21 Favourite Hidden Gems In Venice, Italy That You Should See
Venice is without doubt one of the world’s most iconic cities and its sights are visited by 20 million folks yearly. But if the place to look, there are some lesser identified sights which might be properly value looking for out. Listed here are the highest hidden gems in Venice to encourage your wanderlust as you stroll across the metropolis.
Finest Hidden Gems in Venice, Italy You Must Go to
Whereas Venice could also be identified for St Mark’s Sq., canals and gondolas, there’s a lot extra to this unimaginable floating metropolis. From hidden alleyways to underground passageways, there are numerous methods to discover Venice off the overwhelmed path. For those who’re in search of a singular journey expertise, take a look at these hidden gems in Venice.
1. Libreria Acqua Alta
This unimaginable Venice e-book store is tucked away on Calle Longa S. Maria Formosa. The identify interprets because the library of excessive water and lots of the books are saved in gondolas.
There are numerous classic books within the courtyard and inside the shop. It’s some of the Instagrammable locations in Venice.
The world of Venice wherein Acqua Alta is positioned, Castello, is definitely the biggest in Venice. There are another attention-grabbing Venice sights just like the Naval Historical past Museum, contained in the Arsenale.
2. All’Arco Cicchetti
We suggest stopping for cicchetti at probably the greatest secret bars in Rome – All’Arco. This unpretentious Venice bacaro bar within the quiet space of San Polo is so named as a result of it’s positioned below a historic arch on a quiet again road.
Cicchetti are Venetian tapas and those listed below are among the many greatest you will discover. The tramezzini, aka Venice small bites, fluctuate day by day relying on what’s contemporary and seasonal.
Attempt the calamari, shrimp or the anchovies with Gorgonzola if they’re accessible. Wash them down with a refreshing Aperol spritz or a glass of wine. You may both stand on the counter or sit at one of many tables outdoors.
3. The Flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria
The crypt of San Zaccaria Church is one in every of Venice’s most atmospheric hidden gems, positioned only a quick stroll from St. Mark’s Sq.. Courting again to the Tenth-Eleventh century, it’s the oldest surviving a part of the church and homes the tombs of eight early Venetian doges (metropolis leaders).
What makes this crypt extraordinary is that it’s completely flooded as a consequence of Venice’s rising water ranges, creating an eerie, otherworldly environment the place the water acts as a mirror pool, making the columns seem twice their precise size. Guests can entry the crypt for a small charge (round €1.50) via a door marked “please shut door behind you” within the chapel of San Tarasio. Throughout excessive tide (acqua alta), the crypt could also be utterly flooded and viewable solely from the staircase.
4. Torcello Island, Venetian Lagoon
Torcello is a small island within the Venetian Lagoon that options an unspoiled, rustic panorama. It has an necessary historical past as one of many first settled islands within the lagoon over a thousand years in the past, even previous Venice itself.
A few of Torcello’s church buildings, just like the putting Santa Fosca, date again to the seventh century AD. But regardless of this lengthy historical past and its picturesque canals, Torcello receives only a tiny fraction of tourists in comparison with Venice.
This isolation means its historic cathedral, mosaics, and sleepy atmosphere stay splendidly preserved. Torcello affords a uncommon glimpse into what town of Venice and its islands may need felt like earlier than changing into a serious business and political energy.
5. Scuola Grande di San Marco
Scuola Grande di San Marco is is much less well-known and crowded than different main Venetian landmarks like St Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge. Nonetheless, its façade and inside decorations are very spectacular, mixing Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance parts.
Initially constructed as a gathering corridor for one in every of Venice’s scuole grandi (nice guilds), it comprises many notable artworks. These embody ceiling decorations and sculptures in addition to giant work by well-known Venetian artists like Tintoretto. His huge oil portray “The Crucifixion” is seen as one in every of his most interesting works there.
Development started within the late fifteenth century and took over a century to finish. After Napoleon suppressed the Venetian confraternities within the early nineteenth century, the Scuola Grande was used for quite a lot of functions. Presently it serves as the primary seat of Venice’s civic museum and cultural institute.
6. San Francesco della Vigna
This Roman Catholic church within the Castello district of Venice was constructed on the location of a former winery. Designed by Jacopo Sansovino, it options a chic Renaissance facade by Palladio.
The church’s bell tower is without doubt one of the tallest in Venice, at 69 meters excessive. Contained in the church, you’ll discover the Enthroned Madonna and Saints, painted by Bellini in 1507, within the Cappella Santa.
7. Campo San Maurizio
A picturesque sq. within the San Marco district, Campo San Maurizio is thought for its basilica of the identical identify. This Neoclassical church now homes the Museo della Musica, specializing in Baroque music.
