Chioggia With its gaze turned towards Venice and one foot on the mainland, Chioggia is a proud maritime city that surprises and enchants.
Introduction of Chioggia:
Chioggia is known to many only as the setting of one of the 18th century literary masterpieces, the famous comedy “Le Baruffe Chiozzotte” by Goldoni. The passionate temperament of the protagonists of that work has not mellowed much over the centuries, and even today the Little Venice, as it is often called, combines a popular soul with noble aspirations. An ancient maritime city, it has a shape that vaguely resembles a fishbone created by the furrows of three canals: San Domenico to the east, Vena in the center, and Lombardo to the west. Don’t miss it: it is perfect as a final appendage to a holiday dedicated to its more famous sister or as the absolute protagonist of a day trip… or – why not – an entire weekend. In addition to the canals, you will find bridges, narrow streets, and pastel-colored houses with typical green balconies that will remind you of Venice, but without the crowds of tourists and without gondolas. The black silhouettes that plow the canals of Venice are here replaced by colorful “bragozzi,” typical fishing boats of the Upper Adriatic characterized by sails in vivid hues. Even the accent is completely different, and you won’t need to understand the Venetian dialect to realize that Chioggia is deeply connected to Venice by its position and history, but is indisputably a world unto itself, projected towards the sea but with one foot firmly planted on the mainland. You can reach Chioggia by car, bus, train, or bicycle, but then you explore it on foot. Museums, historic buildings, and views of the lagoon will keep you busy, but it’s almost certain that the highlight of your vacation will be the seafood dinner or the spritz ritual. To prolong the enchantment for a few more hours, you can take splendid boat trips on the lagoon or explore the nearby island of Pellestrina, another “little Venice” not well-known to tourists and an ideal destination for slow tourism. Or move from the center of Chioggia to the nearby seaside resort of Sottomarina and stretch out in the sun along its wide sandy beach. However, the most beautiful treasures of Chioggia are hidden in the alleys off the main street: characteristic corners, steeped in salt and stories. Who knows how many quarrels have taken place and been peacefully resolved in these alleys!
What to see in Chioggia:
In the small historic center of Chioggia, there is enough to see for a half-day visit or more. Here are the must-see attractions, all within walking distance from each other.
Corso del Popolo:
The nerve center of Chioggia’s city life is Corso del Popolo, a wide street about 800 meters long that crosses the historic part of the city: it’s the classic “living room” street where all the locals and tourists gather to stroll, shop, have a coffee, or an aperitif. On both sides, it is flanked by historic buildings in Venetian style, many of them with characteristic arcades. Among the most interesting buildings overlooking the street are the town hall, Palazzo Granaio, the Church of Sant’Andrea, and the Church of San Giacomo Apostolo. The outdoor tables of the bars and cafes along the street are perfect for a relaxing break or to observe the comings and goings of people.
Piazzetta Vigo:
Walking the entire length of Corso del Popolo towards the lagoon, you reach Piazzetta Vigo, one of the most picturesque corners of Chioggia. When you arrive in the piazzetta, you will have to stop because in front of you will be the vast expanse of the lagoon: a breathtaking view that will not fail to fascinate you. It is a destination for pedestrians but a starting point for those traveling by boat: from here, both private boat tours and public vaporetto services to the islands of Pellestrina and the Lido of Venice depart. Alongside the square runs the Canal Vena, the most characteristic of Chioggia’s canals: you can cross it via the Vigo Bridge, an elegant stone bridge in Venetian style built in the 17th century to replace an earlier wooden structure. It’s an excellent observation point where you can take stunning photos. The other famous monument in the square is the Vigo Column, a marble column topped with the winged lion, the symbol of the city of Venice. Less majestic and less famous than the lions you can admire in Piazza San Marco, this statue is known as “El Gato de Ciosa” (the cat of Chioggia). The reason for this sarcastic nickname is explained by a touch of local folklore: it refers to the modest size of the statue and testifies to the ancient rivalries between the cities of Venice and Chioggia. It seems that the people of Chioggia do not love it much, so it’s best not to be seen making fun of the statue…
Fish Market:
Behind Corso del Popolo, along the Canal Vena, is what is considered Chioggia’s top attraction: its well-stocked fish market (Pescheria al Minuto). It’s a red tent that houses 30 stalls of fresh fish open every morning except Monday; access to the tent is through the Portale a Prisca, an elaborate stone portal created by Padua artist Amleto Sartori. For those staying in an apartment, a visit to Chioggia’s fish market is a great opportunity to buy fresh ingredients for a delicious dinner: soles, scallops, sardines, cuttlefish, mantis shrimp, crabs, “peoci” (mussels), and more. Include it on your list of things to see in Chioggia even if you have no intention or possibility of cooking. The retail fish market is one of the most authentic places in Chioggia, lively and colorful, where you can witness a true daily ritual of the locals.
Wholesale Fish Market:
The retail fish market should not be confused with the wholesale fish market, located on the island of Cantieri, between the center of Chioggia and Sottomarina. Strategically positioned between the sea and the lagoon, it was established in 1960 and soon became one of the most important fish markets in Italy; today it is a major reference point for anyone working in the sale of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. This sort of city within a city consists of open spaces and buildings covering a total of 11,000 square meters. Entry is reserved for accredited industry operators, but it’s worth taking a look from the outside to get an idea of the importance of fishing for Chioggia’s economy and history.
