Between the lagoon, valleys and Sile river: where the environment embraces ancient history

by Manuel Pavanello

Starting from the western lido, take via Cristo Re at the Cavallino bridge, cross the “Porte del Cavallino” small bridge and you will enjoy a breath-taking view on both sides. The Venice lagoon and the hunting valleys on your left and the Sile river, with the fishing scales on your right. The skyline of skyscrapers and city buildings will remain in the background. If you go on riding, you will see a series of private hunting areas: here, the greenery recalls the past centuries, when the city was still called “Cavazuccherina”. On the right, you can admire the Sile river, known as “Piave Vecchia” because, in 1683, the Serenissima diverted the course of this river into the old bed of the Piave. Still today, the Sile divides Jesolo Lido from Cavallino and is an important freshwater resource for the entire city. Along the path, you will find a terracotta artefact consisting of a parallelepiped base with a pyramidal top: it is the old boundary stone no. 51, i.e. the original one, dating back to 1791. It is an important artefact, since it marked the ancient border of the Venice Lagoon within which the management and administrative provisions of the former Water Magistrate were in force. Those who breached them incurred the maximum penalty, including death penalty. Along the main road, among the increasingly frequent buildings, you will meet the small church of Cristo dei Salsi on your left, located on private property and marked by a crucifix placed on the side of the road. The one that we see today is not the original church of 1591, but its reconstruction dating between 1960 and 1965 to witness the miracle of the crucifix found right there. Are you ready for the next ride? Don’t miss the next appointment on Jesolo Journal.