TRAVEL
Guide to Venice
Venice: Italy’s floating city, is truly one in which none other compares.
The irresistible and dreamlike destination is connected by canals, magical light and rich Italian decadence, and is one that should be experienced by everyone at least once in their lifetime.
In 2022 we shot our RILIEVO rug campaign there, returning full-circle to the home of Venetian designer Carlo Scarpa and his beautifully sensitive architecture that helped inspire the collection.
On our travels we wrote down some of our most notable and inspiring experiences, stays & eats with help from some of our local friends.
We hope you enjoy our guide to Venice and we look forward to hearing your own Venice tips and stories in the comments below.
CIAO! Tigmi x
STAY
Situated in a 600 year old palazzo, the Experimental is a modern stay that presents as a reinterpretation of the classic style of the city. There's a spectacular view from the altana (traditional Venetian roof terrace) where guests can sip an aperitivo and watch the sunset... well worth the visit even if you are not staying as a guest.
To sum it up in just a word ‘glamour’ comes to mind when we think of the Cirpriani. A serene oasis built in 1956, it is undoubtedly a luxury hotel that indulges in all things Venetian. With a 'la dolce vita' level of glamour, the Cipriani is where Venetian romance reigns supreme.
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EAT
Paradiso Perduto
With amazing seafood and a generous portion of traditional Italian fare, this is a low-key establishment that is perfect for sharing a meal with a large group.
Osteria Ale Testiere is a more refined version of Paradiso Perduto that is also great for fresh seafood. We heard that this restaurant inspired popular London restaurant Polpo.
Bar All'Arco
Specialising in cicchetti (small dishes) this is a family-run bar near Rialto market that is always worthy of a visit. With sophisticated dishes - we highly recommend the baccala mantecate (salted cod paste) which is a Venetian specialty. You will just need to elbow your way through locals to enter!
Al Merca
Also great for cicchetti, Al Merca has a tiny unassuming store front that offers a great way to experience venetian wines at an affordable price. Across the street on the weekends you can also find a stall that sells fritto misto (battered seafood) and Prosecco for €10 - great quality yet super cheap.
All local, delicious seafood, Pensione Wildner is on the way to Arsenale & Giardini from San Marco and faces the open water. Here we experienced one of the most delicious meals of our stay - and the best risotto I have had in my life!
A historical and well-established restaurant, serving a traditional venetian cuisine. We recommend the squid ink with polenta and the fried schia (venetian school prawns) in a paper cone.
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DRINK
An infamous establishment and one of the oldest bars on the island. Famous for it’s Bellini, or you can order a Dry Martini as Hemingway used to do here.
Save up your pennies and pull up a stool at one of the oldest coffee houses in Italy to soak in the atmosphere of the square.
SEE
Established in 1895, La Biennale di Venezia has run for over 120 years and is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world. Running over the months of May-November, it is often referred to as the ‘cultural olympics’ due to the art, architecture, theatre, dance and music that is shared annually by global contributors. The Venice Film festival is also part of this prestigious event.
While we were there we had the opportunity to see Noguchi at Palazzo Querini, which delved into perceptions of space and culture, power dynamics, architecture and form.
For lovers of Carlo Scarpa (like us!) entering the Olivetti Museum is a window into the Italian architects' exemplary attention to detail and use of materials now made famous. Hints of his sensibilities can be found from the tiled floors to the architraves.
Framed by the extraordinary campo Santa Maria formosa, Palazzo Querini Stampalia was constructed as part of the renaissance designs by Francesco Querini (1503 - 1554) - whose splendid portrait 'Palma Vecchio' can also be found in the museum. Elevated and rebuilt at the end of the 18th century, it has been subject to expansions, modernisation and redevelopments in the late twentieth century, thanks in particular to works by Carlo Scarpa, Valerian Pastor, Mario Botta and Michele DeLucchi.
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WE RECOMMEND:
- Get lost in the labyrinth that is the island of Venice.
- Visit St Marco Square, a display of Venetian architecture at its best, with incredible detail and history - made even more unfathomable when you think of how they were able to build structures on the water.
- Gondola ride - a must for any stay! Grab a private water taxi from the airport to enjoy a magical journey right into the heart of Venice… there is no better or more magical way to arrive at your destination.
- Visit the island of Murano and experience the glassblowing - famous for the Venetian Murano glass. With hundreds of small ateliers that were apparently moved to the island due to the threat of fires as most of the buildings on the main island were mostly built of wood at the time. A true step back into history.
Photographed by Alicia Taylor
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