Echoes of History The Caserma Pepe stands before you. A silent sentinel. Its weathered walls whisper tales of centuries past.
The Caserma Pepe on the Lido isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to Venice’s rich military history. Built between 1591 and 1595 it served as a crucial barracks for centuries. It was more than just a place for soldiers to rest. It was a key component of Venice’s coastal defenses a bulwark against seaborne threats. Imagine the soldiers. Their lives their hopes. Their fears all bound up in this very place.
For many years the Caserma Pepe housed the “Fanti da Mar”. These were Venice’s amphibious troops. Unique in their time they were the first historical example of an amphibious military force. Think of the training. The drills. The constant preparation for potential conflict. The Caserma Pepe was their home. Their training ground. Their base of operations.
In 1999 the Caserma Pepe was abandoned. Left to the elements. The years took their toll. The building deteriorated. But its spirit remained.
Then in 2016 the Biennale Urbana (BURB) took over. This organization focuses on the intersection between Venice the Biennale and the Venetian Lagoon. They sought to restore the Caserma Pepe and find new ways to make use of the space. Their residency focused on reinhabiting the structure. Honoring its history while paving the way for its future.
The project curator Andrea Bortolotto organized research trips around the lagoon. The team drew inspiration from the environment and the community surrounding the Caserma Pepe. Original military papers were discovered. Scattered across the floor. Fragile from years of water damage. These became the raw materials of a new art installation.
The installation “The Persistence of Hearing” is a captivating echo of this process. Made using salvaged materials from the lagoon and the Caserma itself. This echoes the building’s history and the collaborative efforts of those who have given it new life.
Today the Caserma Pepe stands transformed. Though abandoned for years it has been reclaimed. It represents both a poignant reminder of the past and a hopeful vision for the future. It shows us how history and art can coexist. How even forgotten places can find new meaning. The Caserma Pepe is more than just a building. It’s a story. A testament to resilience. A symbol of Venice itself.