A silent sentinel stands before you. This is the Cippo di conterminazione lagunare n. 54. It marked a boundary. It separated the lagoon from the land.
Let’s delve into the story of these boundary markers. The Republic of Venice understood the lagoon’s delicate nature. They knew any intrusion could have consequences. “Palo fa paluo” they said. A stake creates a swamp.
Venice needed to know where the lagoon ended. Where did the mainland begin? It took time. The delimitation was approved in 1784. It was implemented between 1791 and 1792.
The lagoon’s perimeter stretched about 160 kilometers. Ninety-nine terracotta cippi marked it. These original markers deteriorated quickly. They needed replacing. In the mid-1800s, they were replaced. Istrian stone was used this time.
In the 1930s, more cippi were added. Twenty-five of them limited the “dossi” of Lugo. Also Conche and Fogolana. These were essentially mainland. They were excluded from the lagoon.
Until 1990, Sant’Erasmo island was considered mainland. A decree changed that. The Ministry of Public Works approved a new boundary line. Sixteen cippi once separated the island from the lagoon. Now, it was part of it.
Today, Jesolo Cavallino is mainland. So are Punta Sabbioni and Lido di Venezia. Also Alberoni, Pellestrina, Cà Roman, and lido di Sottomarina. Tre Porti is lagoon territory. Sant’Erasmo and Chioggia are too.
The three port mouths are also part of the lagoon. Chioggia’s lagoon status is important. It prevented a GPL storage plant from opening there. It is a UNESCO site.
In 1991, a survey mapped the remaining cippi. It was published in “I Cento Cippi di conterminazione lagunare veneziana”. Thirty years later, Carlo Augenti retraced the boundary. He documented the cippi he found. He posted photos on Facebook.
A Facebook group formed. It is called “Cippi di conterminazione lagunare: riscoperta e salvaguardia”. The cippi are often neglected. They are covered in brambles. Some face destruction.
Loris Favaretto started an initiative. It is called “ADOTTA UN CIPPO”. Adopt a Cippo. About twenty cippi have adopters.
Citizens’ attention can alert authorities to dangers. Cippo 73 was almost damaged. A temporary ramp was built near it. It was for the new Porto Marghera underpass. Carlo Augenti reported the danger. The Superintendency removed the cippo. It will be replaced after work.
The Cippo di conterminazione lagunare n. 54 represents history. It shows Venice’s careful management of its lagoon. It deserves our respect and protection. Consider its long history. Think about its uncertain future.