Sotoportego dei Preti

Sotoportego dei Preti is a small passage in Venice’s Castello district, near the church of San Giovanni in Bragora. Look up beneath its arch for a red brick heart linked to the story of Orio, a fisherman, and Melusina, a mermaid. Local legend connects touching the heart with luck in love, giving this quiet corner a romantic stop on a walk through the neighbourhood. It is a brief visit, best suited to couples or anyone curious about Venice’s local tales.

The story behind the heart

The red brick heart recalls the legend of Orio, a fisherman from Castello, and Melusina, a mermaid he found caught in his net. They fell in love, and Melusina agreed to marry him. Her life was bound to a spell: on Saturdays, she became a snake.

The tale says the couple had children and lived together for several years. After Melusina died, Orio returned from fishing to find his home mysteriously clean and orderly. One day he discovered a snake inside and killed it, fearing for his children. He then understood that the snake was Melusina, whose spirit had been caring for the family. The heart marks the place associated with their home and story.

A small stop in Castello

The passage is close to the church of San Giovanni in Bragora, making it easy to seek out while walking through this part of Venice. The heart is set beneath the arch, so look up as you pass through.

Local lore links touching the brick heart with good luck in love. The story gives the detail a romantic meaning, but the stop is also a simple way to encounter one of the neighbourhood’s smaller legends. A little advance reading helps you follow the tale when you arrive.