5 instances a 12 months, an antiques market is held within the sq.. With the quite long-winded identify of Mercatino dell’Antiquariato Campo San Maurizio, thisb Venice flea market is a captivating place to browse for varied items equivalent to pocket watches and previous postcards. The dates will be discovered on the vintage market’s web site.
8. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
This elegant Venetian palace has an unimaginable exterior staircase, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Which means “of the snail” this spiral walkway dates from the fifteenth century.
Followers of Orson Welles will acknowledge this ornate stairwell, because it options in his 1952 movie Othello.
9. Gelatoteca SuSo
It might be impolite to return to Venice and never eat a gelato. Our favourite place is Gelatoteca SuSo on Calle della Bissa.
It’s a brief stroll from the Rialto Bridge, however tucked away on a quiet backstreet. Not solely is the girl working there actually pleasant, however their artisanal gelato are out of this world.
This Venice gelateria sources one of the best substances with out synthetic colorants. They make their very own cones and have some wonderful flavours equivalent to chocolate blended with mango sorbet.
10. Dorsoduro Space
One of many six sestiere, or districts of Venice, Dorsoduro offers you a style of native life. With the latest opening of latest luxurious accommodations it would little question rise in recognition. Crossing over the Ponte dell’Academia you come throughout some charming unbiased memento outlets alongside Piscina Former.
The waterside Peggy Guggenheim Assortment is without doubt one of the greatest cultural sights in Venice. The museum focuses on fashionable European and American artwork. The close by Gallerie dell’Accademia boasts an necessary assortment of nineteenth century artwork unfold over 3 buildings.
There are a number of attention-grabbing church buildings in Dorsoduro, together with the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and San Sebastiano. For those who fancy a gelato, Nico at Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Longo, on the waterfront is a good place for a chocolate hazelnut Gianduiotto.
11. San Giorgio Maggiore
One other Venice secret is the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, identified for its sixteenth century church painted by Monet. Constructed within the Palladian model in 1566, this picturesque Venice landmark now homes the Giorgio Cini Basis.
One other attention-grabbing attraction is the Borges Labyrinth. Opened in June 2021, this boxwood maze is a tribute to Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges. This particular place makes a terrific day journey from Venice.
12. Ca’Macana
One of many nicknames of Venice is the Metropolis of Masks. Common throughout Venice Carnival, the papier maché masks enabled the wearer to cover their social standing and id. This 800 12 months previous custom is alive and properly in Venice as we speak.
Additionally within the slim streets of Dorsoduro, you’ll discover the key Venice masks store well-known for having created the masks for the Stanley Kubrick movie Eyes Large Shut. Theaters such because the Vienna Opera Home additionally use their masks usually.
There are fairly just a few masks outlets within the space however Ca’Macana stands out for the standard of its handcrafted creations. Every masks is exclusive, and so they by no means make the identical design twice. Ca’Macana run one and two hour mask-making programs for teams and corporates that are plenty of enjoyable.
13. Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
The Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries: Skip the Line Tour definitely qualifies as probably the greatest hidden gems in Venice. Though the Doge’s Palace itself is legendary, many guests to Venice don’t notice that there are particular rooms that you could solely see on this tour.
You’ll discover it fascinating to discover rooms such because the Chamber of the Secret Chancellery. Right here you will notice the cupboards that used to include top-secret paperwork. They’re adorned with the coats-of-arms of the chancellors from 1268 onwards.
The Chamber of the Inquisitors has a ceiling embellished with work by Tintoretto, whereas the Chamber of the Three Head Magistrates has a secret passageway resulting in the Chamber of the Council of Ten. Nonetheless, the spotlight of the Doge’s Palace tour for us is the go to to the 2 cells the place Casanova was imprisoned.
14. GLAM at Palazzo Venart
Venice has been considerably missing in world-class eating places however that has modified with the arrival of GLAM at Palazzo Venart. Tucked away down an unassuming pathway, this hidden Venice restaurant is to not be missed.
Housed inside a surprising Venetian palace, now a 5 star luxurious lodge, the scrumptious meals is as refined as the environment at Ristorante Glam. That is the primary Venice restaurant of Italy’s youngest two Michelin starred chef Enrico Bartolini. Since 2017, Enrico Bartolini and resident chef Donato Ascani have held a Michelin begin at GLAM too.
There’s a captivating patio for eating al fresco, in addition to a trendy inside eating room. Get pleasure from a basic risotto and typical Venetian dishes earlier than strolling within the lodge’s backyard overlooking the Grand Canal.
15. Enrica Rocca Cookery College
For those who’re in search of one thing a bit totally different to do in Venice, take into account a cooking class. Enrica Rocca is aware of Venice just like the again of her hand and is a talented cook dinner. When not catering for essentially the most luxurious company and personal occasions, she runs cookery lessons from her vibrant residence.
