The history of Val Morosina is deeply rooted in Venetian history and in the noble traditions of the Venetian Lagoon.
Its origins trace back to 1670, when the estate was acquired by Vidal Morosini, a prominent member of the Morosini family—one of Venice's most distinguished dogal houses.
By the 18th century, ownership was transferred to the Duse family of Chioggia, known for their cultural contributions.
Their most famous descendant was Eleonora Duse, the iconic Italian actress who revolutionized modern theatre.
Her profound global fame was historic, marked by her appearance on the July 30, 1923, cover of TIME Magazine, making her the first woman ever featured by the publication. Artistically, Duse was the main interpreter for both the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio and the playwright Henrik Ibsen.
The story of the estate's stewardship continues throughthe Vianelli family, whose roots in Chioggia date back tothe 14th century and are deeply intertwined with theprosperity of the Serenissima Republic of Venice.
By the 19th century, their influence extended across
significant estates around Rosolina, reflecting a strong commitment to wetlands management and agriculture
along the edge of the Venetian lagoon.
A defining chapter came during World War II, when
Amalia Duse married Count Gino Carlo Vianelli, officially uniting the Duse and Vianelli lineages—two families tracing their heritage back to the Venetian nobility.
Today, descendants such as Gherardo and Amalia carrythis living legacy forward, preserving Val Morosina as a heritage estate and a beacon of Venetian history, culture, and wetland stewardship.
Val Morosina, Val Spolverina, and Val Cannelle now stand as part of the Po Delta Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its extraordinary wildlife importance. The estates, encompassing 780 hectares of vital wetlands, embody a place where Venetian history, sustainability, and biodiversity coexist—preserving one of Europe’s most vital examples of wetland heritage.
This dedication is rooted in a long family tradition of land stewardship. The estates represent a unique biodiversity site where wetland preservation coexists with traditional human activities, ensuring the continuity of the family legacy and establishing the area as a protected heritage estate.
Recognized as one of the European Union’s most important sites for water bird species, the Po Delta embodies a crucial principle: conservation alone does not guarantee wetland preservation if not combined with traditional human activities that maintain its delicate ecological balance.
The estate’s traditional activities of sustainable fishing and ethical hunting are actively maintained as integralt parts of its natural heritage.
In looking to the future, Val Morosina has diversified its activities including a new artisanal lab for fish processing into gourmet recipes, alongside developing eco-hospitality and events focused on wellness and outdoor activities.
This forward-looking vision, rooted in its cultural landscape, based of wetland management and respect for nature, ensures that the history and traditions of Val Morosina continue to support the long-term preservation of this unique landscape.
