The project started as a local initiative to mitigate the aesthetic impact of the massive sea wall protection rocks.
Every year, international artists work on-site during a specific summer symposium to select and carve a new boulder.
The sculptures are carved from Euganean trachyte, a volcanic rock known for its durability against maritime erosion.
The path serves both as a public art installation and as a structural breakwater to protect the Caorle coastline from sea surges.
Many of the sculptures are carved into the rocks while they are still positioned as part of the primary sea defense wall.
Scogliera Viva consists of a permanent outdoor sculpture gallery carved directly into the natural Euganean trachyte boulders lining the sea wall of Caorle. The project began in 1993, transforming massive defensive rocks into artistic works created by international sculptors during an annual symposium. These sculptures follow the Lungomare Petronia, stretching from the historic center toward the sanctuary of Madonna dell'Angelo. Each piece of stone retains its original geological shape, forcing artists to adapt their designs to the rock's existing contours. The collection is continuously expanding as new artists are invited to add their works to the remaining blank stones. It functions as an open-air museum without admission fees or physical boundaries. The salt air and wave exposure contribute to the gradual weathering of the limestone and trachyte carvings.
The stretch near the Madonna dell'Angelo church, where the carvings frame the sea and the chapel in the background.
Walk the entire length from the city center to the church to see the evolution of styles from early to recent years.
Visit during sunset when the low-angle light highlights the depth and textures of the stone carvings.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the path alongside the rocks is uneven and paved with coastal stone.
Do not attempt to walk along the lower, wet, or mossy rocks closer to the water, as they are extremely slippery.
Do not climb or sit on the carved sculptures to prevent further weathering and damage to the artwork.
