Gioielli Nascosti di Venezia

Five treasures to discover Venice off the beaten path

Fondazione Venezia Servizi presents a marvelous monumental collection of five historical venues called ''Gioielli Nascosti di Venezia'' (Hidden Jewels of Venice) linked with the history of the Venetian welfare. A must-see tour for those who love the authentic Venetian heritage.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Scala Contarini del “Bovolo” (Venetian for “snail shell”) is one of the unique examples of Venetian architecture of transition, from the traditionally well-rooted Venetian gothic to a more renaissance style (about 1499). Connected to the adjacent Palace through three loggias, the 26-meter-high staircase leads to the main floor where there are two exhibition halls and culminates, after 113 steps, on the Belvedere. From there, you can admire a beautiful and remarkable 360° view of Venice, including also St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, La Fenice Theatre, S. Maria della Salute Church.

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Last admission at 5.30 p.m.

Oratorio dei Crociferi

Enclosed within an ancient building, Oratorio dei Crociferi enshrines an unexpected surprise: a small 'treasure chest' decorated by Jacopo Palma il Giovane’s canvases made at the end of the 16th Century.

Opening hours: Thursday – Sunday 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. Last admission at 16.45

Complesso dell’Ospedaletto

Next to the Basilica of SS. Giovanni e Paolo, the Complesso dell’Ospedaletto was an important centre of music, devotion and assistance since the 16th Century. Ospedaletto includes the baroque Church of Santa Maria dei Derelitti and Cortile delle Quattro Stagioni. Inside the historical building, you can admire the last Music Hall (Sala della Musica), which is an entirely frescoed masterpiece by Jacopo Palma il Giovane, that dates back to the 18th Century.

Booking required: booking@fondazioneveneziaservizi.it

Chiesa delle Zitelle

The project of the Church of Santa Maria della Presentazione, it is known as "delle Zitelle" on the Giudecca island, is attributed to the genius of Andrea Palladio. An architectural masterpiece of the late 16th Century that dominates the St. Mark’s Basin. The latter was founded in 1561 to welcome and educate young beautiful girls who risked being prostituted.

Booking required: booking@fondazioneveneziaservizi.it

Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Penitenti

Located at the end of the Rio di Cannaregio and linked to a large hospital complex designed in the 18th Century by the Venetian architect Giorgio Massari, Santa Maria delle Penitenti was erected in order to assist women wishing to start a new life after prostitution.

Booking required: booking@fondazioneveneziaservizi.it