Secret Venice

This new tour delves into the more hidden aspects of Venice’s artistic legacy, with a focus upon the city's artisanal trades in luxury textiles and glass, as well as visits to lesser-known churches and modern art galleries.

Overview

Walking the narrow passages and cobbled streets of Venice is awe-inspiring, seeing Canaletto's paintings come to life as gondolas sail by and witnessing some of the city's most iconic buildings, including the Doge’s Palace. Yet there are many hidden areas where the richness of Venetian art and architecture is less well discovered. This tour will consider the artistic achievements of Venice through the city’s artisanal production of luxury goods like glass and silk; the patronage on display in churches; and the city’s role in furthering modern and contemporary art, to unravel new strands of Venice’s enduring legacy as a global hub for artistic excellence.

On the island of Giudecca, also less frequented by visitors, we will encounter Sant’Eufemia Church. Reflecting layers of renovation and changing styles, the structure’s various columns and capitals date back to the 11th century, whilst its exquisite stucco showcases an 18th century Rococo sensibility. By contrast, the Church of the Holy Redeemer presents a minimalist interior with slender columns; previously belonging to Capuchin monks, its bright white walls bestow a tranquil atmosphere.

We will explore Romanesque houses, crossing the Rialto Bridge to San Giovanni Elemosinario Church, home to an impressive altarpiece by Titian and angelic frescoes in the central dome by Pordenone. Later we will encounter the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato; its enthralling interiors contain three naves that are supported by Greek marble columns repurposed from Altino, and its semi-domed apse is adorned with a dazzling mosaic of the Madonna set within a sea of gold, attesting to the impact of Byzantine design on the city.

Santa Maria della Pietà will introduce us to the significance of virtue within artistic patronage: once an orphanage and hospital, the composer Antonio Vivaldi taught violin here, and its reputation began to flourish as a concert hall for the putte (young female students). Vivaldi also taught violin at the Ospedale San Lazzaro dei Mendicanti, a historical church and hospital complex, showcasing magnificent artworks such as the Baroque chapel and paintings by Paolo Veronese and Tintoretto.

Materiality and the artisanal class will form a key focus of the tour, and in Murano we will map out Venice’s distinguished history of glassmaking. At the Museo del Vetro, founded in 1861, we will uncover the story of this ancient craft: starting in the 14th century, when Venetians became unrivalled glass makers with the innovation of pure transparent glass, we will journey through the 16th century, when diamond point technique resembled delicate lace, to the creation of Murano mirrors in the 18th century. We also hope to include a visit to a glass factory or shop to see techniques in practice.

The Bevilacqua Factory offers us detailed insights into Venice’s rich legacy of textile production. Home to fabric manufacturers dating back to the 15th century, the site has preserved ancient techniques, and we can witness historical weaving looms at work creating fine silks. Meanwhile, the Mocenigo Palace Museum contextualises fabric production by showcasing costumes, accessories and perfumes worn by the Venetian aristocracy from the 17th to 18th centuries. The rich colours, sumptuous textures and fragrances on display celebrate the great skill of Venice’s craftsmen and exemplify the refined style for which the Venetians were famous.

We will also dedicate time to exploring modern art in Venice, starting with the Museo Fortuny, the preserved home and studio of fashion designer Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo, where he lived with his wife, Henriette Negrin. Rooms here are arranged into enchanting displays, from elaborate textiles overlaid with paintings to veiled sculptures clothed by Fortuny’s own pieces.

The Museum of Modern Art at Ca Pesaro houses works by Gustav Klimt and Auguste Rodin, and further assemblages of iconic modern art will be enjoyed at the famous Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Finally, no exploration of Venice would be complete without visiting the prestigious Gallerie dell’Accademia, boasting the largest collection of Venetian art, and housing masterpieces by Titian, Bellini and Carpaccio, to name a few.

Cost Details

Secret Venice