On the eastern beach of the Italian coastal town of Caorle stands a structure that has attracted people for centuries: the pilgrimage church Madonna dell’Angelo. This site is not only a religious point of arrival but also an integral part of the town’s maritime identity. To ensure that this landmark remains safely accessible in the future, the adjacent pier has now been comprehensively refurbished using modern anchoring technology.

The pilgrimage church Madonna dell’Angelo is one of the oldest and most well-known landmarks of Caorle (Veneto, Italy). A place of worship already stood here in the early Middle Ages. The present church, with its distinctive bell and lighthouse tower, was built in 1751 and is closely linked to the history of the local fishing community. According to legend, fishermen discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary in the sea in the 15th century. Since then, believers have made pilgrimages to the church of the Madonna, who is revered as the patron saint of fishermen and seafarers. Every five years, a solemn maritime procession takes place, with boats carrying the statue across the sea.

Directly next to the church lies the historic pier. In the past, fishing boats docked here; today, the pier serves tourist boats and visitors strolling along the waterfront. For years, wind, waves and saltwater have taken a toll on the structure. To permanently secure the six berths, a comprehensive reinforcement of the pier was required to ensure stability under the demanding conditions of the marine environment.

“In a maritime environment where moisture and salt constantly attack structures, it is essential to work with a product that can maintain its load-bearing capacity even under challenging conditions, such as in damp or water-filled drill holes and in the presence of seawater,” explains Mario Allasia, Sales Engineer at fischer Italia. The project therefore used the FIS EM Plus injection mortar along with the appropriate system components and accessories. fischer also provided support throughout the planning and implementation phases. The result is a durable solution that preserves the historic character of the site while meeting modern requirements for tourism and infrastructure.

Today, the pier once again connects past and present: where fishermen once cast their nets and are said to have recovered the Madonna from the sea, visitors from all over the world now gather. Modern technology ensures that this unique seaside location will be preserved for future generations.