How long does it take to walk across Giudecca?

Walking the full length of Giudecca takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes if walking briskly. However, a leisurely self-guided walk with stops at landmarks like the Fortuny factory and Redentore Church typically takes 90 to 120 minutes.

Is Giudecca worth visiting?

Yes, Giudecca is highly recommended for travelers who want to escape the crowds of San Marco. It offers a authentic local vibe, significant industrial and Renaissance architecture, and the most iconic panoramic views of the main island of Venice.

Can I visit the Fortuny factory?

The interior of the Fortuny factory is closed to the public to protect secret production methods. However, you can visit the Fortuny Showroom and its gardens to see the famous fabrics and learn about the brand's history.

Is Giudecca accessible for wheelchairs?

Giudecca is one of the most accessible parts of Venice. The main waterfront promenade is flat, wide, and features bridges with ramps, making it much easier to navigate than the narrow alleys and steep stairs of the city center.

When is the best time to walk in Giudecca?

The best time for a neighborhood stroll is late afternoon. The 'Golden Hour' provides incredible lighting for photography of the San Marco skyline, and the island remains peaceful even when the rest of Venice is busy.

How do I get to Giudecca from San Marco?

You can reach Giudecca by taking the Vaporetto (water bus) Line 2 or 4.1 from the San Zaccaria or Vallaresso stops. The crossing takes only about 5 to 10 minutes.

Are there good places to eat on Giudecca?

Giudecca is home to many excellent local trattorias and bars, particularly near the Palanca stop. It is a great place to enjoy a 'spritz' and 'cicchetti' with locals while looking across at the Doge's Palace.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the frantic pace of the San Marco district and cross the Giudecca Canal to discover a side of Venice where time seems to slow down. This self-guided walk explores the island of Giudecca, historically known as a place of retreat, industry, and high-society secrets. Unlike the narrow alleys of the main city, Giudecca offers wide promenades and sweeping, cinematic views of the Venetian skyline. On this neighborhood stroll, you will trace the island's transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a sanctuary for artists and luxury seekers. The route begins at the imposing Molino Stucky, a neo-Gothic monument that once served as Italy's largest flour mill, before leading you to the hidden gardens where Mariano Fortuny perfected his world-famous silk-printing techniques. As you move along the waterfront, the architectural legacy of the Renaissance takes center stage at the Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore, Andrea Palladio's masterpiece built to celebrate the end of a devastating plague. This walking route Venice enthusiasts adore also highlights the cultural shifts of the 20th century, from the photographic legacy of the Casa dei Tre Oci to the exclusive, jasmine-scented grounds of the Hotel Cipriani. This is not a typical guided tour Venice visitors usually find; instead, it is a chance to wander independently through a residential neighborhood where laundry flutters over quiet canals and the 'silence' of Venice is finally audible. Whether you are interested in the industrial heritage of the 19th century or the refined elegance of Palladian design, this audio walk provides the context needed to appreciate Giudecca's unique character. By the time you reach the eastern tip of the island, you will understand why this long, narrow strip of land has remained Venice's best-kept secret for centuries.

Highlights

The neo-Gothic industrial architecture of the Molino Stucky

Mariano Fortuny's legendary silk factory and showroom

Andrea Palladio's architectural triumph at the Redentore Church

The iconic 'three-eyed' facade of the Casa dei Tre Oci

Panoramic views of the Doge's Palace from across the water

The exclusive atmosphere of the world-renowned Hotel Cipriani

Tour Stops (6)

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Standing before this massive brick structure, it is easy to forget you are in Venice. Built between 1884 and 1895 by Giovanni Stucky, a Swiss businessman, this was once the largest flour mill in Italy. Its neo-Gothic style, complete with crenellated towers, was a radical departure from Venetian tradition and symbolized the city's entry into the industrial age. At its peak, 1,500 workers processed 2,500 quintals of flour daily here. After falling into ruin in the mid-20th century, it was meticulously restored and now serves as a luxury hotel, but it remains the most significant landmark of Venice's industrial heritage, proving that the city's history is built on more than just art and gondolas.

Fortuny Showroom and Factory

Just a short walk from the mill lies the legacy of Mariano Fortuny, the 'Magician of Venice.' While many know his name from the palace in San Marco, this is where the magic actually happens. Established in 1921, this factory still produces the world's most coveted hand-printed silks and velvets using the original machinery designed by Fortuny himself. The methods are so secret that no visitors are allowed inside the factory floor, but the showroom and the adjacent garden offer a glimpse into a world of timeless luxury. Fortuny’s ability to blend ancient patterns with modern textile technology transformed Giudecca into a hub for high-fashion craftsmanship.

Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore

The Church of the Redentore is more than a religious site; it is a monument to survival. Commissioned by the Venetian Senate in 1576, it was built to thank God for the end of a plague that killed nearly a third of the city's population. Designed by the legendary Andrea Palladio, the church features a classic white marble facade that dominates the Giudecca skyline. Every July, a bridge of boats is built across the canal from the main city to this portal, allowing Venetians to walk across the water in pilgrimage. Inside, the light-filled, airy design reflects Palladio’s obsession with harmony and mathematical proportion, marking a peak of Renaissance architecture.

Casa dei Tre Oci

This striking neo-Gothic house is one of the most photographed buildings on the island. Built in 1913 by the painter Mario De Maria, its name 'Tre Oci' literally means 'Three Eyes,' referring to the three large ogival windows on the facade that represent the members of his family. The building served as a home and studio for artists for decades and later became a world-class photography museum. Its design, featuring elaborate brickwork and whimsical shapes, stands in playful contrast to the more formal churches nearby. It serves as a reminder that Giudecca has long been a haven for the avant-garde and the creative soul.

Le Zitelle

The Church of Santa Maria della Presentazione is colloquially known as 'Le Zitelle' (The Maidens). In the 16th century, this complex served as a charitable institution for young, impoverished girls who were taught traditional Venetian lace-making to provide them with a respectable future. The design of the church is often attributed to Palladio, though completed after his death. It sits on the 'elbow' of the island, offering one of the most famous views in the world: a direct line of sight across the water to the Doge's Palace and the Campanile of San Marco. It represents the historic Venetian commitment to social welfare wrapped in elegant architecture.

Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

Our walk concludes at the eastern tip of Giudecca, at the gates of the legendary Hotel Cipriani. Opened in 1958 by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s Bar, this hotel redefined luxury in Venice. It was designed to be a sanctuary away from the city's noise, complete with an Olympic-sized swimming pool—a rarity in Venice. Over the decades, it has hosted everyone from George Clooney to royalty. While the interior is exclusive to guests, the surrounding area offers a sense of the quiet, high-society glamour that defines this end of the island. From here, you can watch the boats drift toward the Lido or the San Marco basin, marking the end of your Giudecca exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to explore Giudecca is a self-guided walk along the northern waterfront. This route allows you to see the Molino Stucky, the Redentore Church, and the Hotel Cipriani at your own pace while enjoying the best views of Venice across the canal.