How we were… Rio Terrà, the beating heart of Caorle

by Giovanni Cagnassi

From an ancient and suggestive river to a lively and refined seaside location: Rio Terrà is a symbol of the worldliness in Caorle.

Residents and tourists regard its central street – a pulsating artery all year round, not only in summer – as a point of reference for the walk among the characteristic coloured houses that recall Burano, but stand out for their peculiar style and decorations. Rio Terrà means “underground canal”.

In Caorle, until the middle of the 19th century, in fact, there were many underground canals. This is why via Roma was known as “Rio di Palazzo”, which led to the Praetorian Palace, and then there was “Rio delle Beccarie”. Rio Terrà delle Botteghe was called “Rio di Mezzo” and its stretch that turns towards Piazza Papa Giovanni was “Rio di Castello”. A tangle of bridges and canals before they became dirt roads and finally asphalt roads, as suggested by the guidelines established by various municipal administrations over the decades. This network of land and water crossed by its main street resulted in the present Caorle, a gem set on the Venetian coast. The first shops that sold fishing nets and food opened along Via Maggiore, followed by inns for fishermen. Back then, Caorle already had a popular, picturesque soul, which revealed its future strong character as a lively and thriving location.

Today, with the development of buildings with their unique architectural style. The colour of the houses immediately prevails. Polychromy has become the peculiar characteristic of the town and its main street full of clubs and shops, the calli and campielli of a small Venice, which, over the centuries, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations both at national and international level.

A walk in Caorle is always the occasion for meetings and food and wine tastings. You can sip a glass of good typical wine, taste squid “to go” that boasts an ancient commercial tradition here, or buy a gift at the many noisy shops whose echoes spread over the centuries.