Venice Lido is a thin island that stretches between open sea and lagoon, which is only 10 minutes away from S. Mark's square. The island is characterized by the XVII-century "Murazzi", reaching the Casino Area. Here rose another old fortress called "Quattro Fontane" and now, in its place, between sea and lagoon you can see the Casino and the "Palazzo del Cinema", built during the thirties. They are the ideal places for many international events, such as the Film festival, taking place every year at the beginning of September.
A shady lagoon promenade, flanked by many liberty-style houses, takes you from the Votive Church of S.Maria Elisabetta, built after World War II in the main square, to S.Nicolò, which once was the biggest fortress of the island. Nowadays you can still visit the XVII century church with its cloister, where the Serenissima used to celebrate the "Sea wedding" on Ascension day : the same ceremony still takes place by parading decorated boats.