Portogruaro

Portogruaro​

Latest page update: 28 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
The town of Portogruaro is located within the Metropolitan City of Venice province and has a population of 24,909 inhabitants. It's situated around 75 kilometres to the north east of Venice, the regional capital of Veneto.​

​The most famous sight in the town is its leaning tower that rises above the cathedral on Piazza Duomo, the cathedral square. 

What People Ask About Portogruaro

What is Portogruaro known for?
Portogruaro is known for its arcaded streets, Gothic and Renaissance buildings, and the 12th-century city centre built along the Lemene River. It’s also noted for its historic water mills and elegant palazzi lining the canal.
Is Portogruaro worth visiting?
Yes, Portogruaro is worth visiting for its charming canalside setting, historic architecture, and local art museums. It offers a quieter alternative to Venice, with easy access by train and a well-preserved town centre ideal for walking.
What are the main attractions in Portogruaro?
Key sights include the Romanesque Duomo di Sant'Andrea, the old town hall with its Gothic façade, and the historic water mills on the Lemene River. The town also hosts the Museo Nazionale Concordiese, with archaeological finds from nearby Concordia Sagittaria.
How do you get to Portogruaro?
Portogruaro has its own train station with direct connections to Venice, Trieste, and Udine. It's also accessible by car via the A4 motorway. The station is within walking distance of the historic centre.
What is the link between Portogruaro and Concordia Sagittaria?
Concordia Sagittaria is a neighbouring town known for its Roman ruins and early Christian mosaics. It's just a short walk or drive from Portogruaro, and many artefacts from Concordia are displayed in Portogruaro’s archaeological museum.
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Portogruaro Overview
Although it's only a small town, Portogruaro leaves a lasting impression and it's that wonky tower that lingers longest in the memory. The free-standing tower is located next to the town's cathedral, the Duomo di Sant'Andrea and climbs to a height of 59 metres. From the adjacent Piazza della Repubblica, it seems to be protruding from the buildings behind the square but a quick walk round to the smaller Piazza Duomo confirms that's not the case. 

Both Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Duomo are full of character; the largest of the two is Piazza della Repubblica whose western side is occupied by the beautiful gothic facade of the Palazzo Comunale. Built in 1265, the historic building is also know as the Palazzo del Municipale as it's used by local government.
Further sightseeing
The Piazza is completed by a war memorial and a row of multi-coloured buildings, underneath which is a cafe with seats and tables outside. To the west of Piazza della Repubblica is the town's main thoroughfare Corso Martiri della Libertà with its wide boulevards lined by palm trees and porticoed buildings. 

One of the most attractive areas of the town is across on the western bank of the River Lemene. From the Ponte di Sant'Andrea bridge that crosses the river you get the full effect of the tower's lean, but even better than that are the views created by the water mills next to the bridge. It's on this western side of the river that you'll also find the National Museum of Concordia which displays artefacts from the ancient Roman city of Iulia Concordia. ​
Comune di Portogruaro
​​​Province: Metropolitan City of Venice

Region: Veneto

Population: 24,356 (in 2024 - source)

​Size: 102 km²

Elevation: 5 metres

​​​​​​Highlights: Leaning Tower, Duomo di Sant'Andrea, river views

​Close by: Bibione, Caorle, Lido di Jesolo, Venice, Conegliano
My recommended accommodation options for Portogruaro:
  • Hotel Spessotto Located in the heart of Portogruaro, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving traditional Venetian cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the central location, the friendly service, and the proximity to Portogruaro’s historic centre, including its picturesque canals and landmarks. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Villa Foscarini Situated just outside the town centre, this elegant bed and breakfast features spacious rooms, a beautiful garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the peaceful setting, the personal touch of the hosts, and the easy access to both Portogruaro’s main attractions and nearby nature reserves. €€ (mid-range)
  • Agriturismo Sant'Andrea Located a short drive from Portogruaro, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with views of the surrounding countryside, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests enjoy the tranquil environment, the authentic Venetian experience, and the short drive to the town’s historic sites and local vineyards. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Gardenia Set near the town centre, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant with local dishes, and a bar. Guests enjoy the good value for money, the welcoming service, and the proximity to Portogruaro’s cultural sites, including the famous Porta San Giovanni and the historic centre. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B La Casa del Sole Located just outside Portogruaro, this cozy bed and breakfast offers modern rooms with a homely feel, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast. Guests appreciate the quiet environment, the warm hospitality from the hosts, and the short drive to Portogruaro’s attractions and local shops. €€ (mid-range)

Portogruaro​  Gallery

Close  to  Portogruaro

  • Caorle (approx. 25 km southeast of Portogruaro): A picturesque coastal town known for its colourful buildings and charming historic centre. Visitors can explore the narrow streets, the Cathedral of Santo Stefano, and the iconic bell tower. Caorle is also renowned for its sandy beaches and the nearby lagoon, offering opportunities for boat trips and birdwatching.
  • Lignano Sabbiadoro (approx. 40 km west of Portogruaro): A popular beach resort on the Adriatic coast, Lignano Sabbiadoro is famous for its long sandy beaches and vibrant atmosphere. The area offers a variety of water sports, a lively beachfront promenade, and nearby attractions such as the Parco Zoo Punta Verde, where visitors can see a wide range of animals.
  • Concordia Sagittaria (approx. 10 km northeast of Portogruaro): An ancient Roman town with several archaeological sites, including a Roman Forum and the ruins of a theatre. The town is also home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, an example of early Christian architecture, and is an interesting spot for history enthusiasts.
  • San Donà di Piave (approx. 20 km southwest of Portogruaro): Known for its historical significance during World War I, San Donà di Piave offers attractions such as the Monument to the Fallen and the Church of San Giovanni Battista. The town is located along the Piave River, providing scenic views and ample opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling.
  • Jesolo (approx. 45 km southwest of Portogruaro): A well-known beach resort destination with a lively promenade, Jesolo offers vibrant nightlife and numerous attractions such as Aqualandia, one of Europe's largest water parks. The town is ideal for families, with a wide range of recreational activities, restaurants, and shops.
Veneto Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Veneto

1. Venice
2. ​Lake Garda
3. Verona
4. Padua
5. Burano
6. Vicenza
7. Bassano del Grappa
8. ​Cortina d'Ampezzo
9. Chioggia
10. Soave​

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Veneto

Portogruaro  Travel

In terms of public transport, you can take a direct train from Portogruaro to Venice city centre in 56 minutes (5 stops) or to Padova in an hour and nine minutes with one stop.

The train station is called Portogruaro-Caorle and located a ten minute walk from Piazza della Repubblica. Direct bus services run to the seaside town of Caorle; the number two bus which takes 42 minutes with around 20 stops along the way. 

​By car, it's just under an hour to Venice (70 km), 50 minutes to Treviso (60 km) or a little under two hours to Verona (180 km). The most convenient airports for Portogruaro are Venice Marco Polo Airport (57 km) or Treviso Airport (60 km).

​Public transport: ​Central train station, local buses

By train: Venice - 56 minutes, Padova - 1 hour 9 minutes​

​Connected to the Italian High Speed Train Network

By car: ​Venice - 1 hour, Treviso - 50 mins, Verona - 1 hour 52 mins

Fly to: ​​Venice Marco Polo Airport (57 km), Treviso Airport (60 km)

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