The exhibition “Etruscans and Veneti: Waters, Cults, and Sanctuaries,” hosted at the Palazzo Ducale, takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the ancient world to discover the deep connection between water, spirituality, and ritual in Etruscan and Venetic civilizations.
Through archaeological finds, epigraphic evidence, and an engaging narrative, the exhibition explores how seas, rivers, lakes, and springs were considered sacred places, centers of worship, and meeting points between humans and the divine.
Przydatne informacje
- Dates: March 6 to September 29, 2026
- Venue: Doge’s Apartment, Doge’s Palace
- Curated by: Chiara Squarcina, Margherita Tirelli
- In collaboration with: Luigi Rovati Foundation
- Under the patronage of: Ministry of Culture and National Institute of Etruscan and Italic Studies
The Exhibition Itinerary
The Etruscan World and the Cult of Water
The journey begins with the Etruscans, where water plays a central role in the religious sphere. Sanctuaries were often built near ports, springs, or thermal sites, becoming places of worship and healing.
Among the sites featured in the exhibition:
- The Tyrrhenian ports of Vulci and Pyrgi
- The thermal sanctuaries of Chiusi, Chianciano, and San Casciano dei Bagni
- The sanctuary of Marzabotto, built around a spring
- The Adriatic centers of Adria and Spina, attested by archaeological finds
These places demonstrate how water was considered a divine force, capable of healing, protecting, and connecting people with the sacred.
The ancient Veneti and water-related rituals
The second part of the exhibition moves to the territory of the Veneti, where the relationship between water and religion takes on unique forms deeply rooted in the local landscape.
Among the main sites featured:San Pietro in Montagnon (Montegrotto), associated with thermal waters
- The sanctuary of Lagole di Calalzo, famous for its therapeutic waters
- The sanctuary of Este, dedicated to the goddess Reitia
- The lagoon sanctuary of Altino, a crossroads of cultural exchange and influence
Here, water becomes not only a sacred element but also a symbol of openness and encounter between peoples.
A bridge between past and present
The exhibition concludes with the contemporary installation “We are bodies of water,” which connects the ancient cult of water with the fragility of the Venetian lagoon ecosystem.
A conclusion that invites reflection on the value of water today, between historical memory and environmental responsibility.
Why visit this exhibition
This exhibition is not merely an archaeological journey, but an experience that blends history, spirituality, and contemporary relevance.
- It allows visitors to discover the most symbolic aspects of Etruscan and Venetic civilizations.
- It offers a clear and engaging narrative, suitable even for those without specialized knowledge.
- It connects the past to contemporary issues, such as environmental protection.
Conclusion
“Etruscans and Veneti: Waters, Cults, and Sanctuaries” is an exhibition that brings the ancient world to life in a modern way, using water as a common thread linking different cultures, eras, and sensibilities.
