Flying through time:
the history of Nicelli Airport
Through the clouds of time
Imagine a flight through history, where the elegance of aviation intertwines with the timeless beauty of Venice. Giovanni Nicelli Airport is not merely a departure point; it is a true icon of the past, capable of narrating extraordinary stories linked to technological progress and Italian culture.
The first Venetian take-off
In the distant year of 1911, during an era of exploration and discovery, Alessandro Umberto Cagno, an audacious pilot and automobile champion, challenged the skies above Venice with his enterprising spirit. With great passion and unwavering determination, he flew over St. Mark’s Basilica, providing the lagoon city with its first taste of the allure and mystery of aviation, an art form still young and evolving. This historic flight not only captured the imagination of the Venetians but also marked the beginning of an era in which the skies opened up to new possibilities.
A few years later, in 1915, the parade ground of Fort San Nicolò on the Lido was transformed into a strategic airfield, from which French squadrons took off to protect the city during the tumultuous phases of the First World War.
The wings of the aircraft, once symbols of freedom, became instruments of defence in a crucial moment in history. It was in this context that Gabriele D’Annunzio, an icon of flight and literature, distinguished himself as a daring pioneer, beginning to write unforgettable pages of courage and innovation. Commanding the First Naval Torpedo Squadron, D’Annunzio not only undertook audacious missions but also infused flying with a sense of heroism and adventure that fascinated and inspired the nation. His figure became a symbol of an era in which aviation promised not only the transcendence of geographical boundaries but also a new vision for the future.
The Golden Age
In 1926, under the visionary guidance of engineer Renato Morandi, one of the most ambitious projects of the time was inaugurated: transforming that pioneering field into a prestigious civil airport. Thus was born Giovanni Nicelli Airport, which became the beating heart of Italian aviation in the 1930s.
This airport was not merely a departure point for commercial flights; it was a true symbol of modernity and innovation, attracting international attention. Here, the legendary Junkers 13 of Transadriatica took off, heralding a new era of connections between Venice and European capitals like Vienna.
Nicelli distinguished itself not only for its operations but also for its unique style: the passenger terminal, inaugurated in 1935, was an architectural masterpiece. Decorated by the futurist artist Tato, the halls were adorned with works dedicated to flight, while architect Mario Emmer meticulously crafted every detail, from the restaurant decorations to the bar counter. The airport represented not just a gateway to the world, but a tribute to the art and design of the 1930s.
Towards private aviation
Even after the Second World War, when Nicelli was the scene of military occupations and sabotage operations, the spirit of the airport never waned. Thanks to the courage of some employees, the structures were saved, and in 1998, a restoration began that restored to Nicelli its original glory.
Today, immersed in a development project positioning it as a hub for private aviation, the airport represents a historical gem attracting travellers from all over the world. In 2014, the BBC included it among the ten most beautiful airports in the world—a recognition that makes it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Lido of Venice. Bridging the past and present, Nicelli continues to enchant.
Visiting this airport means flying back in time, immersing oneself in an atmosphere rich with history and emotion. Discover the magic of Giovanni Nicelli Airport and allow yourself to be transported to a different Venice, filled with open skies and indelible memories.
