Forte Marghera, Military fort and park in Mestre, Italy.
Forte Marghera is a fort on the mainland across from Venice near Mestre, featuring open fields, canals, and exhibition spaces throughout the grounds. The complex spreads across a large area with different sections that reflect various uses from military history to contemporary purposes.
The fort was built in 1805 during Napoleonic rule as a defensive structure protecting the region. Control of the site changed hands several times between French and Austrian forces throughout the 1800s.
The site hosts contemporary art installations that regularly connect to Venice's art biennale, with exhibitions displayed throughout the grounds. Modern works sit alongside military architecture, creating a dialogue between past and present.
You can reach the fort by tram from central Venice in about ten minutes, with free entry available. The site opens Tuesday through Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly to ensure access.
The grounds host a large population of cats that roam freely throughout the entire complex and its structures. These animals are a notable feature that often surprises visitors and shapes the character of the fort in an unexpected way.
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