Venice is one of the world’s most iconic cities and its attractions are visited by 20 million people every year. If you know where to search, you can find some lesser-known sights that are worth exploring. Here are some of the best Venice hidden gems for you to discover as you wander around the city.
The Best Venice Hidden Gems That Are Worth A Visit
While Venice may be known for St Mark’s Square, canals and gondolas, there is so much more to this incredible floating city. Venice is full of hidden passageways and alleyways. If you’re looking for a unique travel experience, check out these hidden gems in Venice.
17. Torcello Island, Venetian Lagoon
Torcello, a small island located in the Venetian Lagoon, is known for its unspoiled and rustic landscape. It is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon that has a rustic, unspoiled landscape.
Some of Torcello’s churches, like the striking Santa Fosca, date back to the 7th century AD. Torcello, despite its long history and picturesque canals receives a fraction of the visitors that Venice does.
Its historic cathedral, its mosaics and its sleepy atmosphere have been preserved beautifully because of this isolation. Torcello is a unique opportunity to experience what Venice was like before it became a commercial and political power.
16. Scuola Grande di San Marco
Scuola Grande di San Marco is is less famous and crowded than other major Venetian landmarks like St Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge. However, its façade and interior decorations are very impressive, mixing Byzantine, GothicRenaissance elements and.
Originally built as a meeting hall for one of Venice’s scuole grandi (great guilds), it contains many notable artworks. There are ceiling decorations, sculptures, and large paintings from famous Venetian painters like Tintoretto. His enormous oil painting “The Crucifixion” is seen as one of his finest works there.
Construction began at the end of the 15th century, and it took almost a hundred years to complete. Scuola Grande has been used in a number of ways since Napoleon suppressed Venetian confraternities early in the 19th Century. Currently it serves as the main seat of Venice’s civic museum and cultural institute.
15. San Francesco della Vigna
This Roman Catholic church was built in Castello district, Venice on the former site a vineyard. Designed by Jacopo sansovino with an elegant Renaissance facade. Palladio.
The church’s bell tower is one of the tallest in Venice, at 69 meters high. Inside the church, you’ll find the Madonna and Saints Enthroned, painted by Bellini in 1507, in the Cappella Santa.
14. Campo San Maurizio
Campo San Maurizio in San Marco is best known for the basilica with the same title. The Neoclassical church houses the Museo della MusicaFocusing on Baroque Music
A five-times-a-year antiques market takes place in the square. The rather long-winded title of Mercatino dell’Antiquariato Campo San MaurizioThis Venice flea market offers a wonderful opportunity to shop for vintage postcards, pocket watches and other items. The dates can be found on the antique market’s website.
13. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
The staircase of this elegant Venetian Palace is a stunning feature. Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Meaning “of the snail” this spiral walkway dates from the 15th century.
Orson Welles’ 1952 film, “The Stairwell”, features this stairwell. Othello.
Address: Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303, 30124 Venice
12. Gelatoteca SuSo
It would be rude for you to visit Venice and not have a taste of gelato. We love to go to Gelatoteca SuSo on Calle della Bissa.
It’s a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, but tucked away on a quiet backstreet. Not only is the lady working there really friendly, but their artisanal gelato are out of this world.
This Venice gelateria only uses the finest ingredients, without any artificial colors. They make their cones themselves and offer some incredible flavours, such as chocolate combined with mango.
Address: Sotoportego de la Bissa, 5453, 30124 Venice
11. Dorsoduro Area
The six sestiereDorsoduro, or the districts of Venice, gives you a glimpse of local life. With the recent opening of new luxury hotels it will no doubt rise in popularity. Crossing over the Ponte dell’Academia you come across some charming independent souvenir shops along Piscina Former.
The waterside Peggy Guggenheim Collection The museum is one of Venice’s best cultural attractions. The museum’s focus is on contemporary European and American art. The nearby Gallerie dell’Accademia boasts an important collection of 19th century art spread over 3 buildings.
Dorsoduro is home to several churches of interest, including Santa Maria della Salute Basilica and San Sebastiano. It has a number of impressive paintings, including floor-length ones by Paolo Veronese.
If you fancy a gelYou can also check out our other articles.o, Nico at Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Longo, on the waterfront is a great place for a chocolate hazelnut Gianduiotto.
10. San Giorgio Maggiore
Venice’s island is another secret. San Giorgio MaggioreIt is known for the 16th century painting by Monet of its church. The Giorgio Cini Foundation is now housed in this beautiful landmark built in 1566.
Borges’ Labyrinth, another fascinating attraction. This boxwood maze, which will be opened in June 2021 as a tribute to Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges, is a tribute. This unique place is a wonderful day trip from Venice.
9. Ca’Macana
Venetians call it the City of Masks. Popular during Venice Carnival, the papier maché masks enabled the wearer to hide their social status and identity. Venice is still thriving on this 800-year old tradition.
Also in the narrow streets of Dorsoduro, you’ll find the secret Venice mask shop famous for having created the masks for the Stanley Kubrick film Eyes Wide Shut. Masks are also used by theaters like the Vienna Opera House.
There are quite a few mask shops in the area but Ca’Macana stands out for the quality of its hand made creations. Every mask is different and never the same. Ca’Macana run one and two hour mask-making courses for groups and corporates which are a lot of fun.
Address: Dorsoduro 3172, 30123 Venice
8. Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
You can also find out more about the following: Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries: Skip the Line Tour One of the most hidden treasures in Venice. Although the Doge’s Palace itself is famous, many visitors to Venice don’t realize that there are special rooms that you can only see on this tour.
You’ll find it fascinating to explore rooms such as the Chamber of the Secret Chancellery. Here are the cabinets where top-secret papers were kept. The coats of arms of chancellors dating back to 1268 are displayed on them.
