In the heart of the peaceful pedestrian area, overlooking the southern end of the Venice Lagoon, in one of the most charming spots of Chioggia, a historic town with a seafaring vocation, renown for its important fish market and famous throughout the world for Goldoni's popular "Le baruffe chiozzotte" in which it plays a leading role, Hotel Grande Italia enjoys a privileged position among Chioggia's hotels for conveniently being able to explore the town on foot and taking a vaporetto (wharf 10 meters away) with a direct line or change on the island of Pellestrina to go to Piazza San Marco in Venice.
A very pleasant stroll starts at the hotel and goes along Corso del Popolo crossing the entire historical center with its lovely old buildings (the Town Hall is pretty) and remarkable churches, including an immense one dedicated to San Giacomo, shops, cafes and traditional spots, which become even more lively on Thursdays when the colorful weekly market is held (the largest in Veneto!). The Fish Market is also well worth a visit. It is located between Corso del Popolo and Canal Vena, and is filled with a rich variety of fish from the sea and lagoon: bibarasse (clams) and caparossoli (carpet shell clams), sievali (gray mullet) and bisati (eels) and many others which can be found in the delicious food at "Alle baruffe chiozzotte", the hotel's restaurant. Delights from the "land" include Rosa di Chioggia, the traditional red radicchio shaped like a rose and star of Chioggia's vegetable gardens and tables.
Continuing our stroll along the Corso among the picturesque calli arranged perpendicularly to form the characteristic herringbone pattern of the center crossed by three parallel canals Lombardo, Vena (central) and San Domenico similar to Venice (Chioggia is also known as Little Venice!) where the traditional bragozzi, 19th century fishing boats can still be seen, with their vivaciously decorated hulls and very colorful lug sails.
Next we find the Museo Civico della Laguna sud, which contains Roman archeological items, Renaissance artifacts and an interesting permanent exhibit on local shipyards and sailing traditions from the 1700's to the present, and at the end of the Corso, the Cathedral with paintings by famous Venetian masters such as Piazzetta and Tiepolo.
Before going back to the hotel, a visit to the Church of San Domenico where you can see the San Paolo del Carpaccio and stop on the 17th century Ponte Vigo, the prettiest in Chioggia, in front of the column of the same name which dominates Corso del Popolo, and is crowned with the Lion of San Marco in memory of the strong ties with Venice.
The surroundings of Chioggia are home to places of great interest for nature lovers including the Bosco Nordio, the Oasi di Ca' Roman and Park of the Po Delta, the beaches of Sottomarina 2 km away, the splendid historical cities of Venice and Padua and the Brenta Riviera with its marvelous villas, make Little Venice a privileged spot for curious and refined visitors.
By plane From Venice's Marco Polo Airport (60 km) Rent a car, take the tangenziale (bypass) and follow the signs for Padova - Milano - Ravenna. Exit on SS 309 Romea - Ravenna and follow the signs for SS 309 Romea - Chioggia - Ravenna. After around 37 km you'll see signs for Chioggia – Porto - Strada del Porto. After around 2 km at the signal turn right on Via Naccari and then left on Via della Repubblica, then continue on Riva Canal Lombardo. Turn right on Calle Larga Bersaglio, after 200 meters you'll arrive at Hotel Grande Italia which is on your left. To get there with public transportation take the ATVO shuttle for Venezia- Piazzale Roma. From there take the ACTV 80E bus for Chioggia - Sottomarina and get off in Chioggia at the beginning of Corso del Popolo. Continue with town buses 1, 2 or 6 and get off at the last stop on the Corso. You'll arrive in Piazzetta Vigo, where Hotel Grande Italia is located, after a five minute walk.
By train Take a train to the station of Rovigo. The take a train for Chioggia, continue with bus 1, 2 or 6 and get off at the last stop on the Corso del Popolo. You'll arrive in Piazzetta Vigo, where Hotel Grande Italia is located, after a five minute walk.
By car From Milan, freeway A4 interchange for Padova – Interporto, continue and exit at Padova - Zona Industriale. Follow the signs for SS 516 for Piove di Sacco - Chioggia - Sottomarina. Once in Chioggia follow the signs for Chioggia Porto – Strada del Porto. After around 2 km at the signal turn right on Via Naccari and then left on Via della Repubblica, then continue on Riva Canal Lombardo. Turn right on Calle Larga Bersaglio, after 200 meters you'll arrive at Hotel Grande Italia which is on your left. From Bologna, freeway A13 exit at Padova sud, then take SS 516 for Chioggia - Sottomarina. Once in Chioggia follow the signs for Chioggia Porto – Strada del Porto. After around 2 km at the signal turn right on Via Naccari and then left on Via della Repubblica, then continue on Riva Canal Lombardo. Turn right on Calle Larga Bersaglio, after 200 meters you'll arrive at Hotel Grande Italia which is on your left. From Trieste, freeway A4, after the tollbooth continue on the tangenziale (bypass) and take the exit SS 309 Romea for Chioggia - Sottomarina (around 37 km). Once in Chioggia follow the signs for Chioggia Porto – Strada del Porto. After around 2 km at the signal turn right on Via Naccari and then left on Via della Repubblica, then continue on Riva Canal Lombardo. Turn right on Calle Larga Bersaglio, after 200 meters you'll arrive at Hotel Grande Italia which is on your left.
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