Grado: the 'first Venice' between sea, fishing, and picturesque alleys

Grado - Grado is an important tourist and spa center on the Friulian coast. Known, for its particular constitution, as 'the first Venice', or 'Island of the Sun'. In fact, it also rises in a lagoon, and the economy is mainly based on fishing and tourism. It is in fact one of the most popular seaside destinations in the northern Adriatic area, with numerous blue flag beaches, ideal for families.

The part of the old city is entirely pedestrianized, with narrow streets and squares with a Venetian and picturesque flavor. The basilicas of Sant'Eufemia and Santa Maria delle Grazie are among the oldest early Christian churches, and in some cases retain the original Byzantine mosaics. An ideal destination for a walk, the large dam that protects the town from the fury of the sea. The port area is the one always on the move, just behind the historic center. Sightseeing tours to discover the lagoon also depart from here, for example the island of Barbana, a pilgrimage destination, where the sanctuary of the Madonna di Barbana stands. It seems that the church was built on the occasion of the rescue from the plague by the Madonna, and in memory of this, on July 1st the faithful go on pilgrimage to renew their vows and thanks.