Our friend Massimo takes us to Grado, also called 'the first Venice' or even 'island of the Sun'.
We stroll through the narrow streets of the main island and its districts.
We visit the two basilicas: St Euphemia and St Mary, and the sanctuary of the Madonna di Barbana dating back to the late 6th century.

In the area of both the Grado lagoon and the adjacent Marano lagoon you should visit the typical casoni (fishermen's huts).

A bit of history:
Studies suggest that the area was frequented since the 1^st century BC.
A considerable development underwent in the late imperial period (end of 200 to end of 400 AD).
The greatest development occurred in the mid-5^th century when many people took refuge on the islands to escape Attila's hordes.
In the 6^th century, the patriarchate of Aquileia was transferred there.
Various struggles ensued until Venice became dominant in the Venetian lagoon.
The transfer of the patriarchate to Venice marked the decline of the town.
At the end of the power of the Serenissima, it became part of the domain of the House of Austria.
Except for brief interludes, it remained an Austrian dominion until 1919 at the end of World War I.

For more info: wikipedia: Grado
grado.it (EN)