Chioggia is a charming town stretching across several islands connected by several roads. Visitors are immediately drawn into the atmosphere of old times. Although this town is less known than neighboring Venice, it also offers a very rich history, unique architecture, canals, and an authentic Venetian lifestyle.
Sights
The main artery of the town is Canal Vena, a picturesque waterway with nine bridges, lined with historic buildings and churches. For tourists, it’s a place where every step reveals the unique character of the town. At the southern end lies the iconic Ponte Vigo, a bridge leading to Piazza Vigo, where a column topped with a lion from Marches, a symbol of Venetian pride, majestically stands.
However, locals humorously refer to this “lion” as el gato (“big cat”), as it resembles a cat more than the great lion of Venice. This nickname even sparked a playful rivalry between Venetians and the residents of Chioggia.
The majestic Porta Garibaldi gate leads visitors into the Renaissance heart of the city. The fortress, built around the 13th century, once protected the town from raids. Despite numerous wars and reconstructions, Chioggia still retains its historical charm. The latest reconstruction was completed in 2018.
Other interesting sights include the Basilica of Saint James the Apostle, the 18th-century Church of St. Andrew, and the Romanesque tower from the turn of the 11th and 12th centuries, which houses the world’s oldest clock by Giovanni Dondi.
Corso del Popolo is the main street and promenade of the town, leading to the harbor. It is the center of the town and all activities. Here you will find cafes, bars, churches. Compared to Venice, there are significantly fewer tourists here, and the town is not as subordinated to them. Everyone here focuses on their craft. You can feel in the air that fishing is the main source of trade here. Not far from the center is a huge fish market, and its aroma wafts through the entire town.
The people of Chioggia also have their specific accent. They speak differently than Venetians or residents of other nearby towns.
Fishing
Thanks to its location by the Adriatic Sea, Chioggia is one of the most important fishing ports in the region. Fishing forms the backbone of the town’s livelihood and development.
At the local fish market, you can buy many types of fish such as sea bream, sea bass, or sole, and very tasty blue fish like sardines and anchovies; a selection of seafood, various shrimp, crabs, octopuses, cuttlefish, and squids.
Chioggia is renowned for its excellent fish gastronomy and the famous Fish Festival, when the whole town turns into a grand celebration. As appetizers, you can find, for example, baked mussels seasoned with breadcrumbs, parsley, and a drop of cognac, fried or grilled shrimp. Among the first courses, you must not miss tasting risotto alla pescatora (where the ingredients depend on the catch of the day), magnificent bigoli (thick noodles made from whole wheat) in salsa or delicious fish soup broeto.
The second courses are wonderfully fragrant grilled fish, such as sea bass, turbot, monkfish, or sea bream. You cannot overlook cuttlefish in black cuttlefish ink or stewed fish and seafood. Excellent dishes are also mixed dishes of fried fish, with shrimp, squids, served with baked polenta.
Meals are also served with bussolà, a typical bread from Chioggia, and a magnificent vegetable garnish from local fields, such as red radicchio, white onion, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, or beetroot.
Radicchio di Chioggia (Chicory)
Besides its fishing heritage, Chioggia is also known for the production of distinctive chicory (Radicchio) Rosa di Chioggia, which belongs to the red-leaf chicory, and is popular worldwide.
Places to Explore: Sottomarina and Isola Verde
Sotomarina
The sandy beach of Sottomarina stretches from the port of Chioggia to the mouth of the Brenta-Bacchiglione River. This area is known for its bathing establishments and beach bars, which are popular with both locals and tourists. The beach is accessible via the picturesque Lungomare Adriatico, which offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Green Island
Isola Verde (Green Island)
For those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature, Isola Verde, located right next door, is the perfect retreat. This area is ideal for cycling or walking along the Adige and Brenta rivers or exploring the nearby Bosco Nordio nature park. Isola Verde is a haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Chiozzotte Baruffe
Although Chioggia is primarily a town of fishermen and traditions, its charm also inspired the famous playwright Carlo Goldoni to write his comedy Le Baruffe Chiozzotte (The Squabbles of Chioggia). The play, first performed in Venice in 1762, masterfully captures the humorous disputes and intrigues among local fishermen and their families, sparked by the romantic escapades of the younger generation. Goldoni’s use of the local dialect and the introduction of a young Venetian official desperately trying to bring order to the lively community adds to the story’s appeal.
In modern times, the play was revived in 1962 by Giorgio Strehler at the Piccolo Teatro in Milan, emphasizing the human and realistic elements of Goldoni’s script. Four years later, this production was adapted for Italian television.
Plan Your Visit to Chioggia
Chioggia is a town full of history, culture, and charming Venetian life. Whether you are drawn to its bustling port, historic architecture, or relaxation on the Sotomarina beach, Chioggia offers something for every visitor.
Surroundings
If you don’t want to stay only in the town but want to explore the beautiful surroundings, we recommend heading from the town to Lungomare, the center of summer tourism, and further to the vegetable gardens dedicated to Radicchio di Chioggia chicory.
Don’t forget to explore the nearby wonders of Venice, perhaps with a digital audio guide that allows you to discover the city’s main attractions, such as the Doge’s Palace and iconic basilicas, at your own pace.