You’ll go to Rialto Meals Market along with her earlier than rustling up some scrumptious dishes with actual Italian aptitude. From antipasti to cicchetti and meatballs, there’s heaps to study in a enjoyable and pleasant setting. You may also study how one can make tiramisu, which was invented within the Veneto area.
Then you definately’ll tuck right into a scrumptious meal, accompanied by beneficiant servings of Enrica’s very personal Prosecco wine. Enrica’s two daughters additionally educate you Italian cooking abilities in Notting Hill, London.
16. Ponte de Chiodo – The Bridge with No Parapet
Feeling adventurous? If that’s the case then a stroll over a bridge with no parapet might be proper up your road.
There was fairly just a few of those bridges. Nonetheless nowadays there are solely two unnoticed of over 400 bridges in Venice.
Ponte de Chiodo is positioned within the quiet Cannaregio space. You may simply get photographs on the bridge with out the standard Venice crowds. The phrase chiodo means Nail and the bridge takes its identify from the Nail household who used to personal it.
Ponte del Diavolo is the opposite bridge with no parapet on the close by island of Torcello.
17. VizioVirtù Cioccolatieri
VizioVirtu Cioccolatieri is an incredible place for artwork creations equivalent to mini masks and spoons, all produced from the most interesting chocolate.
This spacious Venice chocolate store is positioned near the place well-known spice service provider Marco Polo used to dwell. Since 2005, proprietor Mariangela Penzo makes use of chocolate mixed with spices and fruit to nice impact. Attempt their Goldoni sizzling chocolate drink, with no milk or sugar.
18. Venice Rooftop Panoramic View
Venice has a spectacular luxurious division retailer, housed in a thirteenth century constructing that was the headquarters of town’s German retailers. T Fondaco dei Tedeschi has secured many unique collaborations with main Italian luxurious manufacturers.
This elegant Venice constructing a part of the DFS luxurious retail group and their first European retailer. It has been sympathetically redesigned by award-winning architect Rem Koolhaas to respect the unique options.
Top-of-the-line secret gems of Venice is the panoramic view of Venice canal from the highest flooring rooftop terrace. The perspective will be accessed by pre-booking with the in-store concierge.
19. Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, positioned within the San Polo district, is one in every of Venice’s most opulent but typically ignored treasures. Based in 1478 as a charitable confraternity devoted to Saint Roch, this constructing homes some of the spectacular assortment of Tintoretto work on the planet.
For over 20 years (1564-1587), Tintoretto devoted himself to adorning the Scuola with greater than 50 spectacular canvases depicting scenes from the New and Previous Testaments. His masterpiece, “The Crucifixion,” is taken into account one in every of his best works. The constructing itself is exceptional, that includes a grand staircase, a powerful Chapter Room, and the Sala dell’Albergo with its ornate wood panels carved by Francesco Pianta within the seventeenth century.
Admission prices round €10, and guests are supplied with mirrors to raised view the intricate ceiling work with out straining their necks. As this website isn’t as well-known as many different historic sights in Venice, it’s not often crowded, permitting guests to understand the extraordinary artwork in relative peace.
20. Cannaregio District
The Cannaregio district in northern Venice affords some of the genuine experiences of native Venetian life. Much less touristy than central areas, it options picturesque canals, native outlets, conventional osterias, and hidden courtyards. The principle road, Strada Nova, is lined with outlets and eating places, whereas the again alleys reveal the on a regular basis lifetime of Venetians.
Positioned simply minutes from busy St. Mark’s Sq. and the Rialto Bridge, Cannaregio is greatest skilled early within the morning or within the night when locals are out and about. Notable sights within the space embody the Church of Madonna dell’Orto (containing works by Tintoretto) and the Jewish Ghetto.
21. Ca’ Rezzonico (Museum of 18th Century Venice)
Positioned alongside the Grand Canal in Dorsoduro, Ca’ Rezzonico is a surprising Venetian palace that now homes the Museum of 18th Century Venice. Regardless of its magnificent frescoes, furnishings, and work that present a glimpse into Venetian aristocratic life in the course of the metropolis’s twilight years as a republic, the museum attracts far fewer guests than the extra well-known galleries.
In Conclusion: Venice Hidden Gems
For those who’re in search of a singular and exquisite Italian metropolis to discover, look no additional than the Queen of the Adriatic. Whereas it may possibly typically be crowded and touristy, there are nonetheless loads of hidden gems to be discovered throughout a visit to Venice.
We hope our information has helped offer you just a few concepts about how one can discover the actual Venice with out the crowds. You should definitely take a look at our different Italy journey articles for extra tips about what to see and do when you’re within the nation. Get pleasure from!
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