San Michele al Tagliamento

Starting off from the mouth of the Tagliamento river, we get to San Michele al Tagliamento a tranquil and small city on the border with Friuli Region.
The river, represented in the city coat of arms by a light blue band, and considered as the historical companion of the city, offers lovely views, in an incontaminated nature, especially appreciated by those who love to escape hubbub. 

In Roman time this area was crossed through by Via Annia the important arterial road which linked Rome to Aquileia.
Evidence of the influence Rome had on this area, is also visible in Bibione Pineda, particularly in the villa called “Mutteron dei Frati".
During the nine-year-long Napoleonic domination (1805-1814) the river became the line of division of the Latisana Seignory into two municipalities: Latisana (left side) and San Michele (right side). Consequently San Michele became an autonomous administrative centre annexed to the Province of Venice. 

San Michele is also witness of the important historical Italian events: evidence still visible of the Second World War is Villa Ivancich, lacerated by bombing.
In the ruins of this villa, now abandoned and wrapped by creepers, you can see the ancient magnificence of end 1500, date of its erection by – maybe – Longhena on desire of the Mocenigo family, one of the most important Venetian families. 

Not a lot remains of this villa that gave hospitality to the writer Ernest Hemingway and to the philosopher Ezra Pound. Nevertheless the mementoes that reside there belong to history.
Bombing, aimed at the destruction of the bridges on the river, destroyed the villa and the city as well.
Indeed, the city we can visit today is the result of a reconstruction made south of the original settlement on a town-planning scheme drafted by the Venetian architect Angelo Scattolin.
All these events witness the will of this municipality which has been able to find new strength and has focused the tourist resources of Bibione to better its services and its beach facilities with a constant commitment.
For further information see web pages: www.comunesanmichele.it/