Chioggia, a town where you can see true Italy

Chioggia, a town where you can see true Italy

The atmosphere of romance, canals and gondoliers, the architecture of the 12th century… Seems like it’s about Venice, but no – this article is dedicated to a charming town Chioggia.

Location

The town consists of islands that are connected by a bridge and is situated near the edge of the Venetian Lagoon.

The main part of the town has a simple design: with parallel streets divided by the canals.

Navigating in Chioggia is possible with public transportation, local citizens use cars. However, the most pleasant way is to explore the town on foot.

The gate entrance to the main street is decorated with a sculpture of a lion – a former symbol of La Serenissima Republic. Due to a small size, local citizens call this lion “a cat”.

The town is able to change its look, because of high humidity. When the sun shines, it’s active, bright and energetic. During cloudy days, when the canals are veiled with fog, it’s a mysterious, Gothic place

Architecture

The town is more than 1,000 years old, and plenty of its buildings are historical landmarks. The town has survived barbarians invasion and was restored again and again. Some of the houses have survived fires, and were rebuilt, others are being thoroughly protected and preserves in their initial form. Unfortunately, there are also buildings, whose former greatness can only be guessed, nowadays, they are on decline. Nevertheless, it’s quite an interesting activity to wander around ancient constructions, touch their rough walls and feel the breath of time.

What to see in Chioggia

  • Palazzo Granaio;
  • St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral — visitors can see a crucifixion that was preserved since the Renaissance times;
  • The Holy Trinity Church;
  • Palazzo Grassi and the Zoological Museum located there;
  • Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta — it was fully rebuilt in the 17th century after the fire;
  • St. Andrew’s Church;
  • The Clock Tower – here, tourists can see the most ancient clock in the world, which are still operating.

Restaurants

All restaurants and cafes have the same working hours (according to Italian lifestyle), and some tourists who aren’t used to such a schedule have a risk to stay hungry, if coming during wrong period of the day. However, once you get used to such a way of life, you can enjoy Italian cuisine at its finest. Fresh oysters and seafood, aromatic butter, bread with herbs, and finely cooked fish – these are the main things that stay in the memory of Chioggia visitors forever.

Fish Market

The specialty of the town is the fish market, which is known in the entire province. Even those who aren’t going to cook fish by themselves, should visit this place: here you can inhale the sea smells, and immerse yourself in an ancient atmosphere that takes you several centuries back. A special entourage of the market is created by its entrance gates, which were carved by a sculptor. One more fact – the market is located near one of the most ancient Gothic palaces of Chioggia (Palazzo Granaio) – adds to its attractiveness in the eyes of tourists.

Entertainment

Water tours

The town is pierced with canal, that’s why the main activity here is water trips (by boat or motor boat).

There are several palaces located along the central Canal Vena, and it will be very interesting to hear the stories of the tour guide while passing them by on a boat. After that, you can book trips along the Venetian Lagoon or go to Sottomarina resort (or to Venice itself).

Fish Festival

In the middle of June, the traditional food festival is being held in Chioggia. It’s one of the most awaited events in the region. The chiefs are cooking fresh fish in a variety of ways, music is playing everywhere, and themed performances are being held. Bright sun, smells of the sea, delicious food and the atmosphere of a true holiday – this event cannot be missed!

Diving

The summer period is ideal for organizing a tour to Tengue Underwater Reserve. Enjoying the underwater life of the Adriatic is possible for every diver, despite his level of experience. The Reserve is run by a company, which majors in teaching diving, so an interesting underwater route will be an inseparable part of this visit.

Beaches

During summertime, visitors can hide from unbearable heat on the shadowy streets of Chioggia. However, the coastal line of the town belongs to the beaches, and it’s almost a sin not to use this opportunity to enjoy a beach rest. Moreover, finding a beach is easy without any map! And if spend a bit more time than usual, you can reach a famous beach resort Chioggia – Sottomarina by a motor boat.

How to get to Chioggia

Chioggia is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so there’s an opportunity to travel here by car or by public transportation:

  • By train from Rovigo station;
  • By bus from Venezia station (a transfer in Piove di Sacco is required);
  • By ferry from Pellestrina station;
  • By booking a taxi Chioggia.

However, the safest and most comfortable option is book a transfer to Chioggia.