|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
by Rosalba Giorcelli
 |
Venice is built upon a lagoon. An unforgettable quartet of summer boat cruises through its islands uncovers a wealthy archeological heritage as well as a number of natural treasures. |
|
If there's anything at all left to discover in Venice, it's
the lagoon. Few people, even among the Venetian themselves, can say they
know this strange coupling of earth and tide well. The lagoon, with its
deserted islands and sand banks, is at once a natural paradise, a desert
waiting to be explored, an archeological find, and a textbook on flora and
fauna. The European Union, in an effort to safeguard as well as utilize
this Venetian jewel, has implemented " Vivilaguna", a set of four guided tours through nature,
archeological ruins, fields and fish. Transportation is provided by
motorized barges or "bragozzi", the beautiful boats typically
used by the fishermen of Chioggia. These day-trips, scheduled to continue
through September, offer a look at sights not usually open to the public,
including several locations undergoing environmental restoration. Planned
visits include the "barene"(tiny islands dotting the lagoon), a
bicycle tour of Venice's immersed farmlands on S.Erasmo, the fishermen's
huts and fishing grounds, and the salt-works. In other words,
the other Venice.
Tours depart at 9.15 AM (Except for itinerary 4 which departs at 10:30) and return in the afternoon. Minimum tour size is 25, maximum 45-50. Contact the Officina Viaggi di Mestre for tickets (Tel: 041-936833, Fax: 041-926294) or the Forum per la Laguna (Tel: 041-5212830, Fax: 041-521831). It is advisable to make reservations at least 7 days in advance.
 Those wishing to organize their own lagoon itineraries may do so, although it may not be possible to see all the things offered on the regular group tours, or to use the facilities provided by VIVILAGUNA.
Please contact the Cooperativa Limosa for environmental guides
(Tel: 041-932003) or the Tourist Office Lido in Venice,
(Tel: 041-526 5721 Fax: 041-5298720), open from 9:30-15:30.
Itinerary 1  It
includes a visit to the Lagoon's various archeological sites, the antique
fortifications and the salt flats. Leaving from the Fondamenta Nuove
or from the Punta Sabbioni, in vaporetto. The first destination is
the barene, namely Lazzaretto Nuovo(deserted island, recently
recuperated); the interior of the Austrian wall which has preserved the
remains of the Sanità della Serenissima. Interior/external
tours of the island have been planned. The second stop on the tour is the
island of S.Erasmo with its "orto di Venezia"
(vegetable cultivation). Chat with local farmers as you pedal through on
your rented bike.
Itinerary 2 
This itinerary guides you past white sandy shores, through
fishing grounds, past vanishing islands. On barges or aboard the colorful
rowboats of local fishermen, the tours depart from Fondamenta Nuove
or Cavallino. Tiny islands, such as Cura, S.Arian and
S.Cristina are separated by shallow straits and narrow canals. Some
have been retrieved from the brine, some abandoned, some lost to the water
long ago, as evidenced by archeological remains found at the sites. On the
island of S.Erasmo visitors will have a chance to become familiar
with the lagoon's customs and agriculture. Bicycles may be rented for this
part of the tour.
Itinerary 3 
This is a trip through salt flats, the narrowest of canals
and the barene, or sandbars.The tour departs from either
Fondamenta Nuove or Punta Sabbioni by barge. Visitors are
afforded a view of Torcello Island and its birds from a rare
perspective. The island was the capital of the lagoon in Roman times and is
famous for its splendid cathedral and mosaics. The barge proceeds along the
coastlines of Burano and Mazzorbo at the heart of the
lagoon's wildlife. S.Francesco del Deserto with its religious
center, is an oasis of serenity. Also on this tour, a stop at
S.Erasmo has been planned, with the same optional bike rentals for
those wishing to get to know local customs and agriculture on two wheels.
Itinerary 4 
A
visit to the local fishing grounds, with special insight into the work and
lives of the fishermen. Departure is from Burano,(you get there with
public sea transports or taxi-boat) island of fishermen and lace-makers
aboard a "braggozzo", one of the vibrantly decorative rowboats
used by the men of Chioggia. The route commences towards S.Arian and
Cura, on to the fishing huts at Ca' Zane used by
fishermen to collect their gear or enjoy a moment's rest. Next are the
salt flats of San Felice and Torcello, then on to the
embankments of Valle Perini and the fish hatcheries of the briny
Rosa swamp. |
|
|
