Easy hikes and walks in Venezia

Il Ponte dei Pugni, located in Dorsoduro near Campo Santa Margherita, is one of the most curious and historically rich places in Venice. Its name derives from an ancient and violent tradition that, between the 14th and 18th centuries, saw the two city factions, the Castellani and the Nicolotti, pitted against each other. These factions engaged in real bare-knuckle fights right on the bridge's summit, with the aim of throwing their opponents into the waters of the canal below. Even today, at the corners of the bridge's summit, four white Istrian stone footprints are visible, which marked the starting position of the fighters. At the time, the bridge lacked side railings, making a fall into the water a very frequent outcome. These "Fist Fights" were definitively banned in 1705 due to their excessive danger, but the bridge remains a tangible testament to Venetian verve and historical rivalries.

Beautiful tower which also houses a small museum with many exhibits. The entrance fee, as we were explained, is a donation, the amount of which you decide yourself.

One of the many, countless bridges in Venice. And yet each one looks a little different

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta represents the monumental heart of Chioggia, located at the southern end of Corso del Popolo. Rebuilt in the 17th century based on a design by Baldassarre Longhena after a fire destroyed the medieval building, the church features an imposing and sober facade, while the interior is a celebration of Venetian Baroque. The internal space is marked by wide naves housing pictorial masterpieces by artists such as Palma il Giovane and Pietro Liberi. Next to the cathedral stands the 64-meter-high Romanesque bell tower, on top of which is a lantern that historically served as a reference point for sailors. This complex is not just a religious center, but an architectural symbol that blends the solemnity of faith with the maritime history of the city.

Beautiful cycle path that leads from Bibione to the Lighthouse

The characteristic church of the Madonna dell'Angelo overlooking the sea of Caorle.

Chioggia Cathedral The bishop's see, which had been located in Malamocco since 1100 after massive coastal erosion and a tsunami rendered the area uninhabitable, was moved to Chioggia. Next to the ancient Porta di Santa Maria, the first cathedral in the Clodiense region was built. Dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, it was, according to some legends, erected on the foundations of an old pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Concordia. With the establishment of the bishop's see, in 1264, by order of Bishop Enrico Grancarolo and with the approval of the Doge, the relics of Saints Felice and Fortunato were transferred to this new cathedral, and an altar was dedicated to them. The church remained undamaged even after the Chioggia War and, during that same war, served as a deposit for goods and booty divided among the victors. The building was destroyed by fire at Christmas 1623; only the saints' relics and a few other objects were saved. On the north side of the cathedral, four high reliefs remain, which certainly belong to the medieval church: two made of Istrian stone: the first depicts a warrior martyr saint (S. Felice or S. Fortunato), the second a Madonna and Child, set in a trefoil niche dating from the mid-14th century. Two more from the same period, made of Greek marble and set in a smooth, profiled frame, depict the Virgin of the Annunciation and the Archangel Gabriel. Text / Source: Municipality of Chioggia https://www.comune.chioggia.ve.it/vivere-il-comune/luoghi/cattedrale-santa-maria-assunta/

Vigo Bridge, Chioggia The Vigo Bridge is one of the most important symbols of Chioggia, also known as Little Venice. A major tourist attraction, the bridge tells the story of the lagoon city's centuries-old past. Already existing in 1408, the old bridge was already present during the war against Genoa. At that time, it was the site of the fighting, so it is inferred that it existed at least by 1379. The majestic bridge was restored in 1424, but it wasn't until 1478 that it was rebuilt in stone. The bridge's balcony is entirely covered with Istrian stone and features a marble balustrade. Rebuilt in stone in 1685, the bridge was designed by Giovanni Francesco Morosini. Its conversion was prompted by the excessively high maintenance costs associated with the wooden structure. Furthermore, the bridge was essential for the city and was considered a symbol of beauty and elegance. Therefore, the year 1685 was engraved in the center of the arch. Text / Source: viaggiamo.it https://www.viaggiamo.it/ponte-vigo-chioggia/