Located near Venice, this industrial port town has a unique 20th-century planned urban layout with wide tree-lined streets and modernist buildings from the 1920s manufacturing boom.
Marghera, a borough of Venice on the mainland with 17,000 inhabitants, sits next to Porto Marghera, one of Europe's largest coastal industrial zones. You can explore the striking Chiesa di San Antonio, cycle along dedicated bike paths, or join locals at the annual Festa della Sensa boat procession. Regular trams and buses connect you to Venice's historic center in under 20 minutes.
Getting to Marghera
You can reach Marghera through several transport options from Venice and Mestre. The tram from downtown Mestre runs every 10 minutes during peak hours. A pedestrian and bicycle tunnel at the southeastern end of Mestre Railroad Station connects directly to Marghera, making it a 5-minute walk from the platforms. Several ACTV bus lines run between Marghera, Mestre, and Venice every 15-20 minutes throughout the day.
Urban Layout and Architecture
Walk or cycle through Marghera's grid-pattern streets on separate two-way bicycle paths and wide sidewalks. Look for the water tower - it helps you navigate through the town. In Piazzale Giovannacci, you'll find a central fountain within a traffic roundabout and a Madonna statue overlooking the square. The white-faced Chiesa di San Antonio stands next to a public park and the Piazza del Municipio, where locals gather throughout the day.
Maritime Events and Culture
Each September, more than 100 decorated boats participate in the Festa della Sensa around Marghera's waters. This tradition dates to the year 1000, marking a naval victory over Dalmatian pirates. Between April and September, you can watch over 120 regattas. Each race has its own character - the Regatta di Sant'Erasmo includes only women rowers, while the Regatta di Santi Giovanni e Paolo welcomes participants under 25 years old.
Porto Marghera
The 1920s development of Porto Marghera created shipping channels and new land from the lagoon. Today, cruise ships dock here instead of Venice's historic center. Take a 15-minute shuttle bus to reach Piazzale Roma in Venice. The port area includes Fincantieri's shipbuilding yards and industrial facilities. Note that if you arrive by cruise ship, you must use the shuttle service - the industrial zone restricts pedestrian access.
