Nestled on the serene island of Sant’Elena in the eastern part of Venice’s Castello sestiere, Parco delle Rimembranze, also known as Pineta di Sant’Elena, is a tranquil green oasis that stands in contrast to the bustling tourist hubs of Venice. This memorial park, established to honor the soldiers who perished during World War II, is one of the city’s most significant and cherished green spaces. Its lush landscapes, historical significance, and family-friendly amenities make it a unique destination for both locals and visitors seeking respite from Venice’s narrow streets and crowded canals.
Parco delle Rimembranze holds profound historical and cultural
importance. The park was created in the 1920s as part of a broader
Italian tradition of establishing “remembrance parks” to commemorate
fallen soldiers, initially from World War I and later from World War II.
According to local lore, each tree in the park was planted to symbolize
an individual soldier who died in World War II, serving as a living
tribute to their sacrifice. These remembrance parks, which emerged in
Italy in the early 1920s, aimed to foster national pride by honoring
military sacrifices, with trees often cared for by local children to
instill a sense of civic duty. While many such parks fell into neglect
after the fascist era, Parco delle Rimembranze in Venice has endured,
preserving its solemn purpose and natural beauty.
The park’s
location on Sant’Elena, a relatively modern extension of Venice, is
itself a product of early 20th-century urban planning. The area was
developed through land reclamation in the 1920s, transforming a former
military training “sacca” (artificial island) into a residential
neighborhood and public park. This effort was spearheaded by Senator
Piero Foscari and executed by architects Giulio Alessandri, Duilio
Torres, Giuseppe Torres, and engineer Fausto Finzi. The park’s creation
coincided with the construction of the adjacent Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo
in 1913, integrating it into a burgeoning residential and recreational
district within Castello.
The park has also weathered natural
challenges, notably two significant tornadoes. On September 11, 1970, a
violent F4 tornado struck Sant’Elena, uprooting trees and causing 21
deaths when a 22-ton motorboat was lifted from the lagoon. A monument
near the park’s entrance commemorates the victims of this tragedy.
Another tornado in 2012 caused further damage to the park’s trees but
fortunately resulted in no fatalities. These events underscore the
park’s resilience and its deep connection to the local community.
Parco delle Rimembranze is situated at the eastern edge of Venice, on
the island of Sant’Elena, within the Castello sestiere, the largest of
Venice’s six districts. Unlike the more central areas of Venice, such as
San Marco, Castello is known for its laid-back, maritime character, with
quiet side streets, small boats along canals, and a strong local
presence. The park is adjacent to the Giardini della Biennale, home to
Venice’s famous art and architecture exhibitions, and near the historic
Arsenale, a former naval shipyard. Its location at the tip of Venice
offers stunning views across the Venetian Lagoon, including the islands
of Giudecca and Lido, and spectacular sunsets over the water.
To
reach the park, visitors can take a vaporetto (water bus) to the
Sant’Elena stop, accessible via lines 1 or 5 from stops like San
Zaccaria or Piazzale Roma. A single vaporetto ticket costs approximately
€7.50. From the Giardini stop, a short walk east along the waterfront on
Riva degli Schiavoni leads to the park. For those on foot from San
Marco, the stroll along Riva degli Schiavoni takes about 20–30 minutes,
passing the Biennale gardens. The park’s address is Parco Rimembranze,
S.Elena, 30132 Venezia VE, Italy.
Parco delle Rimembranze spans a significant area, characterized by
its lush greenery, winding pathways, and a variety of recreational
facilities. Below are the key features that make the park a standout
destination:
Natural Beauty and Greenery:
The park is renowned
for its tall umbrella pines, cluster pines, and other trees, which
provide ample shade and a serene atmosphere. A large grassy lawn with a
small hill is a popular spot for picnics, relaxation, and studying,
offering panoramic views of the lagoon.
Meandering pathways lined
with statues, including notable ones of composers Giuseppe Verdi and
Richard Wagner, add an artistic touch to the natural setting. These
paths are ideal for leisurely strolls or jogging, with a long, fenced
trail along the San Marco basin offering breathtaking lagoon views.
