Italy has many marvels, but none quite enchanting like the Venetian Lagoon, full of history and charming landscapes. If you want to learn more about this lovely place, keep reading!
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The Venetian Lagoon, called Laguna Veneta in Italian, is a shallow coastal lagoon in the northeastern region of Italy. Is mostly known for its main city, Venice, but it actually has over 100 little islands scattered in its 550 square kilometers. Although is called a lagoon, and it does have a mix of fresh water, it is still connected to the Adriatic Sea by three inlets. You can easily notice this since there are both high tide and low tide two times per day and the tide marks are visible in the canals of the city.
The History of the Venetian Lagoon
The lagoon is actually not that old, as far as geographical formations go. It is a direct result of the last Ice Age. Around 6000 years ago, when the glaciers started to melt the rivers in the region overflowed and the sea level rise so high that it flooded the area around the Adriatic coast. The rivers carried sediments that started forming the lagoon structure as well as helping create a natural barrier that protected the lagoon.
Even though nature had started the process, humans had a big role in its final shaping. The Romans made settlements on many islands, having the important city of Altinum close to the mainland with a port connected to the Lagoon through the Canale Siloncello.
When the Roman Empire started to decline, invasions led by Huns and Lombards actually drove people from the mainland to the islands, creating bigger settlements like Torcello, Burano, and Rialto. Interestingly, before Venice gained importance in the Middle Ages, it was Torcello the major cultural center.
During the Byzantine Empire, Venice gained power and independence, getting special trading privileges. They built a strong merchant fleet and even played a key role in the capture of Constantinople. Its power only started to decline when better trade routes were discovered to Asia and America in the 16th Century. Yet, the city stayed influential in art, culture, and finances until Napoleon came along and ended its independence in 1797.
Must-Visit Islands in the Venetian Lagoon
Murano
Murano offers a more relaxed experience than Venetia, with fewer crowds but equally impressive landmarks. Take a walk and go visit the Basilica of Santa Maria e San Donato or the picturesque Murano Lighthouse.
If you like to know more about ancient crafts, you’ll love to see the Murano Glass Museum. The inhabitants of that little island have been honing their glassblowing habilities at least since 1291 when they were moved from Venetia to Murano to prevent fires. You can visit glass factories and see the artisans using the very same techniques that made them famous almost a thousand years ago. You can even buy the pieces they make and bring them back home as unique souvenirs or gifts in the Original Murano Glass.
Burano
Another great alternative to the touristic Venetia and a great island to visit for more artistic travelers. Take your camera with you and snap a few pictures of the beautiful houses of Burano. Even in the fog, you can see the colorful spots of Burano Houses adorning the Venetian Lagoon with its vibrant hues.
Don’t forget to visit the Lace Museum and learn more about the traditional production of handmade lace on the island. Be careful though, some people might try to sell you imitations. Remember that real Burano lace is very rare and really expensive, so if it seems too good to be true, it probably is false.
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Torcello
As we already said, Torcello is one of the oldest inhabited islands in all the Venetian Lagoon, and as such it has an incredible historical value. You can visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, and admire both its beautiful architecture and the famous Last Judgment Mosaic. Climb up the stairs to the bell tower if you want to have a better view of the full island and the lagoon.
Right behind the basilica, you can find the ruins of the church of Santa Fosca, a 9th-century building that tells a lot about the past of the island. If you want to learn more don’t leave without visiting the Torcello Archaeological Museum.
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UNESCO Treasure: The Venetian Lagoon’s Legacy
The Venetian Lagoon was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. This was not only to recognize the incredible history and significance Venice has had in human history but also to the unique characteristics of the Lagoon itself.
What is the Venetian Lagoon recognized for:
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Unique Ecosystem and Biodiversity: The lagoon has a unique blend of salt and freshwater that have formed unique ecosystems over the years. It includes salt marshes, mudflats, and islands with a great variety of fish and bird species. It even supports critical habitats for migratory species.
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Venice’s Historic Center and Architectural Heritage: As it was already said, Venice had an immense part in human history and you can find testaments of its role everywhere. For centuries was a center of trade and a place where culture and art evolved and it shows, in its buildings as well as its preserved artisanal crafts.
