The fortifications of Venice were once a large and complex defensive system, in which the famous Venetian forts were of great importance. Unfortunately, only a few of them have survived to this day, and you can see them once a year - on the Open Forts Day.
This event takes place every year in Venice on 1 August. On this day, everyone can enjoy the Venetian forts, usually closed to the public, which are of great value in terms of archeology and architecture. Most of them were built in the 16th and 17th centuries, when forts still played an important role in the defense of Venice. Now some of the forts have turned into cultural attractions and became part of the historical tourist route.
Usually, on Open Forts Day, the city organizes many excursions to these amazing structures, allowing you to get a little touch of the interesting past of Venice. Most often, the tourist route starts from one of the most impressive fortifications near Mestre - Fort Marghera. Its territory covers more than 40 hectares of land, and its configuration resembles a star. This fort was built first of all and was intended to protect the city from land.
Then the excursion passes through the Bazzera and Manin forts, which during the First World War were used to store gunpowder stores, goes through the most beautiful places and watchtowers to the Carpenedo fort, where the military barracks of the 19th century were reconstructed, and goes to the forts of the lagoon. Fort SantAndrea, for example, is located between the amazingly beautiful islands - right at the entrance to the lagoon, which shows its advantageous strategic position in the city's defensive system. Further in the excursion program is the island of Lazzareto Nuovo, Fort San Felice, Maximilian's Tower, Scarpa-Volo Estate and Ca Roman forts on the banks of Pellestrina.
While visiting the forts, you can see powder depots and arsenals, former barracks, impressive defense towers and much more. The Open Forts Day is of particular value for tourists from other countries, giving them the opportunity to feel the spirit of the past Venice and get acquainted with its history.
