On at about 07:14:18 AM, Lowkey Location!: What Can You See in Chioggia? was updated.
Like other towns across the world, Chioggia is built on islands connected by bridges, and its streets are canals. In fact, she is the only person who can say that she was the impetus for the creation of the Serenissima.
It is believed that Chioggia was established in the year 2000 B.C., whereas the first colony in Venice was established in 421 A.D., making Chioggia the progenitor of one of the most magnificent cities in the world.
New York Times recently named it, along with two other Italian cities (Naples and Courmayeur), as one of 52 sustainable destinations to visit in 2022.
As an alternative to the queen of the Adriatic, which was already overrun with tourists before the outbreak, this destination is highly recommended.
But Chioggia is no backup; rather, it's a charming little gem bursting with activities.
Chioggia's Old Town Is a Must-See
The city's most recognizable landmarks line the canalside of Canal Vena as the historic district spreads out along Corso del Popolo. Museums dedicated to the flora and fauna of the Adriatic Sea and a historic fish market may both be found along the canal.
One of the most important bridges, Ponte Vigo, spans the lagoon and looks out over the square of the same name, where a winged lion stands atop a column. From here, you can catch a vaporetto or a private boat for a tour of the lagoon.
Continuing along Corso del Popolo, you'll reach the city's busiest thoroughfare, where the famous Veneto market takes place every Thursday. Additionally, the tower contains the world's oldest tower clock and the church of Sant'Andrea.
As you make your way toward the cathedral and the door of Santa Maria, which mark the edge of the old center, you'll come across another jewel, or rather two. A tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, the garden of San Michele Arcangelo is reached by the same gate as the local police station.
A little distance down the road, you can see a bas-relief of hooded men over the bookstore's front door, proving that the Giunti establishment was originally the headquarters of Freemasonry.
In the following paragraphs, I'll elaborate on some of the suggestions I introduced for things to do and see in Chioggia.
The World's Oldest Clock
The Sant'Andrea tower has the world's oldest tower clock, a medieval relic that dates back to the tower's construction. Salisbury Cathedral's clock in southern England, which is strikingly identical, has been vying for supremacy for years. The municipal note that made the money available to the treasurers to pay the charges associated to the upkeep of the Chioggia clock was discovered, and this is the only evidence that allowed the clock to be dated to before 1386. This finding allowed researchers to determine that the clock was operating in that year, when the Salisbury counterpart was still being built. The illustrious Dondi family of watchmakers, who also created the magnificent clock in Padua's Piazza dei Signori, are credited with its construction.
Though an electronic mechanism now makes the bells ring, the original wrought-iron mechanism is still operational and is used for demonstrations. In 2006, the Clock Museum was opened inside the tower of Sant'Andrea, telling the history of the city and the church of the same name. The museum is open for free on Sundays from 10:30 to 17:30, but only on Sundays.
S.D.I., San Domenico Island
At the end of the 13th century, Dominican friars established a community on this tiny island, where they constructed a Romanesque-style convent and sanctuary dedicated to San Domenico. Two paintings in particular are worth seeing, San Paolo stigmatizzato by Carpaccio and L 'ecstasy of San Tommaso by Tintoretto.
The most intriguing legend, however, is that of the massive crucifix that stands atop the main altar. This towering sculpture is claimed to have been recovered from the ocean following the shipwreck in which it had been brought. The Chioggian fisherman hold in the highest regard the Christ body carved from a single piece of willow.
The ex-votos in San Domenico's church are works of art unto themselves. Those who have been blessed often hire local artists to create these tolèle, which are essentially wooden tablets (and could not afford the purchase of the most classic ex-votos in gold or silver).
Apart from the favor bestowed, they are significant historically since they depict genuine scenes that give insight into the past era in question.
The Adriatic Zoology Museum
Palazzo Grassi, built in the eighteenth century, is now home to the University of Padua's museum of Adriatic zoology. The museum houses an extensive collection of marine life typical of the Adriatic Sea, including a magnificent basking shark that has been expertly preserved using the taxidermy process.
With the help of panels and multimedia stations, the exhibition's route attempts to get people thinking about pressing concerns including biodiversity loss, species extinction, and environmental devastation. As an added bonus, kids will enjoy the sensory room's interactive exhibits that bring the underwater world to life.
