Fondamenta delle Zattere, Waterfront promenade in Dorsoduro, Venice, Italy.
The fondamenta delle Zattere is a long walkway that stretches about 1.1 miles (1.7 kilometers) along the southern edge of Dorsoduro district, offering direct views across the Giudecca Canal toward the islands beyond.
Paved in 1516, this waterfront area derives its name from the rafts that historically transported timber, salt, and coal to Venice, serving as a vital commercial docking point for centuries of maritime trade.
The promenade hosts landmarks including the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario with frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and the former Magazzini del Sale warehouses, now used for contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.
Visitors can access the fondamenta delle Zattere via vaporetto water bus lines, and the promenade features numerous benches, cafes, gelato shops, and restaurants along its length for resting and dining.
This waterfront location was reportedly the site of a decisive naval battle in 810, where Venetian forces used shallow-draft flat boats to defeat Frankish invaders in the lagoon's shallow waters, securing the republic's independence.
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