Discover the magic of Venice, where history, culture and gastronomy intertwine in an unforgettable experience
Venice, la Serenissima, is a unique city, built on an archipelago of 118 islands connected by over 400 bridges and criss-crossed by a network of canals that define its timeless charm. Strolling through its narrow, labyrinthine streets, one breathes in an atmosphere suspended between past and present, where every corner tells stories of merchants, artists and nobles who have contributed to making it a jewel of art and culture.
One of the city’s most fascinating traditions is the famous Venice Carnival, an event that has its roots in the Middle Ages and still transforms the city into an open-air theatre. For days, Venice is filled with sumptuous masks, elaborate costumes and exclusive parties that evoke the splendour of the Serenissima.
The masks, the symbol of Carnival, are true works of art handmade by local craftsmen, who hand down ancient techniques of papier-mâché and gold leaf decoration. Venice is not just an open-air museum, but a living place, where history is intertwined with the present through rituals, festivals and traditions that make it a unique experience for anyone who visits.
The typical dishes of Venice
Venetian cuisine is a reflection of its thousand-year history and its strategic position between East and West. Based on simple but richly flavoured ingredients, it offers a variety of dishes that delight the palate.
Sarde in saor
One of the most emblematic dishes of Venetian tradition, sarde in saor are sardines marinated with caramelised onions, sultanas and pine nuts. Originally conceived as a preservation method, today it is an appetiser appreciated for its balance of sweet and sour.
Venetian-style cuttlefish
Venetian style cuttlefish are an iconic dish in the lagoon tradition, prepared with their ink to impart an intense flavour and a characteristic dark colour. Usually served with white polenta, they represent a perfect balance between the simplicity of Venetian cuisine and the richness of the flavours of the sea.
Codfish Mantecato
Baccalà mantecato is one of Venice’s best-loved specialities, prepared with stockfish whipped to a creamy consistency with olive oil until soft and velvety. Served on polenta or bread croutons, it is a delicately flavoured appetiser that recounts centuries of seafood tradition.
Polenta and Schie
Polenta and schie is a typical Venetian dish that combines the softness of polenta with the delicacy of schie, small lagoon shrimps usually fried or sautéed. This simple but tasty combination enhances the authentic flavours of the lagoon tradition.
Le Moeche
Moeche are small crabs from the Venetian lagoon that, during the moulting period, are caught and fried to make a crispy and tasty dish. This rare and prized seasonal delicacy is a true expression of traditional Venetian cuisine.
Risi e bisi
This dish, somewhere between a soup and a risotto, combines rice and fresh peas, often enriched with pancetta. Traditionally served on 25 April, St Mark’s Day, the patron saint of Venice, it represents the arrival of spring.
Liver Venetian style
A classic second course, calf’s liver is cooked with plenty of white onion from Chioggia, which sweetens its intense flavour. Served with polenta, it is a dish that enhances the simplicity of local ingredients.
Bigoli in sauce
Bigoli are a kind of thick spaghetti, traditionally made from wholemeal flour. They are seasoned with a sauce made of anchovies and onions, offering a strong, enveloping flavour.
Bisato on the altar
Bisato su l’ara is a traditional Venetian dish based on eel, slowly cooked on hot stone (‘ara’) and flavoured with herbs. Once a common food among lagoon fishermen, today it is a rare speciality that encapsulates the authentic flavours of Venetian cuisine.
Scartosso
Scartosso is a traditional Venetian dish consisting of fried fish served in a paper cone, to be eaten with the hands. This simple and tasty street food is perfect for enjoying fresh fish from the lagoon while strolling through the calli of Venice.
The Cicchetti
Cicchetti are small typical Venetian appetisers, similar to Spanish tapas, offering a variety of dishes to be enjoyed in one bite. Served in osterie and bacari, cicchetti range from sarde in saor to meatballs and crostini with baccalà mantecato, offering a rich and convivial gastronomic experience.
Fritole
Fritole are the symbol of the Venice Carnival, but their goodness makes them appreciated all year round. These soft, golden fritters, enriched with sultanas and pine nuts, were already being prepared in the Renaissance and were even declared ‘national dessert of the Serenissima’. Today, they can be enjoyed in any Venetian pastry shop, often filled with cream or zabaglione, making them a real temptation for those with a sweet tooth.
Baicoli
Baicoli are typical Venetian dry biscuits, often served with a glass of sweet wine or used to accompany coffee. Their crunchy texture and delicate flavour make them irresistible.
