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Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Consacrated in the 1st half of the 15th century, the church of Saints John and Paul features a series of Gothic arches while the rather later portal has touches of the Renaissance style. The architectural features of the apse are of the great interest; while the interior has numerous works of art including a Polyptych by G. Bellini and a canvas by L. Lotto. The funerary monuments of doges and illustrious personages are interesting and make San Giovanni e Paolo the pantheon of the history of Venice. After the Basilica of St. Mark, in point of fact, this was considered the official church for the public life of the Serenissima, as the Venetian Republic was known, and the bodies of the Doges were brought here after the lying- in-state and the public funeral rites.
Continue reading The churches in Venice classified by “sestiere” – Part II

Once known as Ca’ Grande, erected between 1236 and 1338 through the efforts of the Conventual Franciscan Friars Minor, it was replaced by grandiose Gothic Franciscan-style edifice in the 14th century, with a nave and two aisles and seven apsidal chapels. The imposing 14th century brick bell tower is one of the highest in Venice. The Basilica is one of the most important sacred buildings owing to the wealth of artworks that it houses.
Continue reading Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

SS. Apostoli
Church of the Holy Apostoles, founded in ancient time, lends its name to an area that was one of the earliest centres of the Rialtine islands to be inhabited by refugees from the mainland. The temple was many times restored and entirely renovated in 1575. In the 18th C under the architect Giseppe Pedolo it assumed its present appearance. There is a single nave interior with a double row of pillars.
Continue reading The churches in Venice classified by “sestiere”

Madonna dell’Orto
A church dating from the 14th century, rebuilt in the 15th century, overlooking Campo della Madonna dell’Orto, one of the few squares still displaying its original herringbone pattern brick paving. The façade is of great interest, as it is the most complete surviving example of an early 15th century Venetian Gothic façade. The niches arrayed down the slopes of the aisle roofs shelter the statues of the Apostles. In the interior, interesting paintings by J. Tintoretto – who is buried here – including The Last Judgement one of his early masterpieces. Nearby, at number 3399, was the celebrated Venetian painter’s house. For more information – click here.
Continue reading Visit the Venice’s historic churches

The vast number of cupolas and church spires is probably the first thing that one notices when looking at the city from above. Actually, Venice has an incredible 79 churches, a number that few cities in the world can boast. Now, we are presenting you lesser-known Venetian shrines. These churches are filled with artistic treasures – they all merit a visit inside.

•    Sant’Alvise
Built in the second half of the 14th century, the church conserves its original Gothic façade. In the interior, besides important paintings attributed to pupils of P. Veronese and three works by G. B. Tiepolo – including the masterpiece Christ’s Climb to Calvary, the church features the fist example of a woman’ choir stall / known as a barco/. Behind the church is an interesting 14th century brick bell tower. Open: from Mon. to Sat. 10am-5pm. Sun. 1pm-5pm. Closed: 25December, 1 January, 15 August.
Continue reading The secret Venice

Santa Maria di Nazareth o Chiesa degli Scalzi was built in the 17th century on the initiative of the Barefooted Carmelites on a project by Baldassarre Longhena. The construction of the temple, dedicated to Santa Maria di Nazareth, spanned from 1660 to 1705 when the church was consecrated. This masterly example of baroque art where by G. B. Tiepolo is still visible on the vault of the left aisle that had originally also frescoed the ceiling. Now only the sketch remains of Tiepolo’s fresco and a few fragments kept in the Accademia Gallery. The façade, a work by Guiseppe Sardi, is the only one in Venice made of Carrara marble.
Continue reading Religious Venice

Investment n culture is the mission of the Foundation Querini Stampalia. Firmly rooted in Venice and its surrounding region, the Querini Stampalia proposes itself as a production center based on the study and appreciation of its historic heritage and that of its museum. It is ever ready to receive the most advanced proposal of the day. It hosts and promotes exhibitions, conferences, seminars, presentations and meetings. An intensive program of educational activities is proposed to diverse public: schools, families, the elderly, presenting new ways of interpreting the museum and its collections, the library, exhibitions and the architecture of the palace itself, by means of workshops and educational programs.
Continue reading Cultural activity

Not far from Saint Mark’s Square lies one of Venice‘s most interesting artistic complexes: Palazzo Querini Stampalia. Today this is the seat of the foundation, created according to the wishes of Count Giovanni, the last descendent of the Querini Stampalia Family from who it takes its name. Today the Foundation hosts a library, a museum and temporary exhibition areas. On the ground floor of the sixteenth century palace lies area restored by Carlo Scarpa in 1963; architect whose work has been defined as the most aristocratic and refined of the Italian twentieth century.
Continue reading A walking distance from Piazza San Marco

A charming Georgian townhouse hotel in the heart of literary Bloomsbury, steps from The British Museum and minutes from London‘s theatre-land. Exemplary unique service, understated comfort, well-prepared fabrics and cutting edge technology combine effortlessly to create the ambience of a fine state hotel on a London side street.
Continue reading Discover the Montague On The Gardens in Bloomsbury

Located in a quiet section of the city, Swissotel The Howard London is a five star hotel set in a quiet oasis, right on the River Thames. Stay at Swissotel you’ll be to any of the city’s attractions including Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Swissotel The Howard, London guarantees a pleasant stay in a contemporary elegant and stylish hotel with renowned Swiss service.
Continue reading Escape and enjoy the tranquility and pampered comfort of your suite