancient and
important production centre of “sealed earth” : the ancient populations
were yet using the defi nition vasa rubra (red vessels) for the ceramics
manufactured in Arezzo, since these were featuring a shiny coral-red clay
coating. The potters from Arezzo used to emboss their name on ware as
their brand, a kind of “stamp” that was guaranteeing the quality of the product.
Sometimes some symbols, such as small palms, crowns, asterisks, were added to the
name, but some other times these would replace the name itself. The embossed names were
enclosed in a frame with a special shape (fi g. 4-5); rectangles with or without frame, circles,
crescents. Extremely recurrent, especially as from 15th a.C., was the footprint (planta pedis)
shape, the hand shaped frame (planta manus) instead was more rare to fi nd. Around the end
of the I century b.C. the vessels from Arezzo had become so famous to be requested not only
in the whole of the Italian peninsula, but in Gallia (Gaul), Spain and Northern Africa too. Many
productions were then launched imitating the sealed earth of Arezzo. As a matter of fact a kind
of sealed earth, very similar to the one manufactured in Arezzo, and called nord italica (from
northern Italy), was manufactured in the Padana area as from the end of the I century b.C. until
the II century a.C. The production centres were many, but are diffi cult to locate. Characterized by
clear and dusty glazed clay this production is divided into plain and decorated. Important is
the production of vessels with two handles and a high edge, decorated in the lowest section
(fi g. 7). Their main manufacturer was Sarius, a potter
of the Padana area, owner of an atelier where
his slaves were in charge of decorating the
vessels.From the I century a.C. Gallia and
northern Africa, Tunisia in particular,
achieved a production of vessels that spread
all over the roman world! So the circulation of
ware was already lively at the time and its production
started spreading from Italy to other areas.
fi g. 7
curious facts
Weapons and equipment
in the roman world
Arrows, called sagittae, were manufactured at Julia Concordia, hence its name
Sagittaria. Here iron coming from the north
was used to manufacture sharp points for
the arrows belonging to the equipment of
the roman legions along with other weapons
such as gladius, a short sword, or pilum, a javelin.
It should be noted that the manufacturing of
weapons in the roman world was carefully
organized. For instance the bow factories
were located far away from the arrow
factories thus preventing all possible enemies from taking possession of the whole
weapon, but only of parts of it that would be useless if separated from one another.
The digs have provided a great amount of ceramics dating from between the I and the
VII century, mostly fragments of daily life tools. Since very ancient times men have
used clay to manufacture bricks for the houses they were dwelling in as well as pottery
used to cook with or eat food on. Pots were called olle, and were used to cook soups that could
also be preserved. These were made of ceramic enriched with elements helping diffuse the heat
and cook food. Bread and fl at bread were cooked in large and low pans without handles, while
frying pans were used for frying food or for omelettes just like nowadays.
Ceramic objects are fragile and break easily, however their fragments scattered on the
ground can last undamaged for many centuries: this is why the archaeologists usually fi nd so
many fragments while digging. Ceramic fragments act as “leader fossils” helping establish
the date of the layers that have been dug out. Some of the fi nds of Concordia are peculiar and
can be placed within the “sealed earth” or the “red vessels” range: by examining them we can
become acquainted with an interesting story.
info
MuNiCipAlity of CoNCoRDiA sAGittARiA
Concordia Municipal Archaeological Museum interiors
www.input.ve.it/concordia
library - tel. (+39)0421 270442 - concords@provincia.venezia.it
Apt della provincia di Venezia (tourism promotion Agency) - iAt di Caorle - Calle delle Liburniche 16
Caorle - tel. (+39) 0421 81085 - info@caorleturismo.it - www.turismo.provincia.venezia.it
Concordia Municipal Archaeological Museum - Piazza Matteotti, 5 - Concordia Sagittaria
tel. (+39) 0421 275582
40 41

In the
surrounding areas
The island and the city,
under the sign of Venice
Torcello
The island of Torcello is extremely important for the history of Venice as it represents
a connection through time and space… It was in this small island of the lagoon, in fact, located
near the mainland and the mouths of the river Sile that the inhabitants of Altino sought refuge
from the VII to the VII century. Many buildings in Torcello were built with stones called altinelle
coming from the abandoned town of Altino. The island was densely populated and houses,
churches and cloisters were built, even if afterwards a settlement called Rivoaltus, the modern
Rialto in the centre of Venice, became more important.
Nowadays it’s a peaceful and historical site and some of
its noteworthy attractions are: “Attila’s throne” (an
ancient stone chair), the “devil’s bridge” (one of the
few original bridges remained, ie without spallette or
shelters), the church of santa fosca, the Museum of
the province housing many archaeological remains
and above all the Cathedral, founded in 639 and restored
in 1000 ca., with its great mosaic depicting the
last Judgement recalling the mosaics of Byzantium.
Torcello
Portogruaro
Portogruaro is a typical Venetian town, with its gothic and renaissance buildings but
also with many peculiar features: the mediaeval crenellated town Hall, the water well
with its ornamental pulleys, the walks along river Lemene to enjoy the view of the
mills, the town museum. Furthermore noteworthy is also the main collection of
archaeological remains of the area and, especially, of Concordia which is hosting the
National Museum of Concordia.
Here mosaics, remains of stone monuments but also coins, bronze artefacts, pottery, precious
stones and amber ware can be seen.
The museum’s shape recalls that of the ancient Christian basilicas in order to remind of the
Basilica of Concordia.
In addition to the above Portogruaro, like some other towns nearby, is a “wine town” due to the
presence of many DOC vineyards in the countryside and in the lands around it. To be mentioned
are also many other local specialties.
info
toRCello
Archaeological Museum - tel. (+39) 041 730761
www.sbmp.provincia.venezia.it/mir/musei/torcello/home.htm
MuNiCipAlity of poRtoGRuARo
www.comune.portogruaro.ve.it
iAt di portogruaro - Via Martiri della Libertà 19 - tel. (+39) 0421 73558
www.turismo.provincia.venezia.it
portogruaro National Concordiese Archaelogical Museum - via del Seminario, 26
Portogruaro - tel. (+39) 0421 72674
We WisH to tHANK
the project Management
Giuseppe Zuccon
publishing secretary and organization offi ce
Anna Boscolo
Paola Basso
Word processing and documentary researches
Maria Carla Furlan
Graphic Design
Achab Triveneto s.r.l.
Cartography
Berica Editrice s.n.c.
MANy tHANKs Also to
Soprintendenza Archeologica del Veneto
Giovanna Sandrini e Francesca Ferrarini
Francesca Veronese
Walter Coledan
Roberta Manzi
pHotoGRApHs
Archivio APT della Provincia di Venezia
Archivio del Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Altino
Archivio dell’Associazione Ornitologica Basso Piave Onlus
Andrea Borrione
Elio e Stefano Ciol
Pierluigi Benetello
MB Multimedia
42 Portoguaro
43

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