The Venetian Spritz
The Venetian spritz is the famous cocktail that perfectly represents the atmosphere of Venice, made with prosecco, aperol or campari, soda and a slice of orange. Created as a refreshing drink for hot summer days, it has become a must for aperitifs, accompanied by cicchetti and consumed in the city’s characteristic bacari.
What to see in Venice
Venice is an open-air museum, where every corner hides artistic and architectural treasures. Here are some of the unmissable places to visit during your stay.
St. Mark’s Square and the Bell Tower
Piazza San Marco is the beating heart of Venice, a place rich in history and charm, surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic monuments. Described by Napoleon as ‘the drawing room of Europe‘, it is the meeting point for tourists and Venetians alike, with its historic cafés and the imposing St Mark’s Basilica dominating the scene.
A few steps away, the Campanile di San Marco, at almost one hundred metres high, offers a spectacular view over the lagoon and the rooftops of the city. Originally built as a lighthouse for seafarers, it is now one of the most impressive vantage points in Venice.
San Pantalon and Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
The Church of San Pantalon, located in the Dorsoduro sestiere, is famous for its frescoed ceiling, considered to be one of the largest paintings on canvas in the world. The work depicts the martyrdom of St Pantaleon and is a masterpiece of Venetian Baroque.
Erected in gratitude for the end of the 17th century plague, the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute dominates the entrance to the Grand Canal. Its imposing dome and art-filled interior make it a must-see.
Dorsoduro
This charming district is known for its lively art scene, with contemporary art galleries and museums such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Its quiet streets and cosy squares offer an authentic atmosphere far from the tourist crowds.
Ca’ Rezzonico and Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Ca’ Rezzonico recounts 18th-century Venetian life, with period frescoes and furnishings. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, on the other hand, houses works by the greatest modern artists, from Picasso to Pollock.
Squero di San Trovaso
One of the last traditional squeri (shipyards) still in operation, where the iconic Venetian gondolas are built and repaired. A visit offers a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship that keeps this centuries-old tradition alive.
La Fenice Theatre
One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, La Fenice has hosted world premieres of works by composers such as Verdi and Rossini. Despite the fires that have struck it, it has risen again and again, just like the mythological bird from which it takes its name.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Hidden among the calli, this extraordinary external spiral staircase offers a panoramic view of the city. Its unique architecture combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, making it a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Clock Tower
Located in St Mark’s Square, this 15th century tower features an astronomical clock that marks the hours, phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac. The statues of the Moors striking the hours are a fascinating sight to behold.
St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs
The emblem of Venice, St Mark’s Basilica is a triumph of golden mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Inside, treasures such as the Pala d’Oro and St Mark’s Treasure testify to the wealth and power of the Venetian Republic.
Adjacent to the basilica, the Doge’s Palace was the residence of the Doge and the centre of political power. Its frescoed rooms, prisons and famous Bridge of Sighs tell centuries of history and intrigue of the Serenissima. One of the most iconic bridges in Venice, it connects the Doge’s Palace to the ancient prisons. The name comes from the legend that prisoners sighed while admiring the last view of the lagoon before being imprisoned.
Venice Arsenal
Once the largest shipyard in Europe, the Arsenale represented the heart of Venice’s maritime power . Today it hosts Biennale events and exhibitions that tell the city’s naval history.
Rialto Bridge
Venice’s most famous bridge, with its stone structure and historic shops, offers a breathtaking view of the Grand Canal. From here, you can observe the bustling activity of the markets and gondolas.
Acqua Alta Bookshop A unique place in the world, this bookshop houses thousands of books stored in gondolas, tubs and shelves to protect them from high water. It is a paradise for lovers of reading and photography.
Murano and Burano
Murano is famous for its glassmaking, with workshops and museums showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans. Burano, with its colourful houses and lace-making tradition, is a picturesque corner of the lagoon.
Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore
Giudecca offers spectacular views of Venice and is less crowded than other parts of the city. San Giorgio Maggiore, with its basilica designed by Palladio, offers breathtaking views from the top of the bell tower.
Basilica dei Frari and Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Basilica dei Frari houses works by Titian and Canova, while the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is decorated with extraordinary frescoes by Tintoretto.
Venice: a journey through history, flavours and timeless wonder
Venice is a city that enchants and surprises, a place where every corner tells a story and every dish evokes ancient traditions. Between romantic canals, masterpieces of art and culinary delights, La Serenissima offers an unforgettable experience to anyone who visits it. ue visit. Whether it is the first time or the umpteenth, Venice always knows how to amaze and leave you breathless.