Laguna del Lusenzo:
If, after the bustle of the fish market, you need a bit of silence and peace, look for it along the Riva del Lusenzo, a bike and pedestrian path built parallel to the canal that runs from Chioggia to Sottomarina. It’s an easy, entirely flat route, about 5.3 km long: suitable for everyone, it’s perfect for a relaxing walk with views of the lagoon or for some outdoor exercise. Along the route, there are numerous informative panels about the typical flora and fauna of the lagoon.
Museo Civico della Laguna Sud:
Housed in a former convent dating back to the 14th century, the Museo Civico della Laguna Sud (also called the Museo Civico San Francesco Fuori le Mura from the name of the convent) is a journey through the history of Chioggia from ancient times to the present day, as well as a tribute to the indissoluble bond between the city and the sea. Spread over three floors, it displays archaeological finds and ethnographic materials related to life in the lagoon; particularly interesting is the second floor, entirely dedicated to maritime activities and local shipbuilding. Here you can discover through detailed models how the “bragozzo,” the typical boat of Chioggia, is built. The medieval section also includes a visit to a medieval cistern.
Clock Museum:
Walking through the center of Chioggia, you cannot miss the Sant’Andrea bell tower, a 30-meter-high red brick tower. Originally used as a lighthouse and watchtower, today it houses one of the city’s most beloved museums: the Clock Museum. The museum path develops vertically, over seven floors. The first five are dedicated to history and religion; the last two are dedicated to the tower clock: built in the Middle Ages, it is one of the oldest tower clocks in the world. On the top floor, there is a panoramic terrace where you can rest before retracing all the steps back down. From here, you can enjoy a splendid view of the city’s rooftops with the lagoon in the background.
Adriatic Zoology Museum:
Another unmissable marine-themed attraction in Chioggia is the Adriatic Zoology Museum Giuseppe Olivi. Opened in 2011, it is housed in the elegant Palazzo Grassi, a building constructed in the early 18th century on the commission of a wealthy local merchant family; it is dedicated to an important naturalist from Chioggia, author of a work still considered fundamental for marine zoology studies. The museum preserves a collection of over 1200 animals found in the Adriatic between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, perfectly preserved in formalin or alcohol solution. About 350 are on display, along with historical documents, interactive multimedia installations that let you listen to the sounds of the sea and its creatures, films, and audio interviews with local fishermen to pass on their rich heritage of knowledge and traditions, and more. The highlight of the museum is a giant specimen of a basking shark caught in 2003 off the coast of Chioggia: you can admire it in its full size (8 meters long!) and with its original skin in the center of a room dedicated to marine ecology themes.
Palazzo Carlo Goldoni:
Walking through Chioggia, you can admire an elegant building known as Palazzo Poli or Palazzo Carlo Goldoni from the name of its most famous guests. Some historical documents attest that the author of “Le Baruffe Chiozzotte” spent several years in this house, and it was probably here that he drew inspiration for one of his most famous works. A century later, and until the 20th century, the palace was the home of the shipowner family Poli-Smeraldi, who added elegant details and improved its comfort. Today the palace is a luxury B&B and should not be confused with Goldoni’s house-museum in Venice, the historical family home where the famous playwright was born in 1707.
Where to Stay in Chioggia:
Chioggia and Sottomarina are formally a single city, but in fact, they are two completely distinct realities. Both are excellent areas to stay in and are so close that moving from one to the other is quite easy. The seaside area is where most hotels, houses, and apartments are concentrated: designed for the typical beach holiday, they are located beachfront or within walking distance. It’s an area rich in bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues, suitable for both families and young people looking for fun. The historic center of Chioggia has a much smaller selection of accommodations, but the atmosphere is decidedly more romantic. The accommodation offer mainly consists of B&Bs and family-run hotels, with a couple of luxury residences. It’s the best area for a couple’s weekend or a cultural trip. Be careful when looking for your accommodation because sometimes booking sites include hotels in Sottomarina under the “Chioggia” location. To be sure of the hotel’s location, it’s best to check the map. Also, keep in mind that Sottomarina is a very popular seaside resort, so in the summer months, the surrounding accommodations are often fully booked. It’s better to book in advance!
How to Reach Chioggia:
Reaching Chioggia by car is very simple because the city is located along the SS309 Romea, a state road that goes from Venice Mestre to Ravenna and is one of the most important road arteries in northeastern Italy. Coming to Veneto from the A4 motorway, you can take the Romea by exiting at Padua Interporto and following the signs for Piove di Sacco. If you visit Chioggia on weekends in the summer months, plan your visit carefully because at peak times, the traffic along the Romea state road is very heavy, with queues that can last for hours. For those traveling by public transport, Chioggia is easily reachable by bus from Venice (Piazzale Roma and Mestre) or Padua; local buses connect the city center to the seaside area of Sottomarina. It is possible to arrive by sea from Venice, but you will need to take the vaporetto from the island of Lido: it’s a fascinating but long journey, recommended only for those who have plenty of time. Even more complicated is arriving in Chioggia by train. The railway station is about a 5-minute walk from the center but is located along the Adria-Loreo line, a minor railway line served only by regional trains to Rovigo. Therefore, there are no trains to Chioggia departing from Venice or other major Veneto cities. The nearest airport is Venice, served by numerous low-cost flights from all over Italy.
