On the islets, the “mote”, which still bear the ancient names from Grado, the fishermen lived in huts of marsh reeds. Now few live there all year, but the huts are the emblem of the lagoon and remain a base for many inhabitants of Grado who still live by their fishing. In some, transformed into rustic trattorie during the summer, one can find excellent fish dishes, accompanied by polenta and wine from Friuli: two examples are the Ciodi and Fiori de tapo. The huts are of rectangular shape with a single room, the shorter sides being slightly curved, with the main structure made of wood piles, covered with a roof consisting of a thick layer of marsh reeds collected between June and October. At the centre, there is a large fireplace; smoke could percolate through the roof but rain was kept out. The decor was basic, consisting of a table with benches or chairs, some cupboards, and a corner set aside for a bed. On either side of the hut, there might be two windows and a door facing west to shelter from the cold winds that blow from the east. Each islet could have up to three huts, used as accommodation and for fishing gear, and might also include some “vanese” (allotments) for growing some vegetables, a “cavana” or tiny inlet in which to shelter boats, and a trellis on which to spread the nets to dry. The buildings would be surrounded by tamarisk plants.