ST MARK’S BASILICA AFTER HOURS
Arguably the most beautiful church on earth, there is a way to visit St Mark’s Basilica after hours. Approximately half an hour after the basilica closes to the public, it reopens for Vespers. Meet them on the left side of the building, hide your camera and indicate that you intend to pray and the guard will let you in. Once inside, keep a low profile, sit down quietly, savour the gorgeous singing and marvel at the basilica in all its splendour.
Basilica de San Marco
Piazza San Marco 328
20100 Venezia
Vespers time: 5.30pm
A CONCERT AT THE CONSERVATORY
Located in the beautiful Pisani Palace, the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory includes a small museum of musical instruments and a magnificent concert hall which is open to the public. Go visit the hall and enjoy the performance of talented students, free of charge.
Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello
San Marco 2810
30124 Venezia
ACQUA ALTA BOOKSHOP
Hidden behind San Marco, the Acqua Alta bookshop displays its fantastic books in unusual ways. Bathtubs, canoes and even gondolas have been transformed into creative shelving for both old and new exemplaires. The owner, Luigi Frizzo will happily show you around his labyrinth of books knowing where to find exactly what you are looking for. Climb the book staircase to discover a magnificent view of the Venetian Lagoon.
Libreria Acqua Alta
Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa 5176B
30122 Venezia
Tel.: +39 041 296 0841
Open daily from 9.15am to 7.45pm
ATELIER BEVILACQUA
The Bevilacqua, one of the city’s wealthiest families, are now sixth generation weivers. In addition to their exceptional know-how they own an amazing wooden loom that dates back to the 18th century and is still in operation today. This loom is located behind their atelier and can only be visited by appointment. The visit will allow you to see and experience weivers working on velvet, silk and gold threads using ancestral techniques.
Luigi Bevilacqua
Campiello de la Comare 1320
30135 Venezia
Tel.: + 39 041 721 566
luigi-bevilacqua.com
By reservation only
EXTRA GEMS
*Not in the book
NARDI & CODOGNATO
Since over a hundred years, two specific jewelers have dominated the history of Venetian jewellery. Both situated next to piazza San Marco, they have built a very specific and identifiable style. Nardi, which overlooks the piazza, specialises in luxurious and ‘touristic’ souvenirs. There you will find a precious Rialto bridge made of gold and ruby, or earrings in the shape of the Salute Church. Codognato in turn offers skulls, snakes and memorabilia reminiscent of a treasure hunt making this an unmissable destination.
Nardi
Piazza San Marco 69
30124, Venezia
Codognato
Piazza San Marco 1295
30124, Venezia
Open from 10.30am to 6.30pm
Closed on Sunday and Monday
MASSIMO MICHELUZZI
Massimo is one of the greatest contemporary glass artists in Venice. Renowned for his exceptional colour sensibility, he creates highly coveted works with a refined modern aesthetic. His pieces are held in various museum collections but you can always visit the display selection in his gallery.
Massimo Micheluzzi
Ponte delle Meraviglie 1071
30123 Venezia
Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm
You can purchase Servane Giol’s guide Soul of Venice by Editions Jonglez on www.amazon.com
