The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Venetian Lakeon

Simply breathtaking. The "Frari" in San Polo, along with "Zanipolo" in the north of Castello, is one of the two Gothic giants of the Serinissima. Impressive facade and an interior that has made art history. Among the most famous works are Titian's Assumption of the Virgin and Bellini's Madonna and Child; the list of remarkable paintings, sculptures, and architectural elements is long. Perhaps noteworthy are the fantastic choir stalls (15th century) or the pyramid planned by Canova for Titian's tomb. One can spend hours in this church studying the details and furnishings.

No Venice visit without the Grand Canal, that's clear. During peak hours during the day, it can indeed become quite annoying, all the selfie and posing fuss. For Venice newcomers: you can't beat a trip from the airport or train station with a private boat taxi, which travels along the Grand Canal and passes the Rialto Bridge. Then you've also seen the magnificent palace facades in peace, because it can get crowded on the Vaporetto.

Beautiful view along the canal

The main artery of Venice, into which almost all other smaller canals flow

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.

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/

The Cathedral of Chioggia (Italian: Dom di Chioggia, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) is the main church in Chioggia, Italy, located in the southern part of the Venetian Lagoon. It dates back to 1627. The Baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is also the cathedral of the Diocese of Chioggia and the largest building in the city of Chioggia in Veneto. An initial structure on the site was completed in 1110. From 1623 to 1674, it was reconstructed by the architect Baldassare Longhena, although the façade remains unfinished. Inside the church, there are many interesting works of art by renowned Venetian artists. https://www.venediginformationen.eu/inseln-der-lagune/insel-chioggia/chioggia-dom/chioggia-dom.htm