elcome to Flowery House's Insider Guide to Venice, a special roadmap born out of countless requests from our awesome guests.
We get it – you want to experience Venice beyond the usual tourist spots. So, we’ve put together this online guide just for you. It’s your exclusive ticket to the special places, local hangouts, and offbeat wonders that make Venice truly unique. Whether you’re a Venice rookie or a seasoned explorer, our guide takes you on a journey through less-explored places, uncovering the city’s authentic charm. We’ve curated a list that tells the story of Venice like a local. So, join the adventure with Flowery House and discover a side of Venice that’s not on the typical tourist map!
San Lazzaro degli Armeni
The visit, exclusively guided, is available every day with mandatory reservation. Groups of 12/18 people per session. The island is accessible by public transport (ACTV): line 20 to S.Zaccaria
Before being inhabited by Armenian monks in a stable manner starting from the eighteenth century, San Lazzaro, also due to its relatively isolated and protected location, was the land of the Benedictines of Sant’Ilario. It later became a leprosarium (hence San Lazzaro, the patron saint of lepers), a dwelling for the poor, and a refuge for Dominican friars expelled from Crete.
In 1717, the Republic of Venice finally granted it to a group of Armenian monks fleeing from Modon in the Peloponnese, who have inhabited it ever since.
Among these monks was Mechitar (now buried on the island inside the church), one of the architects of the revival of Armenian literature, as well as the promoter of the development of the San Lazzaro community and its transformation into an important cultural and scientific center.
CONTACT:
Monastero Mekhitarista
Isola di San Lazzaro degli Armeni
30126 Venezia
+39 041 526 0104
GOOGLE MAPS:
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
The National Library Marciana (also known as the Library of San Marco) is one of the largest Italian libraries and the most important in Venice. The first proposal to establish a “public library” in Venice was put forward in 1362 by Francesco Petrarca, who, however, was unable to realize the project. Upon his death, he presumably left his personal library to the Da Carrara family, rulers of Padua.
The library expanded its inventory through numerous donations and bequests, as well as the incorporation of other libraries in the city and the Republic. Many of the works donated came from Byzantium, which was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Thanks to this collection, Venice became the most important center for the study of Greek classics.
In 1603, a law came into effect requiring every Venetian printer to deposit a copy of each printed book at the Marciana, making it the institutional library of the Serenissima Republic.
After the fall of Venice, collections from religious institutions suppressed by Napoleon partly merged into the Marciana Library. In 1811, the library was transferred to the Doge’s Palace. It only returned to its historical location in 1924.
Access to the Monumental Halls is through the entrance of the Correr Museum (Piazza San Marco, Napoleonic Wing) with the single ticket for the Museums of Piazza San Marco, which is free for residents and those born in the Municipality of Venice.
CONTACT:
Piazzetta San Marco n.7
30124 Venezia
Tel: +39.0412407211
GOOGLE MAPS:
Fondaco dei Tedeschi
The Fondaco dei Tedeschi (or Fontego dei Tedeschi, as it is called in Venetian dialect) is located in front of the Grand Canal near Rialto and dates back to the 13th century, undergoing numerous transformations over the years. After a devastating fire in 1505, the Fondaco was quickly rebuilt and adorned with frescoes created by the great Giorgione and his apprentice, the young Tiziano.
The Fontego was later suppressed with the fall of the Republic. Today, after careful restoration, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi stands as a luxury shopping destination in the city, without forgetting its historical roots.
A must-visit is the Panoramic Terrace, offering an extraordinary view of the city on the Grand Canal.
Access to the terrace is free. Reservation for the visit is mandatory and must be made exclusively online, with a maximum duration of 15 minutes.
GOOGLE MAPS:
Biblioteca Querini
The library is of a general nature, preserving and making available approximately 400,000 volumes, including both ancient works and modern books. For over 150 years, it has been considered the ‘library of the Venetians.’
The library was established in 1869 when the Foundation was created, and Count Giovanni Querini Stampalia decreed in his will that the family library should become public property. Since then, the original core of the library has been supplemented by ongoing acquisitions and donations from individuals who wished to make their personal libraries, or parts thereof, available to readers and scholars.
