The “Casoni” of the Venice Lagoon: A Hidden World of Tradition
Scattered across the quiet salt marshes of the Venice Lagoon stand some of the lagoon’s most fascinating and lesser-known structures: the casoni. These traditional fishermen’s huts, built entirely with natural materials, represent a unique connection between Venetians and their environment—one that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Simple yet ingenious, casoni are typically constructed with wooden frames and thick thatched roofs made from reeds (canna palustre) found in the lagoon. Their low, triangular shape is not just aesthetic, it is designed to withstand strong winds, high tides, and the harsh, salty climate of the lagoon.
A Glimpse into History
The origins of the casoni date back to the time of the Venetian Republic, when fishing and hunting were essential to survival in the lagoon. Fishermen needed temporary shelters where they could rest, store equipment, and protect themselves from sudden weather changes.
Over time, these huts evolved into small, self-sufficient outposts. Some casoni were used seasonally, while others became semi-permanent bases for lagoon workers. Inside, you would typically find a fireplace, simple wooden furniture, and tools for fishing or hunting.
Casoni were symbols of a way of life deeply tied to the rhythms of nature, tides, and seasons.
The Most Famous Casoni in the Venetian Lagoon
Casone Millecampi
The Casone Millecampi is a historic building situated in the southern Venetian Lagoon, serving as the cultural heart of the Valle Millecampi nature reserve in the municipality of Codevigo. Often mentioned alongside its terrestrial counterpart, the Cason delle Sacche, the Casone Millecampi is uniquely positioned on an island and is accessible primarily by boat. Historically used as a base for hunting and fishing, the structure has evolved from a primitive mud-and-straw shelter into a significant brick landmark. Recently restored by the Province of Padua, it reopened in late 2024 as an educational and sustainable tourism hub managed by the Società Agricola Baba . Today, it hosts a museum dedicated to the valley’s history and offers slow-tourism experiences like birdwatching, kayaking, and traditional lagoon fishing demonstrations.
Casone Barenon
Located in the southern Venetian Lagoon within the Valle di Barenon, the Casone Barenon (or Cason Barenon) is one of the oldest and most atmospheric rural structures in the area, with its core construction dating back to between 1810 and 1840. Unlike the more polished lodges of the lagoon, this site in the municipality of Campagna Lupia is known for its rugged history and now consists of a “tongue of mud” with partially collapsed stone ruins.
It is most famous for its role during World War II, when it served as a clandestine refuge; the owner, “Cencio” Doria (known as Fofe), used the remote island to hide partisans and Jewish families from fascist and Nazi forces. This heroic legacy was later immortalized in a 2020 theatrical production, highlighting its status as a site of the Italian Resistance. Today, the island remains a quiet, unpopulated destination primarily visited by traditional fishers and those exploring the lagoon by boat.
Casone Zappa
Built between 1923 and 1928 by architect Duilio Torres for entrepreneur Mario Malvezzi, Casone Zappa is a unique hunting and fishing lodge in the southern Venetian Lagoon known for its striking Dutch-style architecture. Located in the wetlands of Campagna Lupia, this “eclectic” farmhouse features a lighthouse-like watchtower and once hosted famous figures like Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dalí. Its interior is famously color-coded, where rooms matched specific hunting blinds assigned to guests, and its facade still bears a plaque dedicated to the ornithologist Count Arrigoni Degli Oddi. Today, it remains a private, storybook-like landmark accessible primarily by boat, surrounded by a vast natural oasis home to flamingos and rare bird species.
Casone Prime Poste
The Casone Prime Poste is a small, secluded island located in the southern Venetian Lagoon, specifically within the Valle Primeposte (or Vallesina) near the border between the municipalities of Chioggia and Campagna Lupia. Historically, this site served as a vital support hub for local lagoon workers; its name reflects its traditional role as a “primary post” providing essential services, shelter, and storage for fishermen and hunters. The island features a single, historic stone building situated along the Canal Buelo, though it currently stands in a state of ruin with a collapsed roof and partial structural damage.
Despite its derelict condition, it remains a site of interest for “slow tourism” and birdwatching due to its location in extremely shallow waters—often navigable only during high tide—where it appears to rise directly out of the lagoon’s surface.
Why Visit the Casoni by Private Boat?
Reaching the casoni is not easy and that’s exactly what makes them special. These hidden gems lie deep within the lagoon, far from public transport routes and tourist paths. This is where a private boat experience makes all the difference.
- Discover a Side of Venice Few Ever See: With Vidal Venice Tours, you can explore the most authentic and untouched areas of the lagoon. Navigating through narrow channels and open waters, you’ll reach places that most visitors never even hear about.
- A Slow, Immersive Experience: Unlike crowded tours, a private boat allows you to truly connect with the environment. You can stop, take photos, enjoy the silence, and experience the lagoon at your own pace.
- Perfect for Nature Lovers and Photographers: The areas around the casoni are rich in birdlife, reflections, and ever-changing light. It’s one of the most photogenic landscapes in all of Venice.
- A Unique Story to Take Home: Anyone can say they visited Venice but very few can say they explored its hidden lagoon.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, a day tour with Vidal Venice Tours is a journey into the soul of the lagoon.
Related articles: