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Fondamenta Fianco Ponte Lungo, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy (July 2022)
Giudecca
Giudecca, a small island just south of Venice, is a unique and serene part of the Venetian lagoon that offers a tranquil contrast to the bustling city across the water. Often overlooked by tourists in favour of Venice’s more famous attractions, Giudecca provides a quieter, more intimate experience of Venetian life. Known for its beautiful waterfront, historic churches, and artistic atmosphere, Giudecca is a hidden gem that allows visitors to enjoy stunning views of Venice while discovering a distinct and authentic local character. Giudecca has a rich and complex history that dates to Venice’s early days. The island was originally known as Spinalunga, meaning “long spine,” due to its narrow, elongated shape. Over time, the island became known as Giudecca, though the origin of this name is debated. Some historians suggest it may have been home to a Jewish community at one point, while others believe the name comes from the Italian word giudicati, referring to exiled nobles who were sent to live there during political conflicts. During the Renaissance, Giudecca was a popular retreat for Venetian nobility. The island was dotted with grand villas, gardens, and orchards, offering a peaceful escape from the crowded streets of Venice. However, as Venice’s fortunes declined, so did Giudecca, and by the 19th century, it had transformed into an industrial zone, home to shipyards, factories, and workers’ housing. This industrial past has left its mark on the island’s architecture and atmosphere, giving it a more rugged, authentic feel compared to Venice’s opulent palaces and squares. In recent decades, Giudecca has undergone a cultural renaissance, attracting artists, creatives, and those seeking a slower pace of life. Today, it is a mix of residential neighbourhoods, historic sites, and art spaces, making it a fascinating destination for those looking to explore a different side of Venice.
One of the most famous landmarks on Giudecca is the Church of the Redeemer (Chiesa del Redentore), a stunning 16th-century church designed by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio. Built to give thanks for Venice’s deliverance from the plague, the Redentore Church is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Every July, it becomes the focal point of the Festa del Redentore, one of Venice’s most important festivals, featuring a procession of boats, fireworks, and celebrations that spill over into Giudecca’s canals and squares. Another notable site is the Church of Santa Maria della Presentazione, commonly known as Le Zitelle. This beautiful church, also attributed to Palladio, was part of a convent that provided shelter and education to impoverished young women, or zitelle. Today, the building is a symbol of Giudecca’s religious and social history. In addition to its churches, Giudecca is home to several contemporary art galleries and studios, reflecting its reputation as a hub for artists. The island hosts exhibitions and events, particularly during the Venice Biennale, when Giudecca becomes a creative hotspot. Despite its proximity to Venice, Giudecca has retained a local, residential feel. Its narrow streets and canals are lined with small cafes, family-owned shops, and quiet squares where locals gather, offering a glimpse into everyday life away from the tourist crowds. The island’s waterfront promenade is a popular spot for leisurely walks, providing spectacular views of Venice’s iconic skyline, including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Giudecca’s restaurants offer authentic Venetian cuisine, often featuring seafood fresh from the lagoon. The island is also home to some high-end dining options, including Harry’s Dolci, a famous offshoot of Venice’s legendary Harry’s Bar. Giudecca is a captivating island that offers a more peaceful, authentic alternative to Venice’s bustling centre. Its historical landmarks, artistic atmosphere, and local charm make it an ideal destination for travellers seeking to explore Venice’s rich heritage in a quieter, more relaxed setting. Whether strolling along its waterfront, visiting its remarkable churches, or enjoying a meal with a view of the lagoon, Giudecca provides an unforgettable experience that reflects both the history and the evolving spirit of Venice.
Worth a Visit
The Fondamenta de le Convertite, located on the island of Giudecca in Venice, is a quiet and atmospheric promenade that embodies the layered history of the Venetian lagoon. Unlike the bustling banks of the Grand Canal or the lively piazzas of the city center, this stretch of waterfront offers a more contemplative atmosphere, blending traces of the past with the serene rhythms of local life. Its name, “Convertite,” recalls the Convent of the Convertite, a religious institution once dedicated to the rehabilitation of women who sought a new beginning. Though much has changed over the centuries, the fondamenta retains a unique character, shaped by its spiritual, social, and maritime heritage. The Convent of the Convertite was established in the 16th century and became a place of refuge for women who had lived on the margins of Venetian society, offering them shelter, guidance, and the possibility of reintegration.
For more information about the
Fondamenta de le Convertite, click the image.
The Contrà Orti on the island of Giudecca in Venice is a place where the city’s unique relationship with land, water, and community is expressed in its most authentic form. Unlike the monumental splendor of San Marco or the grand façades along the Grand Canal, Contrà Orti reflects the quieter, more domestic side of Venetian life. The name itself, “Orti,” meaning gardens, points to one of Giudecca’s defining features: its long tradition of fertile plots and green spaces, which for centuries have supplied Venetians with fresh produce and created a vital connection between urban living and cultivation. Giudecca has often been described as Venice’s “green island,” and Contrà Orti is at the heart of this reputation. Historically, the island was dotted with monasteries, convents, and religious retreats, many of which maintained gardens, orchards, and vineyards
For more information about the
Contrà Orti, click the image.
The Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore, commonly known as Il Redentore, is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island of Giudecca and a masterpiece of Venetian architecture. Designed by the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, the church was constructed in the late 16th century as a monumental act of thanksgiving after Venice was delivered from a devastating outbreak of the plague. Its majestic silhouette dominates the Giudecca Canal, facing directly toward the historic heart of Venice, and stands as both a symbol of faith and an enduring testament to the city’s artistic and cultural grandeur. The origins of the church are deeply tied to one of Venice’s darkest moments. In 1575, the plague struck the city, claiming tens of thousands of lives and threatening the stability of the Republic.
For more information about the
Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore, click the image.
Photo Gallery of Walk in Giudecca – Ponte dei Lavraneri – Fondamenta Croce
Approximately 2.61 km – 1.62 miles
The walk starts in – Ponte dei Lavraneri – Fondamenta de le Convertite – C. S. Cosmo – Fondamenta del Rio Sant’Eufemia – Fondamenta Ponte Lungo – Calle S. Giacomo – Calle Albero – Contrà Orti – Giardino Comunale, Calle Orti – Calle Albero – Calle More – Calle S. Giacomo – Fondamenta S. Giacomo – Campo del Santissimo Redentore – Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore, Campo del Santissimo Redentore – Fondamenta Croce
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