In the heart of the northern lagoon lies the ancient village of Lio Piccolo, now inhabited by only 22 people. Surrounded by the lagoon and a landscape that is nothing short of breath-taking, suspended over the water between saltmarshes, fishing valleys, canals, and vegetable gardens, this is one of the most picturesque places in Cavallino-Treporti. Here you can find typical crops, but also unspoilt nature and many historical elements, both ancient and rural. The village, once owned by Swarovski, is characterised by a square with a small church dedicated to Santa Maria della Neve and an Armenian-style bell tower.
All around is a lush landscape, to be admired and discovered with due respect and delicacy. It is no coincidence that the village, immersed in the Venetian lagoon and a UNESCO World Heritage site, can be reached only via a small lagoon road, the same road that leads to Mesole, another equally picturesque area surrounded by nature, and that the best way to discover it is on foot or by bicycle, with excursions suitable for everyone – a truly exciting experience. Last but not least, various species of birds nest in this area.
Archaeological research
Lio Piccolo is today a true open-air classroom: In recent years, land and underwater excavations have been undertaken by Ca’ Foscari, the University of Venice, under the coordination of the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the municipality of Venice and the Lagoon. The aim is to discover and unearth fragments of architectural decorations, frescoes and artefacts that might be connected to the Roman villa of Lio Piccolo, located near the Rigà canal, in order to expand the historical knowledge of the place with new investigations.