This time-honored regatta is not to be missed. A grand, colorful procession of historic 15th-century vessels awaits you.
Leading the way is the magnificent Bucintoro - the state ship of the Serenissima - from which the Doge once cast a precious ring into the sea as a symbol of Venice's marriage to the sea.
This procession is historically documented from the year 1489, when the Republic solemnly welcomed Caterina Cornaro, who had renounced the throne as Queen of Cyprus in favor of her hometown, Venice.
Afterward, the actual sporting competitions take place. Even though the Regata Storica is held every year, it remains a unique event in a unique city.
Schedule
of the Regata Storica
The regatta schedule is as follows (e.g., 2011):
- 4:00 p.m. Historical parade
- 5:00 p.m. Youth race (with Pupparini, 2 rowers)
- 5:20 p.m. Women's regatta (Mascareta, 2 rowers)
- 5:50 p.m. Caorline regatta (6 rowers)
- 6:20 p.m. Gondola race (2 rowers)
The race route
starts at the Giardini di Castello, then proceeds through the Bacino San Marco, the Grand Canal, and the Rialto (turning around at the Banca d'Italia).
The finish line is at Ca' Foscari.
The competition
is rowing too - but on the Brenta.
The Riviera Fiorita is the Brenta municipalities' response to - or rival of - Venice's historic regatta. It takes place every year - and it's definitely worth seeing! /more
Where are
the good seats?
If you want to experience the spectacle from the front row, you should simply get up early. Or have a good friend who just happens to own a palazzo on the Grand Canal (and who might still owe you a favor).
Or, the elegant way to go, reserve a table at a restaurant on the Grand Canal well in advance (i.e., weeks ahead of time), or book a room at a hotel on the Grand Canal well in advance.