Children’s Play Areas:
The park is particularly family-friendly,
featuring two well-equipped playgrounds that cater to children of
different ages. The playground near Sant’Elena includes a flying fox and
challenging climbing structures for older kids, while the one closer to
the Giardini Pubblici has separate areas for younger children. These
facilities are a rare find in Venice, where open spaces for play are
limited.
The playgrounds attract a mix of local and visiting
children, fostering a lively yet relaxed community atmosphere.
Recreational Facilities:
A roller-skating rink adds a unique
recreational element, appealing to both children and adults. Nearby
sports fields, including a small soccer pitch and basketball courts, are
frequented by locals, particularly young athletes.
The proximity to
Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, Venice’s historic soccer stadium, offers
opportunities to catch a match, enhancing the park’s appeal for sports
enthusiasts.
Benches and Picnic Areas:
Numerous benches, many
facing the lagoon, provide ideal spots for contemplation, reading, or
enjoying the view. The park’s tranquil setting and open spaces make it
perfect for picnics, though visitors should check local regulations with
the Polizia Locale to ensure compliance.
The park’s southern side,
bordering the San Marco basin, is particularly scenic, with benches
offering unobstructed views of the water and distant islands.
Monuments and Memorials:
In addition to the trees symbolizing fallen
soldiers, the park features a monument near the entrance commemorating
the victims of the 1970 tornado. Another monument, erected in 1936,
honors those who died in Italian East Africa (A.O.I.), though it was
initially misattributed to fascist minister Luigi Razza. These memorials
add layers of historical depth to the park.
Cultural and Sporting
Events:
Since 1961, the park has hosted the Coppa Faganelli, also
known as the “Corsa Campestre,” a cross-country race for middle school
students from Venice and the mainland. This event, one of Venice’s
oldest sporting traditions, underscores the park’s role as a community
hub.
Parco delle Rimembranze is often described as Venice’s “green soul,”
a rare verdant escape in a city dominated by stone and water. Its
location away from the main tourist routes makes it a favorite among
locals, particularly residents of Castello, who use the park for daily
activities like jogging, picnicking, or socializing. The park’s
proximity to the Biennale gardens ties it to Venice’s artistic culture,
attracting creatives and students, such as architecture student Filippo,
who praises it as a place for relaxation and inspiration.
The
park’s serene ambiance and historical significance make it a place of
reflection, where visitors can connect with Venice’s past while enjoying
its natural beauty. Its role as a memorial park adds emotional weight,
inviting contemplation of sacrifice and resilience. For families, the
park offers a safe and engaging space for children to play, while
couples and solo travelers find it a romantic or meditative retreat.
Visitors to Parco delle Rimembranze consistently highlight its
peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Reviews on platforms like
Tripadvisor describe it as a “hidden gem” and a “wonderful break from
sightseeing,” noting its quietness and lack of crowds compared to
central Venice. The park’s playgrounds are a hit with families, with
parents appreciating the chance to relax while children play. The scenic
views, especially at sunset, are a major draw, with benches along the
water providing perfect vantage points.
The park is free to
enter, making it an accessible attraction for all. Early morning or late
afternoon visits are recommended for the best light and fewer visitors,
ideal for photography or a quiet picnic. Nearby cafes and eateries, such
as Vincent Bar on Sant’Elena, offer convenient spots to refuel, while
Via Garibaldi, a wide boulevard in Castello, provides shopping and
dining options.
As a green space in a city prone to flooding, Parco delle Rimembranze
is relatively resilient, though visitors should be aware of Venice’s
acqua alta (high tide) seasons, particularly in autumn and winter. The
park’s elevated design and well-maintained paths mitigate flooding
impacts, but checking weather and tide forecasts is advisable. The
park’s trees and plants are carefully tended, contributing to its status
as one of Venice’s few ecological havens.
For those planning a
visit, bringing a picnic blanket, snacks, and water is recommended, as
on-site amenities are limited. The park’s open spaces and lack of
commercial activity enhance its peaceful vibe but mean visitors should
come prepared. Comfortable walking shoes are advised, as the paths,
while well-kept, can be uneven in places.