This is the road created by human hands in the midst of the sea. But before you see the island and admire them, we feel its unique aroma. The smell of salt air, flowers and pines traveler intoxicates and excites his imagination.
Grado - a town in the Italian province of Gorizia, in the lagoon mouth of the river Soca.
It lies on the outstanding peninsula in the Adriatic Sea between Venice and Trieste. Once Grado was fishing center, and today has become a popular tourist resort, known as the Isola del Sole - Sunny Island.
The first stories and legends that tell about the formation of Grado, send us in 169, the year of the reign of Marcus Aurelius. "The daughter of Aquileia and Venice mother" - so called your city locals - gradezi.
In Roman times the city served as a port for ships on their way to a nearby ancient Aquileia. In the last years of the Western Roman Empire, many residents moved to Grado Aquileia sought refuge from the constant attacks from the east. In 452 he found refuge here Nichetas Bishop of Aquileia, and at the same time the construction of the first cathedral of Grado, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Baptistery.
War and conquest continued, and the inhabitants of the city were forced to seek new lands in the hope of peace and tranquility. Knowing about the existence of the many islands in the lagoon, gradezi we headed west, to where now there is a great Venice.
Someone claims that the first settlement was founded in Torcello, others say about Rialto. We know for certain only that in one of the most famous restaurants near the Rialto Bridge in the menu, you can find a description of the true history of Venice - city on the water, which was founded settlers from Grado small
The historical part of Grado is perfectly preserved. Almost all medieval miniature houses - private property, where are the restaurants, shops and apartments of their respective owners.
Grado also an old tradition alive - if the over door or window lit the lantern, the restaurant is open to visitors.
Hagia Eufimii - the main religious building in Grado, preserved from the time of its construction. The construction of the cathedral completed Bishop Eiliya, November it was the year 3579 consecrated the basilica, and dedicated it to the martyr Eufimii. Unfortunately, the interior walls of the cathedral almost not survived, but reached us in an excellent state of mosaic floor with geometric designs.
The historic city center - is one big pedestrian zone.
The Centre Grado leaves a pleasant impression by the fact that this is not an open-air museum, but a living city, where people live, work, raise children, and, of course, be happy to receive guests.
Although April - this is not the height of tourist season, the evening almost all the tables in the restaurant occupied. Guests are many and delicious to eat and talk, talk, talk.
Devotion to the inhabitants of Grado sea islanders formed kitchen. All specials - a fish and seafood found in the lagoon.
The basis of all the recipes of the local cuisine - oil, pepper and garlic. As a side dish often serves polenta (corn mash).
The combination of sea, wind and sand pines in Grado creates a unique microclimate, which is very good for health. Therefore, in the XIX century, the city began to develop as a resort.
A few hundred years ago the Habsburg aristocracy was chosen the island for vacation.
The beaches are regularly provided with the title Regina delle Spiaggie - «The best beach of Italy." Grado coastline includes a wide main beach several kilometers long, family beach, private VIP-beach, where the entrance fee, and even a beach for dogs, which are equipped with drinking and walking area for pets.
Along with tourism, fishing remains the source of livelihood of many families on the island. In addition to fishing in the Adriatic Sea and the island's inhabitants go fishing in the lagoon, continuing the ancient tradition of fishing.
In the northern part of the lagoon of Grado is a small island and a place of pilgrimage - Barban, on which the temple of Santa Maria di Barban, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and founded in the year 582.
Today, the island is home to a small community of Franciscan monks, and every first Sunday of July in honor of deliverance from the plague of Grado in 1237 are arranged with a spectacular holiday boat parade.
The statue of the Virgin Mary church in Grado driven to the Virgin Mary on the Barban. The procession should take part in at least one member from each family. This ancient ritual is performed for the past 800 years.
Grado is famous for its lagoon, where an area of over 325 hectares of area is a regional park reserve, protected by the World Wildlife Fund. In the park with the pristine nature of the home to hundreds of different species of birds and animals.
Local fishermen are happy to arrange sightseeing tours in his beloved lagoon with dozens of tiny islands. Some of the islands are private, others rented houses for a holiday in nature.
On one of the islands of the lagoon located hotel, where you bring a boat and leave. In addition to guests, no one. This area misanthrope
After visiting the lagoon you can see why the locals love it and so speak of it with a gasp. It does not want to leave.
Grado - is closest to the Austrian spa town. Until now, Austrians, Germans, Slovenians, Czechs come here for quality spa treatments. Aesthetic Medicine - the card most of Grado hotels.
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