Are you ready for your Venetian Island Tour with Serenissima? Before setting off, let’s delve into an intriguing story about the Venetian Lagoon. Tucked away amidst the captivating waterways of Venice, you’ll discover a hidden gem of cultural importance: the “briccole” and “paline” that grace the Venetian Lagoon. These aged wooden posts serve as guiding beacons, delineating the channels and shallow waters of the lagoon, while also representing the enduring maritime heritage of the region. Join us on a journey through time as we unravel the rich history and significance behind these iconic structures.
Venetian Island Tour – what do “briccole” and “paline” stand for?
The Briccole or “Bricole” in Venetian, are a nautical structure formed by 3 or more large wooden poles made of chestnut or oak, tied together and placed in the water, in the seabed. They serve to guide boats, signaling low tide in the lagoon.
The average lifespan of Briccole within the lagoon is about 10/20 years. Due to wood corrosion, at low tide, they must be periodically replaced due to wear and tear.
Within the Briccole, marine flora and fauna find their natural habitat, particularly shipworms, elongated mollusks, leave traces of their passage and carve into this wood through work characterized by perfectly round holes, creating very suggestive designs and shapes.
Unique from the shipworms’ work, the Briccole are transformed into exclusive furniture pieces, such as tables, benches, cutting boards, and much more.
The “palina” is the mooring pole used in the Venice lagoon. Unlike the briccola, it consists of a single isolated pole and serves primarily for the temporary or permanent mooring of boats and gondolas.
Usually, the mooring poles for gondolas are replaced very often, about every year, due to the erosion of the wooden pole in the part flush with the water due to wave motion. Wood like chestnut is preferred because it is a resistant and flexible material.
The story of the briccole and paline dates back centuries, to a time when Venetian sailors relied on natural landmarks to navigate the intricate network of waterways that crisscrossed the lagoon. In the absence of modern navigational technology, wooden posts were driven into the shallow waters to serve as guideposts, helping ships safely navigate the treacherous channels and avoid submerged hazards.
Crafted from sturdy oak or chestnut wood, the briccole and paline are meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each post is carefully selected for its strength and durability, then driven deep into the muddy seabed to ensure stability and longevity.
During the time of the Republic of Venice, there was a specific magistrate who had to supervise and authorize every installation of new mooring poles to safeguard the delicate hydro-geological balance of the lagoon.
Venetian Island Tour – Preservation Efforts
Beyond their practical utility, the briccole and paline hold profound cultural significance for the people of Venice. They serve as tangible reminders of the city’s maritime heritage, evoking images of ancient sailing vessels gliding gracefully through the mist-shrouded waters of the lagoon.
Moreover, the briccole and paline are integral to the identity of Venice, symbolizing the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants in the face of constant change and adversity. As the city grapples with rising sea levels and environmental challenges, these iconic structures serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting Venice’s fragile ecosystem.
In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and repurpose the briccole and paline, ensuring that they continue to play a vital role in Venice’s cultural landscape. Salvaged wood from decommissioned posts is often repurposed into furniture, artwork, and other decorative items, providing a sustainable alternative to harvesting new timber.
Furthermore, initiatives have been launched to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem and the role that the briccole and paline play in safeguarding it. By promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local artisans, communities are working together to ensure that these iconic structures remain a cherished part of Venice’s heritage for generations to come.
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Keep reading other fun facts about: Torcello, Burano and Murano – the highlights of the Venetian Lagoon!