Art, Architecture, and Charm in the Lagoon
Doge’s Palace in Venice
The Doge’s Palace is considered a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic Architecture and it’s truly a sight to behold. It has incredibly detailed stonework, with elaborate facades and the famous Bridge of Sights. It served as the political center of the city for Centuries, being the main residence of Venetian Doges, the rulers of Venetia. If you want to know more about the palace’s history you can take the Secret Itinerary Tours to explore hidden and less known areas.
San Giorgio Maggiore
This name refers both to the island of San Giorgio and to the San Giorgio Maggiore church on the island. It is located across the Grand Calan from Piazza San Marco, and it is known to be a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It was designed by Andrea Palladio and it is the finest example of his architectural mastery in Venice. Inside the basilica, you can access the bell tower, and from there, you’ll get one of the most incredible views of the full city.
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Best Ways to Tour the Venetian Islands
Private Boat Tours
If you have the means this is a great way to explore the integrity of the Venetian Lagoon. A private boat offers great comfort, as well as an incredible amount of freedom to personalize the experience and fully customize the itinerary according to your preferences. Depending on the type of boat and tour length, the price can be anywhere around $200-1000 per person.
Group Boat Excursion
An affordable option that will take you to the most important landmarks across multiple islands. Is a great option if you have a limited budget, costing around $30. You can even choose if you want to spend only half a day or a full day hopping from one island to the other.
Self-Guided Tour with Public Transportation
As much as the Venetian Lagoon is a very popular tourist destination, is still a city full of people that has to navigate the lagoon each day to get to work. So you can do like them and use the Vaporetto water buses with an ACTV transport pass. This way you have the most flexibility while keeping the experience incredibly cost-effective.
How to Protect the Venetian Lagoon’s Nature
As it was said before, the Venetian Lagoon is a World Heritage site with a sensible ecosystem. Certainly, you are worried about how it is protected and how can you, as a tourist, contribute.
Aside from the UNESCO status, the Venetian Lagoon is protected by a combination of engineering projects and environmental regulations. One of the main protections is the MOSE system (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico). This 78-mobile barrier system can protect Venice from high tides up to three meters.
As for environmental regulations and initiatives, one of the most important currently is the protection of the salt marches by the Barena Association. This program works with local fishermen to install biodegradable fascine barriers to stabilize the wetlands. This not only helps to protect the biodiversity and ecosystem from erosion, but it also creates extra jobs for the local population.
If you want to contribute to its protection during your visit, there are simple ways you can help.
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Use refillable bottles: There are 141 public fountains where to refill it, no need for single-use plastic water bottles.
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Use eco-friendly transportation: Walk and bike all you can, and choose hybrid or electric boats to travel the lagoon.
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Support local small businesses: If you want a souvenir, choose a local craft instead of a mass-produced one, and eat at local restaurants instead of big restaurant chains to support Venice’s sustainability efforts.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Venetian Lagoon
How to get to the Venetian Lagoon?
The best way to arrive at the Venetian Lagoon depends on your starting point.
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By Plane: If you’re starting in another country, the Venice Marco Polo Airport is probably your best option.
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By Train: If you’re in the middle of an Italy tour, you can take the train to Venice from main cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence.
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By Car: You can get there by car if you rent one, you won’t be able to use it in Venetia, as the city is car-free, but you can park close to the lagoon and leave it there for a few days.
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By Boat: Remember that the Venetian lagoon is connected to the Adriatic Sea. Many cruises dock at Marittima Cruise Terminal and offer direct access to the city.
Best time to visit the Venetian Lagoon
The best time is certainly spring and autumn. From March to May and September to October. During these months the temperature is just perfect for exploring the islands and swimming in nearby beaches. This will also let you visit with the crowds and humidity of summer.
You Might Also Like: When Should You Visit Venice: Best Time, Events & Tips
What to Pack for the Venetian Lagoon
You have to keep in mind a few unique characteristics of Venetia before you pack. The climate can change quite fast, so pack layers and comfortable clothes. There are no cars, you’ll be walking around a lot, so maybe the high heels are better for other cities.
Also, you’ll spend quite a lot of time in boats. If you need to have your phone on your hand all the time, bring a waterproof phone case, and if you get seasickness or motion sickness, bring some remedy so you’re not miserable during the rides.
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