Riviera by night

Tourism has always been the passion of Gabriele Baldan, owner of the ‘Cantiere 34‘ travel agency in Dolo. “Every day, people from all over the world come to my desk and ask for some advice about places to go in the evening, for a walk or an aperitif or after dinner tasting. I like to think that in addition to admiring what the Riviera has to offer in terms of art, tourists can also mix with the locals and savor local customs; and what better proposal than the moment of the aperitif, which for us Venetians is a real ritual? For a Venetian spritz or a good glass of wine accompanied by some snacks, I would recommend the low island of Dolo, the area and piazzetta of Mira Porte and the square of Mirano.

The typical Venetian aperitivo, THE SPRITZ, was born between the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century, back when Veneto was under Austrian domination. It finds its origins in wine mixed with soda water by the Asburgo’s soldiers, hence why the name ‘spritzen’ (to spray). White wine and soda water were the main ingredients of the orignal spritz, which was then drastically improved with Aperol, Campari or Select. You won’t believe it until you try it.

In the pedestrian area of Dolo, in what is called the “Isola Bassa” (low island), many small rooms have sprung up, in an area restored to its ancient splendor after an intervention of urban decor and enjoying particular historical importance. On one side of the Naviglio the Mulino, built in the first half of the sixteenth century, of which one can see the wooden wheel in perfect condition and on the other the Squero, where boats that were in need of maintenance were towed.

In Mira Porte instead, where once there was the ancient lock painted by Canaletto and Cimaroli, now buried, some small rooms overlook the eighteenth century square; this artificial islet is a very particular, suggestive, tranquil center.