Portogruaro is an Italian town in the Veneto region, in North-East Italy. It’s in the Province of Venice, which is around 50 km away, and the Lemene river flows through it. The municipality has a population of approximately 25,000 and its people are known as “Portogruaresi”.
The name “Portogruaro” consists of two parts: Porto and Gruaro. The former is a reference to the role it once played as a river port for goods travelling from the sea to inland areas. The latter is the name of a nearby town and it probably has Gallo-Celtic origins, like various other place names in the area.
Portogruaro: history
Portogruaro has ancient origins that stretch back to Roman times, when it was an important trading and transport hub. However, it was in the Early Middle Ages that it really developed into a town. In 1140, Portogruaro gained its independence from the Patriarchate of Aquileia and became a free commune.
During the 13th century, the town prospered under the rule of the Republic of Venice, which boosted trade and infrastructural development. Many historic churches and buildings date back to this time, when the town flourished both economically and culturally.
Over the centuries, Portogruaro has had various rulers and lived through wars and other historical events. In the 19th century, it became part of the Kingdom of Italy and continued to experience growth and modernization.
Portogruaro is now a vibrant town with a diversified economy encompassing everything from agriculture to industry and tourism.
Portogruaro: what to see
Portogruaro has a well-preserved historic centre, with narrow, picturesque streets winding their way around the Lemene river. The town also has hugely popular porticoes that give it a unique, welcoming atmosphere.
Visitors flock from all over the region to cultural events and festivals in Portogruaro, a lively town with a rich history and traditions.
Let’s look at the tourist attractions together!
The Sant’Andrea Watermills (I Molini) and the Sant’Andrea bridge
The famous Sant’Andrea Watermills stand alongside the Lemene river, just a stone’s throw from Portogruaro’s old town centre. Dating back to the 14th century, the historic buildings underline the important role the river played as a transport and supply route for local trade. Up to ten constantly turning water wheels harnessed the power of the water in the river, using it to grind grain.
Just a short distance from the watermills, the stone Sant’Andrea Bridge gracefully spans the Lemene river. The oldest bridge in Portogruaro and the only one the Austrians didn’t destroy, it offers wonderful views of the surrounding scenery.
The Town Hall (Palazzo dei Cento)
Palazzo dei Cento, also known as the Town Hall, is one of Portogruaro’s architectural gems. Built in the 14th century, it has been altered and extended numerous times over the years. Its distinctive, refined Gothic-style façade features swallow-tailed “Ghibelline” merlons.
On the ground floor is a room called the Sala delle Colonne, part of which was home to the town prison for four centuries.
Concordia National Museum in Portogruaro
Concordia National Museum in Portogruaro is an important cultural centre where the region’s artistic and historical heritage is preserved and promoted. Located in a former Benedictine monastery, it has an exceptional collection encompassing everything from ancient to medieval and modern art.
The museum building is shaped like a Christian basilica with a nave and two side aisles. Inside, visitors can admire: Roman sculptures, reliefs and statues; medieval frescoes, mosaics and paintings that tell the story of religious and secular life in the Middle Ages; and collections of religious art, including altars, crucifixes and liturgical items. All of this comes from the town of Concordia Sagittaria.
The museum is normally open from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Tickets for the museum can be bought online. Guided tours are available and they can be booked in advance.
The Cathedral of Sant’Andrea and the Town Bell Tower
Portogruaro Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, stands on the ruins of three former churches. Fine frescoes and works of art by Venetian artists can be admired inside.
The Town Bell Tower is another iconic Portogruaro landmark. Dating back to the 12th to 13th centuries, it is approximately 40 metres tall and adorned with Ghibelline merlons. One of the eye-catching characteristics of the tower is how much it tilts: due to the unstable land on which it stands, it began leaning hundreds of years ago. It currently leans by approximately 2 degrees, making it the bell tower with the third biggest tilt in Italy.
Villa Comunale
Villa Comunale in Portogruaro was built in the mid-16th century and has undergone substantial changes over the years. Located near the Lemene river, this historic villa is surrounded by beautiful natural greenery.
It is now home to town council offices and a Palaeontology Museum. The area around it has been made into a public park that hosts shows, concerts and cultural events.
The Pilacorte Well
One of the symbols of Portogruaro is the crane well with an octagonal base, which can be seen next to the Town Hall in Piazza della Repubblica.
The Lombard stone cutter Giovanni Antonio Pilacorte produced the well curb for the town in 1494.
The two cranes on top of the well are the work of Valentino Turchetto, a sculptor from Portogruaro. They were put there in 1928 to replace the ones created by Pilacorte, which were removed during the Austrian invasion in 1917 and used to make cannons.
How to get to Portogruaro
Portogruaro has good transport links. It’s easy to get there both by car and by public transport.
- Car
Portogruaro is on the SS14 state road between Venice and Trieste. The A4 (Milan-Trieste) motorway is another option. The nearest exit is “Portogruaro”. From there, follow the signs for the town centre.
- Train
Portogruaro has a well-served train station. You can travel there by train from various Italian cities, such as Venice, Treviso and Udine. Both regional and intercity trains stop in Portogruaro, so it’s easily accessible.
- Bus
Numerous bus lines run between Portogruaro and other towns and cities in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. The local public transport companies provide frequent services.
- Aeroplane
The nearest airports are “Marco Polo” in Venice and “Antonio Canova” in Treviso. After you’ve landed, you can hire a car or take a train or a bus to Portogruaro.
Come and visit Portogruaro, a treasure trove of history, culture and natural wonders! As you stroll through the streets, you can admire magnificent monuments, enjoy traditional dishes and savour the town’s unique atmosphere.
For more information about Portogruaro and other places in the surrounding area, take a look at the Lampo blog. It’s a great place to find useful tips and suggestions on how to make your visit unforgettable.
Don’t miss the chance to explore everything Veneto has to offer!
