Breathtaking San Gaetano, Nobel Prize, and American Stars No. 1

San Gaetano, a charming hamlet with a history dating back to the Late Bronze Age, is the smallest settlement in the municipal area of Caorle, with just 150 residents. Despite its size, it holds significant historical and cultural value. Located in the serene Caorle lagoon is renowned for its picturesque environment and fascinating past.

The Historical Roots

The most notable historical period is tied to the presence of the Franchetti barons. In the 19th century, Baron Raimondo Franchetti transformed this corner of the lagoon into a self-sufficient agricultural hub. Inspired by the model of Alvisopoli, the baron created a thriving community that left a lasting impact on the area.

The hamlet is also famous for its connections to literary and cinematic icons. In the 1940s and 1960s, it became a retreat for notable American personalities such as Ernest Hemingway and Henry Fonda.

Hemingway, who was a guest of Baron Raimondo Nanuk Franchetti, immortalized this beautiful area and its fishing valleys in his novel „Across the River and Into the Trees.“ This novel, published in 1950, beautifully depicts the lagoon and tells the love story of its protagonist, an aging colonel, and Renata, a young Venetian noblewoman. Hemingway’s time in lagoon passion for hunting cemented his bond with the Franchetti family.

Celebrating Hemingway’s Legacy

Each year, Caorle hosts the Papa Journalist Award, a celebration of writing and journalism that honours Ernest Hemingway’s contributions to literature and his deep connection to the region. This event brings together aspiring journalists and students, fostering creativity and passion for storytelling in a tribute to one of the most illustrious visitors.

„The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.“

„Never go on a trip with anyone you do not love.“

Henry Fonda and Afdera Franchetti

Henry Fonda, the acclaimed actor, was also connected to this place through his fourth wife, Afdera Franchetti. The Italian baroness, a member of a distinguished Venetian Jewish family that had intermarried with the Rothschilds and later converted to Catholicism, was introduced to Fonda by Audrey Hepburn during the filming of War and Peace. The couple was married for three years, adding another layer of intrigue to the Franchetti legacy.

Natural Beauty and the Laguna of Falconera

The natural surroundings are equally captivating. The Lemene River flows into the Nicesolo Channel, merging into the lagoon before reaching the Adriatic Sea near the port of Falconera. The banks of the Nicesolo River are lined with dense rushes, primarily composed of common reeds (Phragmites australis), which create a habitat of immense ecological importance. These rushes are home to rare plant species, such as Kosteletzkya pentacarpos, and a variety of wildlife, especially birds.

The Casoni: Symbols of a Bygone Era

Casoni are ancient homes built with natural materials. These unique structures, used by families who relied on hunting, fishing, and foraging, feature an elliptical floor plan, slanted reed walls, and a roof of tightly bound reeds. Inside, a central fireplace near the entrance, a table, and simple beds reflect the utilitarian design of these homes. Despite their humble nature, casoni were inhabited until the mid-20th century, offering a glimpse into the resourceful lifestyles of the past.

Photos: Wikipedia, Pixabay, Live by Web