Ponte dei Pugni

In the heart of Dorsoduro, this bridge preserves one of Venice’s most curious stories. Until the eighteenth century, the city’s two ancient factions, the Nicolotti and the Castellani, challenged each other here in spectacular and far from peaceful fights.

The goal was simple: stay standing and make the opponent fall into the canal. Even today, on the stones of the bridge, you can still notice the footprints that marked the position of the contenders.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo

A few steps from Campo Manin, hidden among the narrow streets, stands one of the most fascinating architectural treasures of Venice.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a refined spiral staircase from the late fifteenth century, about 26 metres high. The name “bovolo” means precisely spiral, or snail shell, in Venetian dialect.

Climbing up to the loggia is a small vertical journey through the city, with an unusual and suggestive view over the rooftops of Venice.

Libreria Acqua Alta

More than a bookshop, it is a small Venetian world. Libreria Acqua Alta is one of those places that seem born from imagination: books arranged inside gondolas, bathtubs filled with volumes, staircases built from old encyclopaedias and unexpected glimpses at every corner.

It is an original place, highly photographed, yet still capable of surprising.

Squero di San Trovaso

The Squero di San Trovaso is one of the last places where Venetian gondolas are built and repaired.

Its structure almost recalls a mountain house, a curious detail in a city on the water. This is no coincidence: many wood craftsmen once came from the Alpine areas, bringing with them techniques, shapes and traditions.

Observing it from the outside is a simple and beautiful way to get closer to one of Venice’s oldest crafts.

Palazzo Grimani and Palazzo Mocenigo

Less crowded than the city’s major museums, yet full of charm.

Palazzo Grimani and Palazzo Mocenigo tell two different sides of aristocratic Venice: decorated halls, marble, furnishings, clothing, perfumes, art collections and details that bring back the taste and daily life of the great Venetian families. They are ideal visits for those who wish to discover a more intimate, refined and surprising Venice.

Serra dei Giardini

Created in 1894 to house palms and decorative plants, the Serra dei Giardini is today a bright and relaxing place, far from the more crowded rhythm of the city.

It is perfect for a pause, for reading, having a drink or simply breathing a different atmosphere, surrounded by greenery.

A small Venetian refuge, especially pleasant during a walk towards the Biennale area.

St Mark’s Square

St Mark’s Square needs no introduction, but even here there are lesser-known details.

Approaching the two columns facing the lagoon, you discover a place linked to the more severe history of the Serenissima: between those columns, death sentences were once carried out.

It is also said that the columns were originally three, but that one fell into the water during transport from the East to Venice in the twelfth century.

Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is one of the absolute symbols of Venice, but its details also preserve curious legends.

Looking towards the lagoon, from the right corner of the palace, try counting to the fourth column: you will notice that it is slightly crooked. According to tradition, those condemned to death could save themselves if they managed to walk around it without placing their feet on the grey stones.

A small story, suspended between legend and memory, which adds mystery to one of the city’s most solemn places.

Burano

Colourful, bright and lively: Burano is one of the most beloved islands in the lagoon.

Its painted houses, reflections on the water and slower atmosphere make it a perfect destination for those who wish to move away from the centre and discover a more cheerful and spontaneous side of Venice.

It is also one of the most beautiful places to take photographs, stroll without hurry and let yourself be guided by the colours.

Corte Seconda del Milion

Just a few steps from Rialto, hidden among the calli, there is a courtyard connected to the memory of Marco Polo and his family.

The name “Milion” refers precisely to the famous Venetian traveller and to the nickname by which his family was known. It is a small, intimate place, often crossed distractedly, yet capable of restoring the atmosphere of medieval Venice.

A perfect little detour for those who wish to discover a corner of history far from the noise of the main streets.

Ponte Chiodo

In the Cannaregio district stands one of the last Venetian bridges still without parapets.

Ponte Chiodo is a rare detail, almost suspended in time. Many bridges in Venice were once like this: essential and without side protections. Today very few examples remain, and this is one of the most charming.

To be seen slowly, perhaps during a walk through the quieter calli of Cannaregio.

Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio

One of the most authentic campi in Venice.

Far from the monumentality of St Mark’s Square, Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio tells of a more everyday and lived-in city: trees, benches, children playing, residents, small osterie and a very ancient church that is well worth a visit.

It is the ideal place to understand that Venice is not only an open-air museum, but also a living city.

The Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto of Venice is one of the city’s most intense and silent places.

Its secluded squares, synagogues, architectural details and historical memory make it a profound stop, to be visited with respect and attention.

It is a different Venice, more secluded, where history does not reveal itself theatrically, but is felt while walking.

Church of San Pantalon

From the outside, it may look like many other Venetian churches. Inside, however, it holds one of the city’s most spectacular surprises.

The ceiling of San Pantalon is immense, theatrical, surprising: a vision that often leaves visitors speechless precisely because it is unexpected.

It is one of those places we love to recommend because it tells Venice so well: discreet outside, wonderful inside.

Giardino Mistico degli Scalzi

Near the station, hidden behind the Church of the Scalzi, lies a small, little-known convent garden.

The Giardino Mistico is a place of quiet, spirituality and simple beauty, far from the constant movement of the Santa Lucia area. It is perfect for those arriving in Venice who wish to immediately enjoy a moment of silence.

A green and contemplative corner, surprising precisely because of its location.

Oratorio dei Crociferi

Not far from Campo dei Gesuiti, the Oratorio dei Crociferi is one of Venice’s lesser-known little jewels.

Its frescoed rooms tell of a charitable, religious and civic Venice, far from the most frequented routes. It is a short but precious visit, ideal for those who love discovering intimate places rich in history.

A small hidden wonder, to include in a walk through the heart of Cannaregio.

Calle Varisco

For those who love curiosities, Calle Varisco is one of the narrowest streets in Venice.

It is not a monumental place, but a small urban game: an unusual detour that shows the city’s most surprising and labyrinthine side. Venice is also this: tiny passages, sudden perspectives, details that seem almost secret.

A light and fun stop, perfect during a walk in Cannaregio.

San Francesco della Vigna

In the Castello district, far from the busiest flows, San Francesco della Vigna offers one of the quietest atmospheres in Venice.

The church, the campo and the surrounding calli seem to belong to another city: slower, quieter, almost suspended. It is an ideal area for those who wish to walk without a precise destination and discover a more intimate Venice.

Recommended for those who love spiritual, discreet and uncrowded places.

Island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni

For those who wish to go beyond the historic centre, San Lazzaro degli Armeni is one of the lagoon’s most distinctive experiences.

A small monastery-island, it preserves a fascinating history linked to the Armenian community, culture, books and silence. The visit requires a little planning, but offers a different perspective on Venice and its centuries-old bond with the world.

A special stop for curious guests, lovers of history and places beyond the ordinary.

Campiello del Remer

Hidden near Rialto, Campiello del Remer offers one of the most beautiful and unexpected views of the Grand Canal.

You arrive almost by chance, through narrow calli and discreet passages, until a small opening onto the water reveals a direct view of the Rialto Bridge.

It is one of those places where you can stop for a few minutes, breathe, look at Venice and let it speak for itself.

Sant’Elena

At the eastern end of the city, Sant’Elena is a different Venice: green, airy, residential.

Here the rhythm changes completely. You walk among trees, quiet avenues and views over the lagoon, far from the crowds and noise. It is a perfect destination for those who have already seen the most famous places and wish to discover the city’s most relaxed side.

A simple, authentic, everyday Venice.