Enclosed between marshlands and sea, at a strategic crossway of river trade routes between East and Northern Europe, Chioggia was erected on a cluster of islands some 16 miles south of Venice, at the southern end of the Venetian lagoon. The commune’s history dates to Byzantine times: its heritage is rich and time honored, and its success built on salt. And yet, for centuries, it has dwelt in the shade of its younger, prettier sister, as Venice outshined it in charisma, commercial success, and cultural relevance. 

Today, just as Venice is struggling to deal with the disproportionate number of visitors cramming its calli, Chioggia is receiving some much-deserved attention and might become part of the solution in relieving some of the former’s pressure.