Serra dei Giardini: an undiscovered corner in Venice known only by a few
If you think
Venice is just crowded alleys, famous bridges and packed water buses, get ready
for a surprise that will make you change your mind. Set between the Biennale
Gardens and the Arsenale at the end of tranquil Viale Garibaldi stands a tiny,
Liberty jewel: the Serra dei Giardini.
Built in
1894 to house the tropical plants for the first International Art
Exhibition (now known as the Biennale), the Greenhouse began as an iron and
glass tepidarium, inspired by the nineteenth century European
orangeries. Painted white, it opened its doors to palms and other exotic
species and protected them from the cold climate of Venice. For over a century,
the municipal gardeners used it to house their plants in winter, until it was
abandoned in the 90s and subsequently forgotten.
A revival surrounded by flowers, culture and coffee
A careful restoration has enabled the Municipality of Venice to give this extraordinary venue back to the city. Since 2010, the social cooperative Nonsoloverde has been in charge and has transformed the Greenhouse into a laboratory of urban sustainability. You'll be amazed.
Today it houses:
· a luxuriant, colourful plant nursery
· a botanical Coffee Shop where you can try out its smoothies, homemade cakes and vegetarian dishes;
· a calendar of cultural events, workshops for children and adults and initiatives regarding the plant world and urban ecology.
The Microclimate artistic project also brings the Greenhouse to life with exhibitions, performances and interdisciplinary sessions where art and nature blend together.
A peaceful corner to reflect Venice at its most authentic
A visit to Serra dei Giardini will take you far from the most popular tourist routes and allow you to rest quietly amidst beauty. Surrounded by climbing plants, soft lighting and the fragrance of aromatic herbs, you can sit with a book, take part in a creative workshop or simply sip a coffee among the plants. It's also an excellent pit stop if you're on your way to the Biennale, or if you wish to explore the Castello district, one of the city's most genuine areas.
Information: https://www.serradeigiardini.org/en/
Ca’ Lucrezia looks forward to welcoming you to Venice
The Locanda Ca' Lucrezia is a stone's throw from Santa Lucia Station in the heart of the peaceful district of Cannaregio. It offers the perfect starting point to explore Venice and discover its hidden spots, such as the Serra dei Giardini.
Information: https://calucrezia.it/ca-lucrezia-en