“Hugo Pratt, Corto Maltese and his connection with Malamocco”

There is a place in the heart of the Venetian lagoon that, with its quiet lanes, the scent of the sea, and its ancient soul, inspired the stories of one of the greatest masters of Italian comics: Hugo Pratt. Malamocco, a small seaside village steeped in memory, was for Pratt not just a point on the map but a true source of inspiration for his famous wandering sailor, Corto Maltese.
When one thinks of Corto Maltese, distant voyages, endless horizons, and adventures shrouded in mystery and poetry come to mind. But behind these stories lies a tangible reality, made of authentic places and landscapes that nurtured Pratt’s imagination.
Malamocco, with its serene yet vibrant character and its timeless atmosphere, is one of those places.

Pratt loved to stroll through the streets of Malamocco, observing the slow rhythm of lagoon life, breathing in that unique scent of salt, reeds, and ancient stone. Here, he found the perfect harmony between myth and reality, which he knew how to translate into his stories—where history intertwines with legend, and the past with the present.
In Corto Maltese’s world, Malamocco almost becomes a character itself—a safe harbor where adventure pauses for a moment and time stretches. It is a place that invites you to linger, to be immersed in the magic of the lagoon, and to rediscover that sense of wonder that only real places can evoke.

At Relais Alberti, we love telling these stories because they speak of roots, identity, and that deep connection with the land around us. We invite you to visit Malamocco through Pratt’s eyes, to discover its authentic charm, and perhaps imagine following the footsteps of Corto Maltese—the quintessential traveler—who found a piece of his soul among these lanes.
A journey through art, nature, and memory, to feel part of a narrative that continues to live, to inspire, and to make us dream.