Giuseppe Olivi, who was born in Chioggia in 1769 and is remembered as one of the greatest naturalists of all time, is honored by a museum in his hometown. The hours of operation are 9.00 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday, and 15.00 p.m. to 18.45 p.m. solely on Saturday. Children under 18 and college students get in free, while adults pay 4 euros for a full ticket. Additionally, you can get bundled tickets to see multiple sights in the Chioggia area.
Chioggia's Famous Fish Market
Fishing has a long history in Chioggia, and many residents of the city still make their living either on the water or at the city's bustling fish market. The wholesale market on the island of Cantieri has been operating since 1960 and is one of the largest in all of Italy. At this location, wholesalers get exclusive access to two auctions every day: 4 p.m. and 15 p.m.
Monday through Friday between 16 and 18:45 local time is typically the best time to attend the market to purchase any remaining seafood. Due to COVID restrictions, I advise you to double-check this possibility on the official website of the Chioggia Fish Market.
However, the lovely Portale in Prisca leads directly to the famous Chioggia fish market, which is located along Canal Vena, directly below Palazzo Granaio, and is solely for the use of private individuals.
About 30 stalls line the inside, and the mgnoli (fishermen) there offer a wide range of fish and shellfish every day, from high-end options like sea bream, sea bass, and sole to cheaper options like blue fish (sardines, sardines, anchovies), and everything in between. The same goes for squid, mantis shrimp, prawns, crabs, octopus, and cuttlefish. The morning fish market is open daily from 7:00 am until 1:00 pm.
lagoon of Chioggia
You can see the Chioggia lagoon from the long bridge that leads from the mainland to the lagoon. When we walk past it on the way to the beach in the morning (on summer weekends, if you don't leave at dawn, the only certainty is to stay in columns), I find it fascinating. However, it is at sunset that I find its colors to be truly magical, as I demonstrate in the picture I have published. further reduction.
Taking a trip to the Lagoon
Lagoon tours are high on my list of must-dos during a visit to Chioggia. The Piazzetta Vigo is where both public boats and tour boats go for excursions into the lagoon. The majority of tours begin at Pellestrina and follow the coast as far as Sottomarina, before turning inland to visit Ca 'Roman and eventually Pellestrina. The latter are linked by a narrow strip of land known as the Murazzi, and exploring it on foot or by bike is a delightful outing.
We took an organized tour during the summer, and while the history lessons and local music were fascinating, getting from point A to point B was a nightmare. The vaporetto (public transportation) tour is worthwhile because the islands of Ca 'Roman and Pellestrina are pleasant to visit at any time of year.
On the other hand, the Lusenzo lagoon, which stretches between Chioggia and Sottomarina, is another great place to explore on foot. The stroller-friendly, wind-protected, nearly five-kilometer loop is ideal for all weather conditions.
Dining Options in Chioggia and Typical Dishes
There are a number of unique dining options right in the heart of the city's past, but the only food I'd recommend eating there is fish.
A great family-run eatery, Osteria Penzo can be found on the Corso del Popolo side street of Calle Larga Bersaglio. To start, I recommend the mixed cicchetti appetizer and, when in season, the moeche, which are crabs typical of Chioggia that are caught during the moulting phase and are therefore shellless. The tiramisu deserves special mention. There are only a few tables, so make sure to make a reservation in advance; the restaurant is also safe for people with gluten intolerance.
El Gato is a refined and elegant restaurant with a view of Corso del Popolo; I especially like the tagliolini with the 5 senses, which is one of the main courses.
The third option is the Trattoria al Capitello, which can be found in the slightly-out-of-the-way Fondamenta Canal Lombardo. The raw options are my favorite because they're always deliciously fresh and plentiful.
Chioggia Specialties That You Can Count on Finding Anywhere
Chioggia has a storied history of delicious cuisine. I couldn't list my favorite foods without including sardines in saor, which is one of my all-time favorite dishes. Preserved fish dish traditionally made by layering terracotta pots with sardines, onions, oil, and vinegar to preserve the fish over long periods of time. The local specialties of polenta and schie, bigoli in sauce (with anchovies), and spider crabs are also deserving of a try.
But aside from fish, it's also worth mentioning the red radicchio di Chioggia, a PGI product, which we plant every year in our garden alongside the sea squash, which can be identified by its spherical shape and skin covered in large knots.
Where Should One Stay in Chioggia?
The city of Chioggia is about a half-hour away from where we used to live, but we never spent the night there. However, as usual, I can suggest that you look for the most convenient accommodation on Booking: pick a hotel or apartment in the historic center to live a 360-degree local experience, instead consider staying in Sottomarina out of season to save money.
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