Some of the most fascinating and authentic finds in Venice appear in unexpected places—on the side of a church altar, in a street-corner shrine, on a sign in the alleyway. Don’t miss these fun opportunities to immerse yourself in Venetian artisanal history. Here’s one of my favorites:
A hidden sixteenth-century shrine to the Madonna and Child is carved into the side of the Ponte della Paglia. That’s the bridge where tourists stand to take a picture of the more famous Bridge of Sighs near the Piazza San Marco. Most people miss what lies below them.
The shrine to the Madonna and Child is carved in high relief into one of the spandrels of the bridge so that it is visible to gondoliers as they glide underneath the bridge’s arch. Below the image of the Madonna and Child are two carved gondolas with passenger compartments (felzi). This area was once the spot of one of the city’s many traghetti (ferry stations), the Renaissance equivalent of a taxi stand.
Have you discovered a “secret” in Venice? Drop a comment below. I love to hear your stories!
Very fun to learn, having stood on that bridge as I photographed the Bridge of Sighs. Also, I’ve just met Orna O’Reiily, whose husband Tom Weber has Palladian Traveller (a blog). He writes terrific articles re his travels through Italy, and in fact coincidentally just posted this nicely photographed entry about touring the Doges Palace that I thought you may enjoy too, if you don’t already know Orna and/or Tom. FYI. https://thepalladiantraveler.com/2016/08/02/history-photography-travel-italy-venice-doges-palace-walks-of-italy-secret-passages-guided-tour/
Hi Don, I’m familiar with their great work in Venice. Thank you for sharing! –Laura
Ponte della Tette…finally found it in my second visit to Venice…
Thanks, Laura. I enjoy discovering Venetian “secrets”! I hope to visit Serenissima again someday!
I do historical research in Venice every year, so I suppose I have seen more than my share of secrets. It’s certainly a joy to walk the city slowly and just appreciate all of the “hidden” art.
Hi Beth, you are absolutely right! And there are more secrets for a lifetime in Venice. –Laura
We also have stood on that bridge, but never looked downwards. We will be in Venice again on a one day cruise stop, and will check it out.
Thanks for your message, Bonnie! –Laura
Do gondoliers still sing as they do their work? I visited Venice for the first time about 30 years ago. One of my fondest memories was being awakened early in the morning by a gondolier gliding beneath my window. He was singing an aria from a Verdi opera before I was even out of bed. Incredible experience in an incredible city!
Hi Wayne, yes, absolutely they still sing! What a great memory. Thanks for sharing. –Laura
You have written about this before, so I was able to search it out last year! It was really fun, thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
Hi Rena, I’m glad you found it! Thanks for letting me know. –Laura
I have been to Venice and loved it. Celebrated my birthday there about 20 years ago. This October I will be going again to celebrate my 65th birthday! Love this very different city. Any suggestions of where to eat and see this time around would be appreciated! Thanks!!! Laura Beasley
I continue to search every town/city i visit on my multiple Home to Italy trips and shall add this treasure to my October trip!
thanks
Have loved Venice since my first visit in 1962, when I was a student Europe. Later lived in Europe for 15 years and despite traveling almost every weekend only scratched the surface. Our plans are to come to Italy for 90-180 days to scratch that itch with lots of time in Venice.
I have that exact photo from one of my trips to Venice. You encouraged me to look more closely at my photo, and yes, I see the carving.
There are so many wonderful hidden treasures in Venice. I was fascinated by the ‘Jewish ghetto’ in Venice. The intricate, small doorways and archways, the ‘wall’ and the depiction of the horrors . . . So sad . . .There is so much to see and explore in the alleys of Venice.
Afraid I missed it. So hope I get a chance to return sometime!
Hi Laura, I think we need to be amice! My family roots trace back to Venezia, however, my parents were born in Abruzzo. I am just as passionate as you are of my parent’s villages and the hidden gems found there. I look forward to wandering Venezia once again and finding your “hidden” spots! Grazie
Amiche not Amice!