It is easy to see why Venice is one of the most visited and loved cities in the world, thanks to its beautiful ancient buildings, museums and charming canals. And away from the itineraries of mass tourism, you can find more surprising wonders. If you have decided to learn Italian in Venice, we have 5 lesser-known sights where you can escape the crowds, enjoy the scene and even find inspiration to do some homework and study the beautiful language.
Libreria Acqua Alta
Run by eccentric Venetian Luigi Frizzo, this library is home to hundreds of books, both new and used. The books are chaotically stacked in old gondolas, canoes, and bathtubs. You will also find a staircase made from old, colourful books. Cats are some of the regular visitors at Libreria Acqua Alta. The library is located off the beaten path near the Chiesa di Santa Maria Formosa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9WWc9xUehY
Venice Ghost Walking Tour
You can discover the mysteries of Venice at night with a 1.5-hour walking tour. It takes you on a journey to the city’s hidden corners, with a ghost-expert guide who recounts spooky ghost stories and other legends as you walk. Recoil at gruesome facts about Biasio, the murderous butcher of Venice; see the reputedly haunted Bovolo staircase; explore the shadowy squares and empty streets as you hear more sinister tales!
Forte Sant’Andrea
This beautiful fort is located on Isola di Sant’Andrea, an island that is lesser known compared to the famous Murano and Burano. The 17th-century fort was built to defend the city from its enemies, and was the work of architect Michele Sanmicheli, who designed a number of civil and military buildings throughout the Venetian Republic. The top of the Island’s scruffy ruins makes for an excellent picnic spot with unrivalled views over the lagoon and city.
Chioggia
Also known as “Venezia in piccolo”, Chioggia is a less touristy version of its famous neighbour Venice. It provides you with a tranquil getaway with arched bridges and narrow canals. You will not find much art here, but the town is ideal for a nice day trip when Venice is overcrowded. Choose one of its seafood restaurants and imagine that Venice might have looked like Chioggia had it not discovered the riches of trade.
Malefatte Boutique
This shop, whose name translates as “misdeeds boutique”, sells products made with recycled PVC by prisoners from the jails in and around Venice. Here you will find handmade goods that go from t-shirts to notebooks and bags. The shop is a non-profit initiative run by Rio Tera dei Pensieri, a work-in-jail cooperative that offers prisoners training and professional rehabilitation.
Italian language course in Venice with Studiainitalia
Are you looking for an Italian language course in Venice? With Studiainitalia you can learn Italian in the best language schools, with intensive courses composed by 20 lessons per week, available all year round. Get all the information you need about the courses, prices and accommodation options for your Italian course in Venice here.
