The Brenta River
the Brenta River, also called La Brenta, has its origin from the Brenta Dolomites between Lake Levico and Caldonazzo, in the province of Trento and is the thirteenth river in length in Italy with its 173km. Over the centuries there have been numerous floods, especially in the Paduan and Venetian territories, which were called "Brentane". During the Roman period there were two branches, the Medoacus Maior and the Medoacus Minor, which went into the lagoon nearby Lido and Malamocco (Metamaucus). During the Serenissima period but also under the Austrian government, outlet channels were constructed to allow the flowing of the river water without causing damage to the surrounding areas. At present, the river flows directly towards the sea south of Chioggia after gathering the waters of its main tributaries: Muson, Piovego and Bacchiglione. The old branch of the Brenta, now called Naviglio, has a sinuous form and it represents the Brenta Riviera, from the ports of Stra to Fusina where its waters still flow into the lagoon. Along its shores there are hundreds of Venetian villas, ancient summer houses of Venetian patricians.