Caorle

It is difficult not to fall in love with Caorle, a small Venice with a long history and old traditions.

The roots of Caorle are to be found in the 5th century before Christ (the name comes from the Latin word Caprulae, probably because of the wild goats that live there), as numerous Roman discoveries prove.

The city grew and got important as harbor of the nearby Concordia for its position at the mouth of the river Lemene, especially after the barbaric invasions of the Huns who got many people to move from the hinterland to the coast. Back then, around the 6th century, Caorle became a diocesan town.
However, the construction of the today cathedral is from the 11th century and is based on an early Christian basilica, the remains of which are still kept in the interior of the cathedral, in the adjoining museum, and in the gardens of the parish office.

The historical center reminds of a miniature Venice with streets and places, a true open-air living room which begins on the beautiful Piazza Vescovado, the trachyte floor of which reminds of the Venetian tradition.

In ancient times, the center of Caorle was built by three small islands which were connected by four bridges: there were no streets but navigable canals (the Rii, like in Venice) which were overtopped by the fisher’s houses. They are now again filled with life and are glowing in the typical colors of the Venetian tradition.

Since the middle of the 19th century, these canals have gradually been buried and replaced by streets.

Don't miss the port and the adjacent fish market!