Rafts

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In the Brenta valley economy the river was a considerable driving force for trade. Transport along the river axis took place thanks to  some rather unusual vessels: Zattere (rafts). These were constructed and loaded by skilled men and were loaded with not only timber, but also any other product, like fabrics or foods, or products from the Asiago plateau or the surrounding areas. The rafts were managed by specialist river raftsmen – zattieri – who took the goods down to their destination, through the perils of the Brenta river: the unpredictable currents and obstacles in the river. Their main destination was the Republic of Venice, regional capital , but some products also ended up in Padua. The zattieri are part of the Brenta valley history from its rise to the end of the 1800s and many families practised this trade.