A unique initiative is underway in Fossalta di Portogruaro, Italy, to safeguard the Rosa Moceniga, a rare native rose variety intrinsically linked to the history of Alvisopoli. The project, a collaboration between VeGAL, the Municipality of Fossalta di Portogruaro, and Ater Venezia, aims to both conserve and celebrate this botanical treasure.

A Botanical Legacy Preserved

The conservation effort is part of the larger Poseidone strategic cooperation project, funded by the Interreg Italy-Slovenia Program 2021–2027. Launched on January 1, 2023, and scheduled to conclude in June 2026, Poseidone focuses on the preservation of native species through the creation of dedicated conservation areas.

Alvisopoli’s Floral Connection

The project centers around establishing a conservation field within the grounds of Villa Mocenigo, specifically in the flowerbeds located at the rear of the property. This will involve a pilot planting of the Rosa Moceniga, accompanied by ongoing study, monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.

More Than Just a Flower: A Historical Symbol

The conservation of the Rosa Moceniga extends beyond botanical protection; it represents a vital link to the region’s cultural heritage. The rose is deeply connected to Alvise Mocenigo and the founding of Alvisopoli in the 19th century, a pioneering example of a self-sufficient agricultural settlement.

“We are proud to observe the first Rosa Moceniga conservation field born in Alvisopoli,” declares the mayor of Fossalta di Portogruaro, Annamaria Ambrosio. “This project not only protects a rare botanical species, but also strengthens the bond between the Community and its territory, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and latest opportunities for ecotourism.”

Historical accounts suggest that Alvise Mocenigo’s wife, Lucietta, brought a diverse collection of plants, including seeds and cuttings of roses, back from Paris in 1814, following the end of Napoleon’s empire. Among these, the Moceniga rose almost certainly existed, and has survived to this day in the Alvisopoli woods.

Villa Mocenigo: A Revitalized Hub

The initiative builds upon the recent reopening of Villa Mocenigo as a social and cultural hub, open 365 days a year. The restoration project, a collaborative effort involving the University of Padova, Ater Venezia, Cna Portogruaro, Consorzio di Bonifica, Vegal, and the Municipality of Fossalta di Portogruaro, aims to create a productive ecosystem for economic and entrepreneurial development, as well as a tourist destination.