VIDEO: Venice – 5 extraordinary stories from the lagoon

Heleen Westerman and Milton Kam traveled to Venice last November. They went in search of ordinary Venice and ordinary Venetians with a passion for the history of their own city. A city that has transformed over the centuries from a trading city to an art city. 

Their search has resulted in a three-part documentary series about Venice that you can watch on YouTube.

From commercial city to art city

In the first episode about Venice, the importance of the Arsenale for the success of Venice as a trading city is discussed. Massimo Gin from Trabacollo 'Il Nuovo Trionfo' tells how this old sailing ship contributed to the realization of all those beautiful buildings in Venice. Director Michele Gottardi of Universitate Internazionale dell'Arte shows how his students learn the profession of restoration worker. A profession that is very important for the restoration and maintenance of the many ancient objects that can be found in Venice. Pier Paulo Scelsi of Giudecca Art District tells how on Giudecca, the world of the craftsmen connects with that of the visiting artist. And in between, the viewer learns about the history of Giudecca, an island south of San Marco square, where time has certainly not stood still. 

Venice – stories from the lagoon

In the second episode, Heleen and Milton travel by vaporetto to 5 different islands in the lagoon, each with their own story. They explore the San Michele cemetery, Gerolamo Fazzini tells about the island of Lazzaretto Nuovo, they take a tour of San Erasmo where they discover two old fortresses, and then travel to Burano. A popular island known for its lace and colored houses. In her shop, Martina Vidal tells more about how the lace is made on Burano and why the houses are so beautifully colored. The nearby Mazzorbo turns out to have two well-preserved and special sights, after which the trip along the islands is concluded with a visit to Torcello. An island where 20.000 people used to live, now only 14.

Venice – the secrets of Lazzaretto Nuovo

In the third episode, Heleen and Milton return to Lazzaretto Nuovo and walk with Gerolamo Fazzini across this former quarantine island in the lagoon. In the 15th century people were sent here who were thought to be infected with the plague. From a vantage point they look together at a 'barena', a unique piece of nature in the lagoon. There they realize that Venice is surrounded by salt water. The question of how the Venetians used to get fresh drinking water was therefore quickly asked and answered. The episode ends with one of the best-preserved Venetian lions still to be found in Venice, the ancient symbol of the merchant city of Venice. 

Milton Kam (56) is a cinematographer who works on international documentary, television and film productions. Heleen Westerman (46) is a Dutch copywriter, who mainly devises and writes content for organizations and content creators.