Rich in history and charm, among the famous people who have lived in Chioggia we remember the famous Italian playwright and writer Carlo Goldoni who took inspiration, from this city, for the writing of his comedy “Le baruffe chiozzotte”.
Chioggia, land and water, among ancient wonders to be explored
Looking at Chioggia from above, one of its peculiarities is noticed: the fishbone shape. Named “Little Venice” for its morphological characteristics, the numerous bridges and canals that surround it, it is an ideal place for those who love the sea and relaxation; precisely for this reason, today Chioggia is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Veneto. While on the one hand the historic center of the city, surrounded by the lagoon, is very reminiscent of that of Venice, on the other the urban area is accessible by car and public transport.
Among the places of historical and cultural interest of Chioggia, the Ponte Vigo is in the foreground, which closes the canal close to the lagoon and then leads to the square of the same name, where a column dominates with the famous “Leone Marciano”, symbol of Venice and Veneto, baptized “El Gato de Ciosa” due to its small size.
Among the various similarities with La Serenissima, we find the Canal Vena, which recalls the well-known Grand Canal: connected by nine bridges built in typical Venetian style, it is the largest and most important in the city of Chioggia. On its waters, as well as on the surface of the lagoon that surrounds the city, churches, palaces, colorful houses and the typical streets perpendicular to the square, always alive, dynamic and teeming with people, overlook and reflect. Here, in Corso del Popolo, stands the clock tower, once a lighthouse and watchtower, now a splendid museum that houses the history of Chioggia.
In the historic center, the Duomo, the nearby Church of San Martino and that famous Palazzo Poli which for a few years was the home of Carlo Goldoni, are masterpieces to be admired and discovered with calm and attention, to see every precious detail.
Attractions to visit and experiences to live do not end here.
The Canal Vena marks an almost preferential route to admire important city buildings, including Palazzo Grassi – now a university seat – up to the charming Piazzetta Vigo.
Other important places in the city are the Porta di Santa Maria – southern access to the city -, the Basilica of San Giacomo Apostolo, the Civic Museum of the Lagoon and the Giuseppe Olivi Museum of Adriatic Zoology.
Among the stages of every curious traveler, a visit to the characteristic fish market cannot be missed, an ancient tradition that has always represented a fundamental activity for the city of Chioggia.
Refreshment and entertainment in the heart of Chioggia Sottomarina
Sottomarina, a tourist and seaside resort in the municipality of Chioggia, has a beach of about ten kilometers characterized, throughout the coast, by soft and very fine sand and constant and moderate ventilation. Among well-equipped bathing establishments, restaurants, pizzerias and water parks, Sottomarina is a perfect location for those who want to spend days full of summer fun and relaxation, perhaps browsing the shops and small boutiques of the three characteristic squares of the city center.
Delights for the palate steeped in tradition and genuineness
A meeting place and borderline between land and sea, the typical dishes of this city are many: from the famous “Sarde in saor”, fried sardines with white Chioggia onions cooked in white wine vinegar, to “Peoci in cassopipa”, that are mussels prepared with garlic and onion; from “Bigoli in salsa” with a salted anchovy sauce, to the traditional pumpkin soup with rice grains called “Suca risi”. Last but not least, a dessert that enchants the palates of tourists and locals, the “Ciosota”, the typical dessert with radicchio and carrots from the Chioggia area.
Getaways for unforgettable moments
Precisely because they call it “Little Venice”, Chioggia too has the ability to envelop lovers in a romantic atmosphere. On board a typical boat, you and your sweetheart can get lost between Canal San Domenico, Canal Lombardo, the mini Mose, Piazza Vigo, Madonna Stella Maris and the Notios Hellas wreck, until you reach the coast of Sottomarina.
The charm of the lagoon will seduce and bewitch you, making this stage of love even more intense and unforgettable.
Sport and wellness among the beauties of Chioggia
The lagoon, sometimes enchanting, sometimes melancholy, is a suggestive place to be explored. If you love to immerse yourself in nature, combining a bit of healthy physical activity with traditional views that always steal a smile, a bike tour is for you. Calm and tranquility of the place, make this a perfect destination for those who are fond of jogging and long walks in the countryside.
If, on the other hand, the water attracts you like a magnet, you are spoiled for choice: windsurfing, kitesurfing, sup, kayaking, swimming, diving, sailing … During a holiday in Chioggia, every day you can experience a new sport to take care of your body and gratify your spirit.
