Nicelli Airport

Giovanni Nicelli Airport (ICAO code: LIPV), also known as Venice Lido or San Nicolò Airport, is a general aviation airport situated just a ten-minute ride over the water from Venice city centre and is historically recognised as Italy’s first civil airport. It was opened in 1926 thanks to the foresight of Ancona-born entrepreneur, Renato Morandi, who envisioned it at a time when even cities like Rome and Milan did not have a commercial airport. It is named after Giovanni Nicelli, an Italian ace from Piacenza, who died in combat during the First World War, and until 31 July 1961 (the date Venice Tessera Airport was inaugurated) was the only airport in the lagoon city. One of the very few not to be bombed during the Second World War, this airport is unique the world over due to its history, architectural peculiarities, and the outstanding degree of conservation of its terminal building, which was opened on 4 February 1935. As well as aviation activities, the airport’s facilities include a restaurant open all year round (except for January) and provides a location for offices and business activities and the ideal venue for all types of events: from small-sized parties to large-scale events, meetings and conferences, art exhibitions, photo shoots and film sets to fashion shows. The airport is recognised as being one of the 10 most beautiful airports in the world, as ranked in the classification drawn up by Jonathan Glancey in 2014 for the BBC.