Throughout the lagoon you will see groups of three vertical wooden posts tied together which stick out of the water: these are called bricole, and are used to mark the waterway which boats can go on, as well as marking the shoal point, so as to avoid them getting stuck in the mud. The posts are about The wood used is one of the most durable in the world, however, the constant waves and tide movement inevitably have an effect. You can see some are consumed to half their size and covered in algae and mussels, perhaps reminding you of derelict contours in a pirate movie. Not altogether unsuitable given the rather pirate-like nature of Venetians in the middle-ages. Famously, in the 4th crusade of 1204, Venice looted from Byzantium much of what is now admired in St. Mark’s Basilica as well as many unique pieces decorating the city’s palaces throughout the city. Of course, Venetians never thought of themselves as pirates but proudly as merchants, although often the line can be rather blurred.
