top of page

GLOSSARY OF VENETIAN TERMS

PIAZZALE ROMA

Piazzale Roma is a large square located in the city of Venice, Italy. It is at the end of the main road that connects the historic center of Venice to the mainland and represents one of the main entrances to the city.

​

PIAZZA SAN MARCO

Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, is the main public square in the city of Venice, Italy. It is one of the most famous and iconic squares in the world, known for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and beautiful surroundings.

​

VAPORETTO

The vaporetto is the traditional waterbus of Venice, Italy, and serves as the main form of public transportation within the city. The name "vaporetto" literally means "little steamboat," reflecting its origin when it was first powered by steam engines, although modern vaporetti are now powered by engines.

​

GONDOLA

A gondola is a traditional Venetian rowing boat that has become an iconic symbol of Venice, Italy. It is known for its unique design and its association with the city's canals.

 

SPRITZ

Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail, originating from the Veneto region, particularly in Venice, and is known for its refreshing, light, and slightly bitter taste. It has become one of the most iconic drinks of Italian aperitivo culture.

 

OSTERIA

An osteria is a traditional Italian establishment that serves food and drink, often with a focus on local, simple, and rustic dishes. Historically, osterie were more informal and modest than ristoranti (restaurants), offering hearty meals to travelers or locals, usually in a casual and cozy setting

​

BACARO

A bacaro is a traditional Venetian tavern or wine bar, often serving small plates of food, known as cicheti, along with wine or other beverages. It is a quintessential part of Venice's social and culinary culture, providing a casual, relaxed atmosphere where locals and visitors can gather to enjoy drinks and snacks.

​

COCAI

COCAO is the Venetian word for seagull. In Venice and throughout Italy, the term gabbiano is commonly used to describe the birds that are often seen along coastlines, lakes, and other bodies of water. Seagulls are particularly prevalent in Venice due to the city's proximity to the lagoon and the sea.

 

TRATTORIA

A trattoria is a traditional Italian eatery that offers a casual and cozy atmosphere, typically serving home-style, hearty Italian dishes. The term is often used to describe a type of restaurant that sits somewhere between an osteria and a ristorante in terms of formality and menu offerings.

​

CICHETTO

A cicchetto veneziano (plural: cicheti) is a traditional Venetian snack or small plate, often served in bacari (Venetian taverns or wine bars) alongside drinks like wine or Spritz. Cicheti are akin to Spanish tapas and are an essential part of Venetian culinary culture, reflecting the region’s love for small, flavorful bites that pair perfectly with wine or an aperitivo.

 

TRONCHETTO

The Tronchetto Venezia is a notable landmark in Venice, Italy. It refers to a small island and a transportation hub located near the entrance of the Port of Venice. The area around Tronchetto is often associated with parking, boat terminals, and transportation services, especially for those arriving or leaving the city via the Venetian Lagoon.

​

ARSENALE

The Arsenale in Venice is a historic complex that once served as one of the most important shipyards in the world. It played a pivotal role in Venice's dominance as a maritime power during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Today, the Arsenale is a symbol of Venice's rich naval and industrial history.

​

OMBRA DI VINO

A typical Venetian expression used to refer to a glass of wine, usually small (about 100 ml), often served in bacari, the traditional Venetian taverns. It’s the kind of wine you drink while standing at the counter, often paired with a few cicchetti (small snacks).

​

CAMPO/CAMPIELLO

In Venetian, the word "campo" (pronounced kahm-poh) refers to a small square or public square in Venice. These squares are a central feature of the city’s urban landscape and are typically surrounded by buildings, churches, or other significant structures.

​

CANALE

Canale (Venetian canal) refers to the intricate network of canals that weave through the city of Venice, Italy. These canals are one of the most defining features of Venice, serving as both transportation routes and a central element of the city’s history, culture, and urban life.

​

CALLE

In Venetian, the term "calle" (pronounced ka-lleh) refers to a street or narrow alley in Venice. The word is widely used to describe the small, winding streets that make up the city's unique urban layout. These calle are often narrow, winding, and are one of the most characteristic features of Venice's distinctive architecture and urban design.

​

RIVA

In Venetian, the term "riva" refers to a shoreline, bank, or embankment, particularly the edges or sides of canals, lagoons, and bodies of water. It is often used to describe the promenades or quays along the canals and lagoons of Venice, where boats are moored or where people can walk and enjoy views of the water.

​

SESTIERE

In Venice, a "sestiere" (pronounced se-stee-eh-reh) refers to one of the six districts or neighborhoods into which the city is traditionally divided. Each sestiere has its own distinct character, history, and identity, and they are central to the organization and structure of Venice.

​

FONDAMENTA

In Venetian, the term "fondamenta" (pronounced fohn-dah-men-tah) refers to the waterfront walkways or quays that run along the canals. These are the paths or embankments that line Venice's canals, providing both functional and scenic access to the water. The term comes from the word "fondamenta", which means "foundations" or "base," referring to the platforms or embankments that support the buildings along the canals.

​

SQUERO

In Venetian, a "squero" (pronounced skweh-roh) refers to a boatyard or boat workshop, specifically a traditional Venetian boatyard where gondolas and other types of Venetian boats are built and repaired. The term is closely associated with the craftsmanship and maritime heritage of Venice, particularly the construction and maintenance of gondolas.

​

TRAGHETTO

In Venetian, a "traghetto" refers to a type of gondola ferry used for crossing the Grand Canal.traghetto is a simpler, public ferry service that transports people across the canal at specific points where no bridges exist.

GLOSSARIO.png

© 2035 by R&C. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page