How long does it take to walk through the Secret Gardens of Venice?

A complete self-guided walk through these gardens typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The route covers approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) from the Santa Lucia station area to the eastern tip of the Castello neighborhood.

Are the gardens in Venice free to enter?

Many gardens, such as the Giardini della Biennale (public areas), Viale Garibaldi, and the square at San Pietro di Castello, are free to enter. However, some private or monastic gardens like the Giardino Mistico may request a small donation or have specific entry fees for guided access.

Is this walking tour Venice suitable for families?

Yes, this neighborhood stroll is excellent for families because it visits open parks and the Viale Garibaldi, which has space for children to move freely. The Serra dei Giardini is also a very family-friendly spot with a cafe and occasional workshops.

Can I see the gardens of Venice in the winter?

While the flowers may not be in bloom, the gardens remain open and offer a stark, peaceful beauty in winter. The Serra dei Giardini is particularly lovely in cold weather, as the heated glasshouse provides a warm, tropical escape from the lagoon mist.

What are the most famous hidden gems in Castello?

Castello's top hidden gems include the 19th-century Serra dei Giardini glasshouse and the island of San Pietro di Castello. These locations offer a quiet, authentic atmosphere that most visitors miss when staying near San Marco.

Is the Biennale Garden open when the festival is not on?

Yes, the main park areas of the Giardini della Biennale remain open to the public year-round as a municipal park. While the individual national pavilions are closed between exhibitions, the shaded paths and sculptures are always accessible.

Where can I find a restroom along this walking route?

Public restrooms are located at the entrance to the Giardini della Biennale and near the Santa Lucia station. Additionally, the cafe at Serra dei Giardini is a convenient place for a break and access to facilities for patrons.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Venice is famously a city of stone and water, where labyrinthine alleys and marble palaces dominate the landscape. Yet, hidden behind high brick walls and ornate iron gates lies another side of the Floating City: a world of lush greenery, fragrant herbs, and blooming roses. This self-guided walk invites you to step away from the crowded corridors of San Marco and discover the 'Secret Gardens of Venice.' As you begin your self-guided adventure, you will transition from the bustling hub of the Santa Lucia station area into the quiet, residential heart of the Castello neighborhood. This walking route highlights the incredible biodiversity found within the lagoon, from the monastic medicinal beds of the Giardino Mistico to the grand, Napoleon-inspired vistas of the Giardini della Biennale. Explore independently as you weave through the city's unique urban fabric. You will learn about the ancient horticultural traditions that allowed Venetians to cultivate vineyards and orchards amidst salt water, and see how modern conservation efforts have restored historic glasshouses like the Serra dei Giardini. The route isn't just about plants; it is a journey through Venetian history, seen through the lens of its public and private green spaces. You will encounter the rare sight of a wide, tree-lined boulevard at Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi and end your neighborhood stroll at the serene island of San Pietro di Castello, the city’s former religious center. This walking tour Venice offers a refreshing perspective on the city, focusing on tranquility and nature. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect floral frame or a traveler seeking a peaceful escape, this independent itinerary provides a curated path through the city's most enchanting hidden gems. While many visitors never see a single blade of grass in the city, this self-guided walk ensures you experience the verdant soul of Venice.

Highlights

The restored monastic vineyard and medicinal beds of the Giardino Mistico

Stunning views of the Grand Canal from the rose gardens of Palazzo Malipiero

The rare, tree-lined promenade of Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi

A coffee break inside the 19th-century glasshouse, Serra dei Giardini

The grand pavilions and shaded paths of the Biennale Gardens

The peaceful, grassy square of the ancient Basilica di San Pietro di Castello

Tour Stops (6)

Giardino Mistico

Start exploring with Zigway at the Giardino Mistico, a hidden oasis located within the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites. For centuries, this space was closed to the public, serving as a private source of food and medicine for the monks. Following a meticulous restoration, the garden is now divided into seven distinct 'rooms,' including a vineyard that produces a unique lagoon wine, a grove of ancient fruit trees, and a medicinal herb garden. As you walk through the rows of lavender and rosemary, notice the peaceful silence that contrasts with the nearby train station. This garden represents the ancient Venetian tradition of the 'Hortus Conclusus,' or enclosed garden, which provided a spiritual and physical sanctuary from the city's maritime bustle.

Palazzo Malipiero

As you continue your walking route toward the San Samuele district, you arrive at Palazzo Malipiero. While the palace itself is a masterpiece of Byzantine and Gothic architecture, its true treasure is the garden overlooking the Grand Canal. This is one of the few remaining examples of a formal Venetian garden that faces the water. In the 18th century, the notorious Giacomo Casanova was a frequent guest here, likely finding inspiration among the climbing roses and sculpted hedges. The garden's layout is classic Italianate, featuring symmetrical paths and marble statues that frame the passing gondolas. It is a rare marriage of architectural grandeur and horticultural precision, offering one of the most iconic views in the city.

Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi

Venturing deep into the Castello neighborhood, you will find yourself on Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi. This wide, tree-lined street is an anomaly in Venice, where space is usually measured in inches. Created in the early 19th century by filling in a canal, the boulevard serves as the green entrance to the public gardens. It is named after the hero of Italian unification, whose statue stands guard at the entrance. Unlike the tourist-heavy areas of the city, this is a local favorite. You will see residents chatting on benches under the shade of massive plane trees and children playing in the open space. It provides a vital 'green lung' for the neighborhood and a glimpse into the everyday life of Venetians.

Serra dei Giardini

Follow the path to the Serra dei Giardini, a beautiful glass and iron tepidarium built in 1894. Originally designed to house exotic plants for the early Biennale exhibitions, the structure fell into disrepair for decades before a passionate community effort brought it back to life. Today, it functions as a vibrant cultural hub, flower shop, and cafe. The architecture is a stunning example of late 19th-century industrial design, with light flooding through the glass panes to illuminate a forest of indoor palms and ferns. It is the perfect spot to pause and appreciate the intersection of Victorian-era technology and botanical passion in the heart of Venice.

Giardini della Biennale

Just steps away lie the Giardini della Biennale, the largest green space in Venice. Created by Napoleon Bonaparte at the start of the 19th century, these gardens required the demolition of several ancient churches and monasteries to make room for grand promenades. Today, the park is home to 29 permanent national pavilions, each showcasing distinct architectural styles from around the world. Even when the Biennale arts festival is not in session, the gardens are a magnificent place for a neighborhood stroll. The winding paths, shaded by mature oaks and pines, lead you past neoclassical monuments and hidden corners that feel worlds away from the stone-paved calli of the city center.

Basilica di San Pietro di Castello

Your self-guided adventure concludes at the island of San Pietro di Castello. To reach it, you must cross a long wooden bridge that separates this quiet outpost from the rest of the city. This was the religious heart of Venice for centuries, serving as the cathedral before San Marco took the title in 1807. The basilica is fronted by a vast, open grassy square—a 'campo' that actually lives up to its name, which means 'field.' The leaning bell tower, made of white Istrian stone, stands stark against the greenery. It is a place of profound peace, where the only sounds are the lapping of the lagoon and the distant tolling of bells, marking the perfect end to your journey through Venice's secret gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Castello district offers the best walking route for nature, featuring the Giardini della Biennale, Viale Garibaldi, and the Serra dei Giardini greenhouse. This area contains the city's largest concentration of public and hidden green spaces, totaling over 60,000 square meters of parkland.