Venice is without doubt one of the world’s most iconic cities and its sights are visited by 20 million individuals yearly. But if you already know the place to look, there are some lesser recognized sights which can be nicely price in search of out. Listed here are the highest hidden gems in Venice to encourage your wanderlust as you stroll across the metropolis.
Greatest Hidden Gems in Venice, Italy You Must Go to
Whereas Venice could also be recognized for St Mark’s Sq., canals and gondolas, there may be 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. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a singular journey expertise, try 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 most of the books are saved in gondolas.
There are a lot of classic books within the courtyard and inside the shop. It’s some of the Instagrammable locations in Venice.
The realm of Venice through which Acqua Alta is situated, Castello, is definitely the most important 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 top-of-the-line 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 situated below a historic arch on a quiet again road.
Cicchetti are Venetian tapas and those listed here are among the many greatest you will see. The tramezzini, aka Venice small bites, range day by day relying on what’s recent and seasonal.
Attempt the calamari, shrimp or the anchovies with Gorgonzola if they’re out there. 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 among Venice’s most atmospheric hidden gems, situated 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 because 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 payment (round €1.50) by 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 essential 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 presents a uncommon glimpse into what town of Venice and its islands may need felt like earlier than changing into a serious industrial 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. Nevertheless, its façade and inside decorations are very spectacular, mixing Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance parts.
Initially constructed as a gathering corridor for one among Venice’s scuole grandi (nice guilds), it accommodates many notable artworks. These embody ceiling decorations and sculptures in addition to massive work by well-known Venetian artists like Tintoretto. His monumental oil portray “The Crucifixion” is seen as one among his best works there.
Building 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. At present 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 sublime 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 understood 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 reasonably long-winded identify of Mercatino dell’Antiquariato Campo San Maurizio, thisb Venice flea market is a captivating place to browse for numerous items akin to pocket watches and previous postcards. The dates could 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 will be impolite to come back 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 woman working there actually pleasant, however their artisanal gelato are out of this world.
This Venice gelateria sources the perfect substances with out synthetic colorants. They make their very own cones and have some superb flavours akin 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 current opening of latest luxurious inns it should little doubt rise in reputation. Crossing over the Ponte dell’Academia you come throughout some charming unbiased memento retailers alongside Piscina Former.
The waterside Peggy Guggenheim Assortment is without doubt one of the greatest cultural sights in Venice. The museum focuses on trendy European and American artwork. The close by Gallerie dell’Accademia boasts an essential 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. If you happen to fancy a gelato, Nico at Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Longo, on the waterfront is a superb place for a chocolate hazelnut Gianduiotto.
11. San Giorgio Maggiore
One other Venice secret is the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, recognized for its sixteenth century church painted by Monet. Constructed within the Palladian type 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 fantastic day journey from Venice.
12. Ca’Macana
One of many nicknames of Venice is the Metropolis of Masks. Standard 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 nicely in Venice right now.
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 Extensive Shut. Theaters such because the Vienna Opera Home additionally use their masks commonly.
There are fairly a couple of masks retailers 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 top-of-the-line hidden gems in Venice. Though the Doge’s Palace itself is legendary, many guests to Venice don’t understand that there are particular rooms that you would be able to 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 comprise 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. Nevertheless, 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 resort, 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. Take pleasure in a traditional risotto and typical Venetian dishes earlier than strolling within the resort’s backyard overlooking the Grand Canal.
15. Enrica Rocca Cookery Faculty
If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing a bit totally different to do in Venice, think about a cooking class. Enrica Rocca is aware of Venice just like the again of her hand and is a talented prepare dinner. When not catering for probably 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 tons to be taught in a enjoyable and pleasant atmosphere. You can too be taught methods to make tiramisu, which was invented within the Veneto area.
Then you definitely’ll tuck right into a scrumptious meal, accompanied by beneficiant servings of Enrica’s very personal Prosecco wine. Enrica’s two daughters additionally train you Italian cooking expertise 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 could possibly be proper up your road.
There was once fairly a couple of of those bridges. Nevertheless nowadays there are solely two overlooked of over 400 bridges in Venice.
Ponte de Chiodo is situated within the quiet Cannaregio space. You may simply get photographs on the bridge with out the same old 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 a tremendous place for artwork creations akin to mini masks and spoons, all constructed from the best chocolate.
This spacious Venice chocolate store is situated near the place well-known spice service provider Marco Polo used to reside. 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.
Among the best secret gems of Venice is the panoramic view of Venice canal from the highest ground rooftop terrace. The perspective could be accessed by pre-booking with the in-store concierge.
19. Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, situated within the San Polo district, is one among 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 among his best works. The constructing itself is outstanding, that includes a grand staircase, a powerful Chapter Room, and the Sala dell’Albergo with its ornate picket 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 web site 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 presents some of the genuine experiences of native Venetian life. Much less touristy than central areas, it options picturesque canals, native retailers, conventional osterias, and hidden courtyards. The primary road, Strada Nova, is lined with retailers 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 through 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
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a singular and delightful Italian metropolis to discover, look no additional than the Queen of the Adriatic. Whereas it could actually 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 a couple of concepts about methods to discover the true Venice with out the crowds. You should definitely try our different Italy journey articles for extra tips about what to see and do whilst you’re within the nation. Take pleasure in!
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