Have you ever heard of an island named after rabbits? That’s Motta dei Cunicci, a tiny islet nestled in the Venetian Lagoon, just north of Torcello. Motta dei Cunicci, meaning “little hill of rabbits” in Venetian dialect, hints at a time when the area was teeming with furry residents. But nowadays, the only rabbits you’ll find here are in the imaginations of visitors.
This island, once part of a bustling center called Ammiana, is now a silent sentinel, a reminder of Venice’s dynamic past. The ancient Ammiana, a thriving community, was swallowed by the rising tides during the Middle Ages. Only remnants of its glorious history are hidden beneath the lagoon’s waters. Imagine the bustling life here, streets teeming with people, the scent of cooking wafting from taverns, and the sound of children laughing in the open squares!
The Church of San Pietro di Casacalba once stood proudly in this center. Now, sadly, only its foundation remains, a testament to the forces of nature that constantly shape the lagoon, making it a living entity rather than just a picturesque spot. The Motta dei Cunicci was once a vibrant hub of Ammiana. Now, it stands like a silent historian, a reminder of the constant cycles of Venetian history.