WhatsApp
Houseboat

Venetian briccole: what are they -and what is their story?

Story

The Briccole are one of the symbols of Venice, although less known to mass tourism. You can meet them while navigating in the lagoons of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. But what is their story?

The Venetian Briccola, a story of rebirth

The Venetian lagoon has always been an important commercial hub, a crossroads of river and maritime routes connecting Eastern and Northern Europe.
The Briccola, or even bricola, is an oak wood structure, used for several centuries by sailors to orient themselves and understand the depth of the bottom.
Even today the briccole are essential for navigation, since they indicate the navigable routes, the shallows and the navigation rules..

The briccola should be replaced after some time because of the action of a woodworm called teredine that consumes the wood until it breaks

From the forest to the sea, and then once removed to be replaced, the briccole often are then processed to be reborn and become artistic pieces for furniture with a historic flavor. Today, after more than a millennium of usage, the lagoon looks like a forest dotted with long oak poles.

During our itinerary "Venice Lagoon and the Smaller Islands" you will meet hundreds of Briccole; but what are they exactly and what are they for? Let’s find out together!

 

History of Venetian Briccole

 

The Venetian Briccole, their uniqueness and their fundamental contribution to navigation

The briccola consists of one, two or more wooden poles, usually oak. These poles are tied together and fitted in the sandy bottom of the lagoon for much of their length. In Venice the briccola can consist of a single pole (palina), or more poles (bricola), up to five poles and a higher central one that serves to indicate the beginning of a lagoon channel; in this case they are called meda.

The briccole preserved they importance over the centuries, and are still essential today to identify the navigable channels, to understand where shallows to avoid are, and support visual signs, like speed limits, more or less at the same way you may find along the roadsIn short, they are fundamental during houseboat driving and not only!

The briccole must be replaced by time to time in order to avoid them breaking down because of the presence of the woodworm called Teredine, and then becoming a floating danger for boats.
Each briccola remains stuck in the lagoon for decades and brings the signs of time, telling a unique story that is intertwined with myths and legends. It is not possible to know the exact number of existing briccole, but almost one hundred thousand units, drawing a scenario unique in the world.. The briccola, all around the world, is also called Duc d'albe or Dalben or Dolphin.

During your trip with Houseboat Holidays Italia you will meet several briccole that will indicate the canals in the lagoons of Venice, Marano and Grado.
You can also find on some poles, inside the city canals with mooring function, the decorations with the symbols ("de casada") of the Venetian nobility. Those poles are called paline, not to be confused with the briccole
In short, the Briccole are a concentrate of history and culture that make Venice even more unique and special!

Discover all our itineraries and do not miss the magic of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Stories and Insights

HouseBlog

Travel stories, inspirations and insights to prepare your holiday on board. Filter by category and enjoy reading.

Story

Sailing with friends in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia: ideas and tips for an unforgettable river holiday

Discover our tips for organising a boating holiday with friends in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Contact us to book your houseboat!

Find out more
Find out more
Story

Villa Pisani: a plunge into history along the Riviera del Brenta

Discover Villa Pisani with Houseboat Holidays Italia, a true gem of history and culture

Find out more
Find out more
Story

An unforgettable adventure: discover Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia by houseboat with your children

Experience an unforgettable adventure with your children: discover Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia by houseboat. Explore picturesque places and create precious memories

Find out more
Find out more
Story

Explore the magic of the Violet Artichoke Festival in Sant'Erasmo with Houseboat Holidays Italy!

Are you looking for a unique and fascinating experience to enjoy in Italy? Houseboat Holidays Italia suggests you discover the Violet Artichoke Festival in Sant'Erasmo, a traditional event celebrating the violet artichoke, one of the region's food and wine treasures.

Find out more
Find out more
Story

4 things to do in Summer in Friuli Venezia Giulia: between sea, culture and fun

Summer in Friuli Venezia Giulia is the perfect time to discover the region's hidden treasures and enjoy the sea, sun and fun. During a houseboat vacation you can have an exciting experience and enjoy a wonderful region. Here are 4 experiences to have in Summer in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Find out more
Find out more
Story

5 Things to Do in Spring in Veneto During a Houseboat Vacation

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in Veneto, with pleasant temperatures and a blooming nature that invites exploration and adventure.

Find out more
Find out more
Insight

Navigating in Houseboat in Veneto: everything you need to know about navigation rules

Boating in waterways in Veneto and in Friuli on a self driven river cruiser is an unforgettable and unique experience, but it is important to know the navigation tricks.

Find out more
Find out more
Story

Easter boating in Veneto: stories and traditions

Easter is one of the most important holidays of the year, and over the centuries it has united religion and folklore. But what are the Easter traditions in Veneto?

Find out more
Find out more
Story

Prosecco is a unique wine produced in the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in Veneto, and exported all over the world

Prosecco is produced in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia and from there it has conquered the whole world, becoming the most exported Italian wine. But what is the incredible story of Prosecco?

Find out more
Find out more
Insight

How the Navigation lock works: from Leonardo da Vinci’s project to today

The invention and the history of the navigation lock, from Leonardo da Vinci to today, easily explained.

Find out more
Find out more
arrow prev
arrow next

Houseboat Holidays Italia

An experience in close contact with water, along the slow flowing river, away from crowds and mass tourism.

Catalog Plan your vacation

Request the Houseboat catalog now.

Maps Navigation charts

Buy our maps.

Buy now

Keep in touch

Receive updates and articles from Houseboat.

Houseboat Holidays Italia

Secluded beaches, sometimes unknown islets, historic villages, and culinary culture.