Caorle Cathedral

The cathedral of Santo Stefano stands in the old centre of Caorle, and it is older than almost anything else on this coast: consecrated in 1038, and standing more or less as it was built.

Its landmark is the cylindrical bell tower beside it -- a round campanile, which is unusual in the Veneto and visible far out at sea. For centuries it was the mark fishermen steered by.

The scale is out of proportion to the town. Caorle was a bishopric when it was built, with a diocese covering this whole stretch of coast, and the cathedral is what remains of that status.

This is a parish church in a resort town, and the mismatch between the two shows in summer. Visit quietly, cover up, and stay out of services.

The building is nearly a thousand years old and maintained by the parish. An offering in the box goes directly to that.

Coming in June or September rather than August is easier on Caorle as a whole -- the town's population multiplies several times over at the peak, and the old centre takes the concentrated load.

The cathedral is a working parish church and entry is free, with the usual long midday closure and a preference for visits outside service times.

It stands in the middle of Caorle's old centre, a few minutes' walk from either beach, and is unmissable -- the round tower is visible from most of the town.

Allow twenty to thirty minutes. There is a small diocesan museum attached, with limited and seasonal hours.

The church is largely level at the entrance and accessible. The campanile is not open for climbing.

Dress appropriately: this is a beach town, and the church asks that shoulders and knees be covered.