Perfectly preserved in its external forms, the building underwent restoration in the 1960s by the Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, and later by Valeriano Pastor and Mario Botta.
Collections and Exhibitions
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Ticket office closes at 5:30 PM Closed on Mondays
Bookshop
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Closed on Mondays
Library and Newspaper Library
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Closed on Mondays
CONTACTS:
Santa Maria Formosa
Castello 5252, 30122 Venezia
+39 041 2711411
GOOGLE MAPS:
Arsenale & Sant'Elena
During the pre-industrial era, the Arsenale stood as Venice’s largest production hub, employing up to 2,000 workers daily during peak periods. This expansive complex served as the primary construction site for the Serenissima fleets, embodying the city’s economic, political, and military prowess. Since 1980, the Arsenale has been repurposed as an exhibition venue for La Biennale, hosting the inaugural International Architecture Exhibition. Subsequently, these same spaces have been utilized for the Open section of Art Exhibitions.
Sant’Elena, situated as an island within Venice, rests at the easternmost edge of the primary cluster of islands, forming an integral part of the Castello district. Originally separated from Venice proper by an arm of the Venetian Lagoon, the island was centered around the Church of Sant’Elena and its monastery, which dates back to the twelfth century, later reconstructed in the 15th century.
In the 1920s, the island underwent expansion to bridge the gap, now connected to the rest of the city by three bridges. Noteworthy features include Rimembranze Park, a naval college, and the esteemed Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo football stadium. For a local football enthusiast, visiting this stadium holds immense value, offering a unique and precious experience to immerse oneself in the passion and culture of the sport. Alongside residential areas, Sant’Elena also hosts buildings for the Venice Biennale, contributing to its vibrant and diverse character.
GOOGLE MAPS:
Arsenale Address
Giudecca
Giudecca, called Spinalonga by the Venetians for its elongated shape, is an island located south of the historic center of Venice. It is a mostly residential area with a limited tourist population.
It enjoys a beautiful view of San Marco and can be reached with just one stop by vaporetto, crossing the Giudecca canal.
Giudecca could be translated in two different contexts; first it could mean Jewish, referring to the Jewish population that used to stay on the island. Another translation could be that Giudecca’s name meant wait to be judged , since notorious and wealthy families used to get exiled to Giudecca, waiting for the judgment of their sins.
The most beautiful churches on the island lie along the foundations facing the Giudecca Canal. In fact, the Chiesa del Redentore, the Chiesa delle Zitelle, and the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore, all designed by Andrea Palladio, were built there in the sixteenth century.
Every year, Giudecca becomes the protagonist of the celebrations honoring the feast of the Redentore, the most popular, heartfelt festival for the Venetians. It is famous for the spectacular fireworks that light up the lagoon of Venice every year on the third Saturday of July.
To end the day, it’s worth having an aperitif at the Rooftop bar of the Molino Stucky, a wonderful example of industrial archeology, converted into a hotel, where guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of the island and the San Marco bay.
GOOGLE MAPS:
Lido
The Lido is an 11-kilometre-long (7-mile) barrier island in the Venetian Lagoon. Nestled in the Venetian Lagoon, the island of Lido beckons with its serene ambiance and timeless allure. Renowned for its golden sandy beaches and historic charm, Lido offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Venice. As the host of the prestigious Venice Film Festival, this picturesque island boasts a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene.
Alberoni Beach, nestled on the southern tip of the Lido island in Venice, offers a serene escape for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its expansive stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Alberoni Beach provides the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
A bike tour is the perfect way to explore the island while enjoying the gentle sea breeze and stunning coastal views.
Starting from Alberoni Beach, pedal along picturesque coastal paths lined with swaying pine trees and charming villas. Explore the quaint streets of Lido’s historic center, where colorful facades and bustling cafes evoke a sense of old-world charm. Continue your journey along the waterfront promenade, enjoying panoramic views of the Venetian Lagoon and the majestic skyline of Venice in the distance. Along the way, discover hidden gems such as local markets, historic landmarks, and peaceful parks, each offering a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
With the freedom of two wheels, this bike tour allows you to explore Lido at your own pace, uncovering its hidden treasures and experiencing the true essence of this captivating island.