An almost hidden landscape that the mass tourists will never know
The Venetian lagoon is an enchanting landscape that escapes the eyes of mass tourists. This hidden treasure is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere, buildings that tell of a lively and thriving past that today offers refuge for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature.
Venice, the city on the water is a unique case of civilization in the world. The most visited city in the world rises from the water that surrounds it. The water of Venice is the water of the Lagoon, a unique and precious ecosystem which has guaranteed, together with human ingenuity, an almost perfect union between nature and man. A balance that is being put to the test today. The Venice lagoon is home to flora and fauna that can only be found here and it is in the waters of the lagoon that the Venice we know today was born.
Venice, in fact, did not originally exist but was the result of an economic and commercial success that first developed in the other smaller islands of the lagoon. Murano glass, the sale of salt, the cultivation of fruit and vegetables, the breeding of meat and fish, legislation, were born on an island that today has about ten inhabitants but at the time of its foundation it had many 30,000: Torcello. It is on this island that the oldest church in the Venice lagoon is located and it is here that the Venice we know and photograph every day is born.
The Venice lagoon is divided into a northern lagoon and a southern lagoon, both characterized by the presence of islands and sand banks or plant sponges that protect the fauna that inhabits it and protect Venice from storm surges and pollution. The northern side is home to Torcello with the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and the church of Santa Fosca, African martyr. Burano, the fishermen's island with colorful houses and famous for the tradition of lace and biscuits in the shape of S, the buranelli.
Mazzorbo, whose church houses the oldest bell in the entire lagoon and the contemporary Venissa tavern where a unique wine is produced , the Dorona. Murano, the island where the Venetians built the furnaces for the production of Murano glass, appreciated throughout the world. But sailing in this part of the lagoon you cannot remain indifferent when you see islands only a few centimeters wide emerging from the water, supporting ruins of ancient buildings that today arouse mystery and curiosity about a past that no longer exists. Madonna del Monte, a large church almost completely immersed in wild nature, once a pilgrimage destination for the faithful traveling to and returning from the Holy Land. San Giacomo in palude, another religious complex whose ruins make one think of a Byzantine Madonna with child. I discovered that this island was purchased by the Turin contemporary art foundation Sandretto Re Rebaudengo perhaps to host an art center.
Sant'Erasmo, defined as the vegetable garden of the Venetians where the prized purple artichoke and vegetables are grown for the citizens and renowned restaurants of tourist Venice.
San Francesco del Deserto, a religious oasis where it is said that Saint Francis spent a period of his life, today owned by the Franciscans who live there in peace surrounded by water.
Le Vignole, the islands of vineyards where lagoon wine was grown.
The island of Santa Cristina, an independent microsystem which, following the purchase of a Swarovski heir, has maintained its original function, that is, an autonomous island where fruit, vegetables and fish are grown and hosts high-level tourists looking for of tranquility and silence.
Discovering the islands of the Venice Lagoon requires at least two days more than the quick visits that now characterize mass tourism which spends an average of two nights in Venice. It is impossible to discover Venice itself and the centuries-old history of the lagoon. It is such a rich and varied heritage that only those willing to spend at least a week can discover a small part of it.
My wish for Venice is that it is reborn, that it is what it was designed and created for. And my invitation to you dear readers is to give you the opportunity to discover it and try to understand it, Venice always gives so much to those who want to discover it.
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