San Michele al Tagliamento is a municipality in the province of Venice, located in the further Eastern area of the province, on the border with Friuli Venezia Giulia. The town can be divided into three districts: one closest to the sea, enriched by a thick pine forest, a second one in the central plains and a third one in the northern area, variously cultivated with an interesting landscape. Among the districts, worthy of note is Bibione, a popular spa and seaside resort, that attracts many tourists thanks to its modern and comfortable facilities, the presence of a beach of fine golden sand (approx. eight kilometers long) and a large pine forest.
The area was already a preferred destination since Roman times, frequented by those who wanted to relax and receive the benefits of the spa treatments and evidenced by the discovery of several patrician residences. The town submitted the domain of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, who ruled here for four centuries, it became seat of the customs, manned by guards, active until the XIV century, was later abandoned because of the natural effect of the rising of the sea level. Subsequently the area submitted a period of Austrian government (only exception was a short period of Napoleonic rule) and then, in 1866, it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. The foundation of the present main centre has quite recent origins, as it was established in the 50's of the XX century.
Attractions:
- the Archpriest Church of San Michele Arcangelo, a modern and simple building, characterized by a sloping roof and a façade interrupted by five lancet windows of different lengths. It is preceded by a white portico with three arches, which create a color contrast with the background one of the church;
- the neo-Classical XVIII century Parish Church of San Giorgio al Tagliamento, features a large altar in polychrome marble, artwork of the artist Groppelli, several altarpieces, various statues and an XVIII century organ;
- the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle in Villanova, which was built at different times. It features a Classical façade with a pediment and two sets of columns flanking the main portal;
- the XVII century Chapel dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua in Malafesta, which features an octagonal plan;
- the church of Saints Bellino and Mauro in San Mauretto;
- the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Bibione;
- the Church of Santa Sabida in San Giorgio;
- the XVI century Villa Ivancich, realized by the architect Longhena, of which remain only the ruins after the bombing in World War II.