A visit to Portogruaro is visiting a Timeless Treasure
Today, I celebrate Portogruaro, my birthplace—a town rich in history, culture, and timeless charm. Recently marking 885 years since its founding, this hidden gem on the banks of the Lemene River began as a bustling river port in 1410, flourished under the Republic of Venice, and became part of Italy in 1866. Though lesser known, Portogruaro has connections to icons across various fields, from wine to opera and modern music, leaving its mark on the world in ways many might not realize. You could say it’s a little town of unexpected connections.
For wine enthusiasts, if you’ve ever enjoyed a bottle of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, you’ve already encountered a piece of Portogruaro. The Villa Comunale—formerly Villa Marzotto—graces the label of this globally recognized wine. Gaetano Marzotto, a visionary businessman, purchased the estate in the 1930s making it his residence, and not far created his company the Zignago company, producing cotton, glass, melk and cheeses, and then wines creating jobs and strengthening the local community. The winery itself was named after his wife, Margherita Lampertico Marzotto, and their home became the symbol of Santa Margherita wines. Almost everyone in Portogruaro has a connection to the Marzotto family, whether through relatives who have worked for Santa Margherita or the Zignago company, friendships within the company, or simply the shared history of our town. My own family is part of this legacy—my mother was once part of the team, and many of my cousins and friends continue to contribute to this tradition. Despite their global presence, the Marzotto family remains deeply connected to Portogruaro, often returning to their roots—just as I do.
For art lovers, Portogruaro is connected to famous painter Giovanni Battista Cima da Conegliano and his masterpiece “The Incredulity of St. Thomas”. This painting was originally commissioned for our Duomo di Sant’Andrea and was later sold to the London’s National Gallery, where it still resides. A faithful copy by Eugenio Bonò continues to honor its place in our town in the Duomo, a place that holds deep personal significance for me, as it was here that I first fell in love with music, singing in the choir with my grandmother as a child.
For opera enthusiasts, Portogruaro is also tied to one of the most famous librettists in history—Lorenzo Da Ponte, who studied here before going on to write the librettos for Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro”, “Don Giovanni”, and “Così fan tutte”. His legacy remains an integral part of Portogruaro’s cultural heritage and also to mine, having studied at the same school he attended, our prestigious and beautiful Collegio Marconi. It’s magical to walk where he once walked.
For music innovators and lovers, Portogruaro was also home to Luigi Russolo, the pioneer of musical Futurism and the inventor of the “intonarumori”, a revolutionary experimental instrument that influenced modern music. His work continues to inspire artists worldwide, just as Portogruaro inspired my own early passion for music, from piano lessons to discovering my voice at our famous Istituto Musicale Santa Cecilia.
Portogruaro is surely a hidden gem beyond Venice, but growing up here, I didn’t fully realize its beauty and significance until I left Italy and lived in various European cities and the USA. It wasn’t until I began sharing videos of my hometown on social media that I truly appreciated how special it is, by the comments of people watching them . While many dream of experiencing “La Dolce Vita” in the bustling streets of Rome, in small towns like Portogruaro, “la dolce vita” is simply everyday life.
Venetian-style alleys, medieval towers, and buildings adorned with “affreschi” create an enchanting, miniature Venice, complete with the famous Winged Lion symbol of Venice in a few places around Portogruaro. From our historic mill—perfect for picturesque photos—to the beloved Madonnina in Piazzetta della Pescheria, where locals gather to buy fresh fish, light a candle, or feed the geese, Portogruaro’s charm is undeniable.
Portogruaro is like a journey through time. Just a short distance away, in Concordia Sagittaria, you can find extraordinary Roman ruins. The Basilica Paleocristiana features beautifully preserved mosaics, and the town itself boasts multiple cathedrals that reveal its rich religious and historical past. Back in Portogruaro, you can also visit the National Archaeological Museum of Concordia, which hosts an impressive collection of artifacts from these excavations, including stunning Roman mosaics, funerary steles, and architectural elements from the city’s ancient theatre, offering a fascinating journey into the region’s deep-rooted history.
Entering the town center through one of the historic Torri (Towers), you’ll love strolling under our “portici” (arcades), which lead you along Il Liston—our charming main street. As you walk, you’ll arrive at Piazza della Repubblica, the town’s stunning centerpiece. At its heart stands a striking World War I & II Memorial, honoring the fallen soldiers, including two of my grandfather’s brothers.
Overlooking the piazza stands the Palazzo del Comune, a magnificent medieval palace adorned with rare Venetian Gothic battlements. I always enjoy stopping by to greet our wonderful mayor and council members—because in a town like Portogruaro, everyone feels connected, making it a warm and welcoming place where you always feel safe. To the right, you’ll find the Fontana delle Gru (Fountain of the Cranes), a tribute to the birds that once populated the region. Nearby stands our imposing Duomo di Sant’Andrea, next to which you’ll spot one of Portogruaro famous landmarks that will remind you of Pisa—the Torre Storta (Leaning Tower), a delightfully quirky and charming sight.
A visit to Portogruaro wouldn’t be complete without savoring its culinary delights. There are many wonderful places. Just to mention some of my favorites: you can sip a cappuccino in Piazza della Repubblica in one of our caffes’, or enjoy a glass of wine at the elegant V Bar. You can eat at Ai Tre Scalini, which serves authentic Venetian cuisine, or at La Barchessa, which offers a modern twist on Italian classics, both with scenic waterfront settings. Another historic place is Vecchio Pilsen—a sophisticated yet welcoming spot that holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where my parents first met. And of course, there are many places for sweets, one of my favorites being Pasticceria Toffolo, which delights visitors with exquisite pastries.
Beyond the town, Portogruaro is surrounded by nature and hidden wonders. It is nestled among vineyards, canals reminiscent of Venice, and stunning landscapes. A short drive away, you’ll find places of incredible beauty, like Caorle—a colorful seaside town often compared to Venice’s Burano, offering breathtaking views and fresh seafood—or the Brussa, a paradise lagoon with white horses, diverse flora and fauna, and traditional “casoni” (the original homes of fishermen), a place even Hemingway adored.
A visit to Portogruaro is visiting a Timeless Treasure.
So next time you’re in Venice, take a detour to Portogruaro. Whether for our historic mills, stunning Duomo, vibrant art scene, or simply the warmth of its people, Portogruaro will steal your heart.
For now, let’s raise a glass to Portogruaro’s 885th birthday!
I hope I’ve sparked your curiosity to visit my beloved hometown the next time you find yourself in Venice. You might even want to join me on one of my personal tours and explore its hidden wonders together.
Love,
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music special From Venice with Love, which aired nationally in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him, at a concert benefitting his foundation. Her albums include And I Love You So, Italian Signorina, My Lullaby, and From Venice with Love. Giada is also a Tiramisu expert and has done cooking demos on television shows around the country making the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also been a co-host for several years for the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7 in New York.