FOSSALTA DI PORTOGRUARO

A town located on the eastern edge of the Metropolitan City of Venice on the border with the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region. It is strongly agricultural, with particular emphasis on maize, soya and vineyards. The idea of perfectly cultivating this large plain was the basis for the 19th century foundation of the town of Alvisopoli (with its beautiful Church of Saint Louis) by Ventian nobleman Alvise Mocenigo. This work continued a short distance away at Villanova by the Persico and Stuckij families, and then by the Marzotto family, with the current headquarters of “Industrie Zignago” a group famous worldwide for Santa Margherita wines and glassworks.

Fossalta was mentioned in Pope Urban’s bull of 1186, and has always belonged to the bishopric of Concordia, with the neighbouring fiefdom of Fratta, a place that once had a castle,

which was the setting for the adventures of Carlino, the protagonist of the novel “Le Confessioni di un Italiano” (Confessions of an Italian) by Ippolito Nievo. The site of the Fratta castle with its museum, Villa Mocenigo in Alvisopoli, the ancient oak of Villanova (a national monument), and the parish church with works by Antonio and Giacomo Carneo, Gortanutti and the Venetian Nicolò Bambini are all worth seeing. These areas are connected by some great cycle paths that wind along charming unpaved roads.

The beautiful little church of Santa Cristina di Gorgo is a reminder of the area’s ancient history.