Unlike most of the conventional tours of Venice that sell mass-produced tourist trinkets, this special tour will take you into the heart of Venetian traditions still very much alive if only you care to look for it and bring you closer to the local artisans and craftsmen of Venice who, through their skillful work, keep alive techniques that are centuries-old and, even more their specialized knowledge, keep alive the legacy of history and culture itself.
We will bring you to the best of Venetian production, choosing artisans who work with quality and tradition, and knock at the door of their small workshops: each one a hidden gem in the magnificent labyrinth of Venezia.
The Gold Laboratory ( Cannaregio )
Carrying on a family tradition dating back to 1926, Mario Berta Battiloro still revels in the painstaking process of applying gold leaf-- whether embellishing architectural motifs in ancient palazzos or adding the finishing touches to a high-end meal.
The Paper Laboratory ( Giudecca )
Watch bits of pulp, glue, and sometimes flowers transform into sheets of beautifully soft, thick paper before your eyes. This artisanal workshop, Carta Venezia, produces some of the finest stationery and paper products available in Venice, all handmade, of course.
Venetian Masks ( Dorsoduro )
Discover the history, significance, and beauty behind the Venetian mask with this two hour workshop. Suitable for children and adults, a Venetian craftsman will illustrate the various stages of craftsmanship, helping you to discover how to create your own mask in the process. You can then decorate it with your own designs and creativity, bringing home a unique piece of Venice created by you.
Visit to the Remèr ( Dorsoduro )
What is the name for an artisan who creates the accessories for gondola-rowing? A remèr, that is-- the builder of those unique oars and oarlocks used only by Venetian gondoliers. During the workshop in the craftsman's shop, we'll find out what a forcola (oarlock) is, what it requires, why its shape is so particular, and how to build an oarlock and an oar.
Tessiture Bevilacqua ( Dorsoduro )
During your guided visit you will discover an ancient Venetian weaving mill, whose foundation dates back to the end of the 19th century. Inside the building, you will find original 18th century looms that give proof of the great tradition behind the products. The velvets and brocades of the Venetian weaving mill are famous all over the world as they are required for the furnishing of important palaces and for collaborations with fashion houses as well as for expositions and exhibitions. It’s a unique chance to see weavers and looms at work, while they produce the refined soprarizzo velvet, and to touch with your own hands a fabric made following ancient techniques.