You can also find out more about the following: Chamber of the Inquisitors The ceiling is decorated with Tintoretto’s paintings, and the The Chamber of the Three Head Magistrate The Chamber of the Council of Ten is reached via a secret corridor.
However, the highlight of the Doge’s Palace tour for us is the visit to the two cells where Casanova was imprisoned. The tour must be booked in advance but it’s well worth it for the incredible anecdotes.
Address: Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice
7. GLAM at Palazzo Venart
Venice was lacking in the world’s best restaurants, but this has now changed with the arrival GLAM at Palazzo Venart. Hidden in a narrow alley, this Venice restaurant should not be missed.
The stunning interior of the house is a great place to stay. Venetian palaceRistorante Glam, now a five-star luxury hotel, offers a menu as sophisticated as the surrounding. This is the first Venice restaurant of Italy’s youngest two Michelin starred chef Enrico Bartolini. Enrico Bartolini has been a Michelin-starred chef at GLAM since 2017.
There’s a charming patio for dining al fresco, as well as a stylish interior dining room. Enjoy a classic risotto and typical Venetian dishes before strolling in the hotel’s garden overlooking the Grand Canal.
Address: Calle Tron, 1961, 30135 Venice
6. Enrica Rocca Cookery School
If you’re looking for something a bit different to do in Venice, consider a cooking class. Enrica knows Venice and is a talented cook. When she’s not catering the most prestigious corporate and private events in Venice, Enrica Rocca runs Classes in cooking From her colourful home
You’ll visit Rialto Food Market With her, you can learn to cook delicious Italian-style dishes. From antipasti to cicchetti and meatballs, there’s lots to learn in a fun and friendly environment. You can learn Make tiramisuVeneto is the birthplace of.
Then you’ll tuck into a delicious meal, accompanied by generous servings of Enrica’s very own Prosecco wine. Enrica’s two daughters also teach you Italian cooking in Nottinghill, London.
Address: Calle S. Domenico Dorsoduro, 568, 30123 Venice
5. The Bridge with No Parapet
Are you feeling adventurous? Then a walk on a bridge that has no parapet might be just what you need.
These bridges used to be many. There are now only two bridges left in Venice out of 400.
Ponte de Chiodo – located in the quiet Cannaregio area. The bridge is a great place to take photos without the usual crowds of Venice.
It’s actually very safe to walk over the bridge, which is one of the best Venice secret places. The word chiodo Nail is the name of the family that owned the bridge.
Address: Cannaregio, 3749, 30121 Venice
Ponte del Diavolo – The island of Torcello is home to the other bridge that does not have a parapet. According to legend this Venetian Bridge takes its name after the story of a Venetian Girl whose boyfriend was killed under Austrian occupation.
She asked for help from a witch, who, in exchange for seven children’s souls, made a deal with the devil. The devil would bring her boyfriend back to life. The devil brought her boyfriend back to life, however the witch died in a fire and so the devil didn’t get the souls of the children.
According to legend, the devil appears as a black kitten on the bridge every 24th December in order to await the souls the children.
Address: Laguna Veneta, 30142 Venice
4. All’Arco cicchetti
We recommend stopping for cicchetti at one of the best secret bars in Rome – All’Arco. This unpretentious Venice bacaro bar in the quiet area of San Polo is so named because it’s located under a historic arch on a quiet back street.
Cicchetti is Venetian Tapas, and these are some of the best. The tramezzini, Venice small bites vary every day depending on the freshness and season.
If you can find them, try the calamari or shrimp with Gorgonzola. They can be washed down with a refreshing Aperol or glass of wine.
All’Arco is a typical Venetian trattoria run by husband and son Francesco and Matteo. The counter is open to the public, or you can sit outside at one of the tables. Lunchtime is a busy time at the bar with shoppers from Rialto Market.
Address: S. Polo 436 30125 Venice
3. VizioVirtù Cioccolatieri
VizioVirtu Cioccolatieri This is a great place to find art creations made of the finest chocolate, such as miniature masks and spoons.
The large Venice chocolate shop is situated near the former home of Marco Polo, the famous spice merchant. Mariangela Penzo has been combining chocolate with fruit and spices since 2005. Goldoni Hot Chocolate Drinks are made without milk or sugar.
Address: Calle del Forner, 5988, 30122 Venice
2. Libreria Acqua Alta
Calle Longa S. Maria Formosa houses this amazing Venice bookshop. The name literally translates to the Library of High Water Many of the books are kept in gondolas.
The courtyard and the inside of the store are filled with vintage books. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Venice.
Castello is the area in Venice that Acqua Alta is situated in. Other interesting Venice attractions include the Naval History Museum located in the Arsenale.
1. Venice Rooftop Panoramic view
Venice has a spectacular luxury department store, housed in a 13th century building that was the headquarters of the city’s German merchants. T Fondaco dei Tedeschi has secured many exclusive collaborations with leading Italian luxury brands.
This elegant Venice Building is the first European DFS store. The award-winning architect Rem Köhlhaas has sympathetically redesigned it to preserve the original features.
The panoramic view of Venice Canal from the rooftop terrace on the top floor is one of the most secret treasures in Venice. Pre-booking is required with the store concierge.
Address: Rialto Bridge, Ramo del Fontego dei Tedeschi, 30100 Venice
In Conclusion: Venice Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful Italian city to explore, look no further than the Queen of the Adriatic. Venice can be very crowded and a tourist’s paradise, but there are many hidden gems.
We hope that our guide gave you a few tips on how to enjoy Venice without the crowds. Please check out all of our other articles. Italy travel articles for more tips on what to see and do while you’re in the country. Enjoy!
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