Dese: Forest Landscape and Venetian History

Dese combines forest and wetland landscapes with church and fortress history. The district brings together natural sites with specially laid-out paths and structures whose history stretches back to the Middle Ages and the Venetian defense plans. Your trip therefore offers a varied impression of landscapes, historic architecture and practical orientation on site.

Church, Bell Tower and Early History

Dese is home to the Chiesa della Natività di Maria, a Romanesque-Gothic church built of exposed brick. The church includes the preserved old bell tower, which formerly served as a watchtower and was built around the year 1000 from reused Roman materials. The church of Santa Maria di Dese also has a very early historical connection: a visit there is documented for the year 957. The exposed brick gives the church a different material character from the reinforced concrete of Forte Cosenz.

Forte Cosenz and the Campo Trincerato di Mestre

Forte Cosenz was completed in 1911, built entirely of reinforced concrete, and belongs to the second generation of forts. It lies north of Dese along the railway line to Trieste. Forte Cosenz is also part of the Venetian mainland defense project known as the “Campo Trincerato di Mestre.” The combination of its construction date, material and military classification makes the fort a subject in its own right for anyone interested in architectural and military history. The construction date of 1911 falls after the visit documented for Santa Maria di Dese in 957 and the construction of the bell tower around 1000.

Forest Areas and Wetland Landscape

The forest areas located in the district of Dese are touched by the river of the same name. Bosco Praello is one of three forest areas in Dese. In addition, Bosco di Dese was expanded by 2.5 hectares of lowland forest. This landscape is complemented by the new wetland area, created by converting the agricultural land known as “Parco Terronazzo Sud,” which covers 15,000 square meters. The expansion of Bosco di Dese by 2.5 hectares of lowland forest and the new wetland area differ in how they were created: forest was added in one case, while agricultural land was converted in the other.

Bosco Dese can be explored via specially laid-out paths. Public access is closed during the hunting season from September to February. Bosco Praello can be reached via Via Bosco Costa. For nature enthusiasts, the following applies: public access to Bosco Dese is closed during the hunting season from September to February; Bosco Praello can be reached via Via Bosco Costa.

Getting There

An interurban bus route serves Dese. This means that a bus connection is available as part of the area's transport links for those arriving without their own car.

More Destinations

More destinations: Altino, Murano, Trivignano, Tessera, Giudecca, Favaro Veneto, Marghera, Campalto

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