Page 64 - Mediterraneo e dintorni - nr 8

one that speaks of 12 million arrivals
a year with an estimate that doubles
the number shortly, to understand
the phenomenon more immediately.
Let it be clear: the numbers certify a
success and confirm the incomparable
beauty of such an enchanting place;
but at the same time they induce a
reflection on the quality of life of the
Venetians, especially of the 50,000
who live in the historical center that
has been living for a number of years
in a worrying exodus. These shots are
intended to explore the other Venice,
the non-tourist, that of its inhabitants,
the one that from dusk until late
night unmasks its true soul. Images
that want to tell “the most romantic
city in the world” in the hours when
the mass of tourists is gone. When
evening comes, that ever-flowing
river dries up, leaving the streets to its
inhabitants.
The noises of a whole day disappear:
in their place you hear the ticking
of the steps and the nice voices of the
Venetians that echoes in the streets.
Everything becomes more authentic
when the city is handed over to the
Venetians in the evening. This also
seems the best moment to trace and
steal the suggestions of that Venice scorrimento si prosciuga, la-
that left indelible traces in history and
that are evoked by its other names, sciando le calli ai suoi abitanti.
such as “the Queen of the Adriatic” I rumori di un’intera giornata
and “the Dominant”, by virtue of its spariscono: al loro posto si ode
mighty naval structure and the sea il ticchettio dei passi e il sim-
it faces, witnessing a millennium of patico vociare dei veneziani
flourishing commercial and cultural
exchanges. che rimbomba nelle rughe. Le
The other Venice is definitely different “fondamenta”, tratto di strada
than the collective imagination, the che costeggia un rio o un cana-
mass postcards, the poses in Piazza le, o le “salizade”, tipicamente
San Marco, the gondola ride. Hidden le calli più storiche e impor-
among the less crowded lanes, and
especially in the evening hours, the tanti, divengono improvvisa-
lagoon city brings out its most genuine mente e magnificamente più
charm that you have to discover little autentiche quando la sera le
by little, walking on foot. Only in this consegna ai veneziani. Que-
way are the details, both artistic and sto sembra anche il momento
popular, observed. It is precisely this
other Venice, its inhabitants and its più propizio per rintracciare
glorious history that must be protected e carpire le suggestioni della
at all costs. Because in this Venice its Venezia che ha lasciato tracce
true soul is kept alive. Its essence. indelebili nella storia: possia-
mo individuare le origini dei

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