Did you know that Chioggia and its Sottomarina fraction are only 30’ minutes from the Hotel Antica Corte Marchesini? Between canals and lagoon, during your stay at our welcoming hotel, we invite you to enjoy an experience that will bring you into close contact with nature and local beauties. The ideal way to visit these lands is on board a typical boat!
The charm of the lagoon and the romantic atmosphere of Chioggia and Sottomarina
Between the mainland and the great Delta del Po, suspended between the lagoon and the sea, there is a splendid city called “Little Venice” for its morphological characteristics and the numerous bridges and canals that surround it.
Due to its nature and conformation – it is made up of many small islets joined by beautiful bridges – it is perfect for a nice ride aboard a “bragozzo”, the typical fishing boat of Chioggia. The lagoon is so rich in beauty that you will be spoiled for choice. If you are wondering “me?” the answer is Yes, because you can choose an organized tour or rent a boat and establish the perfect itinerary for you and your fellow travel companions.
Here are some ideas for a boat tour in the name of discovery and relaxation!
You can start from Piazzetta Vigo, the most beautiful in Chioggia where the majestic Bridge of 1685 stands, see the island of San Domenico, where we find the homonymous church, and the wholesale fish market that occupies an area of almost 11,000 square meters. It is one of the most important centres of storage, trade and processing of fish.
Among the things you will have the opportunity to see there is also the Madonnina of the port of Chioggia, Stella Maris, placed on a briccola – a nautical structure used to indicate the waterways in the lagoons – by Don Sergio Chiereghin on May 8, 1956.
Along the coast of Sottomarina, which is located in the extreme southern edge of the Venice Lagoon, you will learn the history of what is now known as a long and narrow sandy island between the sea and the lagoon.
This small and fascinating destination extends between the mouth of the port of Chioggia and the mouth of the Brenta-Bacchiglione canal, and every year attracts tourists for its white sand and the particular salty air.
Sottomarina, its history and the Murazzi to protect it
Sottomarina has a particular story, made up of wars, destruction and rebirth. Today, from Forte San Felice to the center of Sottomarina, for about 1,200 meters you will notice the so-called “Murazzi”, the Istrian stone walls built from the end of 1700 by the Republic of Venice to defend the inhabited centers of the lagoon from the erosion of the sea.
Much earlier, however, precisely between 1378 and 1381, the War of Chioggia led to the total destruction of Sottomarina which became an uninhabited land subject to numerous floods because it was unprotected from the sea.
Only in 1600, it was rebuilt and protected by the Murazzi. Square stones were used to build them and it took thirty-eight years to complete the project which, due to the size of the work and the lack of adequate equipment, seemed impossible.
Between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the sea began to retreat and the Murazzi ceased to perform their function: today they represent a symbolic line of demarcation between the “old” and the “new” Sottomarina and remember its history.
The long fishing tradition of Chioggia and the hospitality of its sailors
Do you know that the fishing tradition of Chioggia is one of the oldest? The activity takes place in three directions: lagoon, sea and valley farming. Through two daily auctions, the wholesale market trades both local fish and fish from the rest of Italy and the world, offering an almost total variety to meet the demands of the catering and distribution of northern Italy
Obviously, for a lunch based on fresh fish you will be spoiled for choice! Before choosing one of the typical local restaurants, the boat will be moored among the fishing boats of the hospitable sailors of the city. In Chioggia the boats are sacred and it is traditional to leave a clearly visible ticket with a mobile number in case no one remains on board.
Once at the table you will have the opportunity to try the famous “Sarde in saor” fried with white onions cooked in white wine vinegar, the “Peoci in cassopipa”, the mussels with garlic and onion, the “Bigoli in sauce” with a salted anchovy sauce, “Boboli de vida”, snails seasoned with oil and parsley, “Risi e vuovi”, cuttlefish eggs boiled and flavored with oil, vinegar and spices and the very special “Ciosota”, the typical dessert with radicchio and carrots from the Chioggia area.
Let yourself be guided by the beauties of Chioggia and Sottomarina with a package designed for your special stay
The Hotel Antica Corte Marchesini has prepared for you an evocative tour through the lagoon, historic canals and islands to visit and discover the beauties of Chioggia.
For us, each guest is a precious gift to be treated with comfort, elegance and suggestions.
Today we offer you our Boat Tour between Chioggia and Sottomarina that will take you to know the ancient fortresses and palaces, the fishermen’s cottages and the still uncontaminated corners of the lagoon, between historical stories and ancient traditions.
Here’s what you’ll have with our package:
- 2 nights in a Superior room with those who will share this magical experience with you
- Breakfast buffet with genuine and delicious local products
- Boat tour with guide to Chioggia and guided tour of the wonders of the city
- Rich tasting of local fish and excellent wine
- Return train trip to visit the romantic Venice
- Free parking and Wi-Fi
What do you think? Does our offer take you to travel with the mind? Then write to us and come and visit us: we look forward to meeting you!
