The Mysteries of Cannaregio
In Cannaregio there are many hidden stories. Legends and tales halfway between reality and fiction, exciting to tell and fascinating to listen.
The Phantom of Marco Polo's wife
Marco Polo was a famous Venetian merchant. During a trip to China, he fell in love and married the Emperor's daughter. Together they returned to Venice, but the young Chinese princess was not well received by the sisters of Marco Polo, envious of her grace and beauty. In 1298 during a battle, Marco Polo was captured and taken prisoner. The wicked sisters told the princess that her husband had died although it was not true. In pain, the princess threw herself out the window and died instantly.
According to legend, if at night you pass in Corte del Milion, where Marco Polo once lived, you can glimpse the silhouette of a young woman dressed in white and hear her singing oriental songs.
The Camel House
The legend tells that a wealthy oriental merchant, having to leave his homeland for Venice, had a camel with a camel driver carved on the facade of his new Venetian home to make it easily recognizable to his beloved, who had not accepted his proposal to marry him: “so I leave with a broken heart and I will try to forget you, but if one day you want to reach me in Venice, all you have to do is ask where the camel house is”.
The girl never showed up... I guess she got lost in the narrow streets of Venice...
The Brothel of the Spirits
Near the Fondamente Nuove there is a lonely and melancholic outbuilding of Palazzo Contarini dal Zaffo, called the Brothel of the Spirits because considered to be the most haunted place in Venice.
It is said to be the seat of a sect that organized satanic ceremonies and rites. The stories describe hooded people and strange noises, similar to Gregorian chants that spread throughout the surrounding lagoon.
At night, through the windows there are those who saw the reflections of dim lights, similar to those of candles wandering around the halls of the building...
The Petrified Merchants of Campo dei Mori
Not far from the Camel House there is Campo dei Mori. Here lived Rioba, Santi and Alfani, three greedy unscrupulous merchants from the Peloponnese who deceived and defrauded the poor people. One day a woman prayed to God to curse the three merchants who had deceived her. Her prayers were accepted and the three merchants were transformed into statues.
The three stone busts were placed on walls of the square as a warning to swindlers and criminals.
Written by Margherita Pasotto
More in the blog
Biennale Architettura 2021
Despite the difficulties of this moment, on May 22nd the Architecture Biennale will open to the public.
114 architects from all over the world, led by Hamish Sakis, have been called to face a new challenge: how will we live together?
The theme of the exhibition was chosen before the pandemic. Covid has revolutionized the entire world and how we live. How we will live together has become everyone's daily challenge.
The setting of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition will the Arsenale, the Central Pavilion, the Giardini and Forte Marghera which will host the project. How will we play together?
Written by Margherita Pasotto
April 25th: the Boccolo of San Marco
On the 25th of April here in Venice we remember the end of the Second World War and also, we honour Saint Mark’s, our saint patron.
On this day Venetians are easily recognisable because they are holding a rose to give to their beloved.
According to the tradition each man gives a red rose to his lady, here called boccolo (curl).
Behind this tradition there is an ancient legend which, in my opinion, has even inspired Shakespeare. It’s the legend of Vulcana, a burning and passionate noble woman full of ardor for Tancredi, a troubadour of humble origins considered not worth of her.
Love led Tancredi to enrol with the troops of Carlo Magno, to obtain a title and credibility.
Tancredi soon gained respect but never a title because was mortally wounded in a battle. He died on a rose garden holding a rose stained with the red of his blood.
Orlando, his faithful friend and companion, took that rose to Vulcana who received it right on St. Mark's Day. The same night Vulcana killed herself with the rose tight to her heart.
Written by Margherita Pasotto
Happy birthday Venice!
Happy birthday to each of your stones, streets and canals.
Happy birthday to your bridges, your corners and hidden treasures.
Happy birthday to your pigeons and seagulls.
Happy birthday to your churches, your saints and your winged lion.
Happy birthday city that doesn’t want to sink and never will because you are too beautiful.
Happy birthday Venice from all the Hotel Giorgione!
IT’S ALWAYS SUMMER AT THE GIORGIONE! The Emotional Pool opened all year
A particular novelty has been added to the all-inclusive experience at Hotel Giorgione...
Despite the arrival of the autumn, of shorter and sometimes grey days, the Hotel Giorgione wanted to extend the pleasures of summer, giving our guests a pleasant summer memory.
The large whirlpool pool, equipped with every comfort and hygienic safety, can now also be enjoyed during the autumn-winter season.
Nothing is more pleasant and relaxing than plunging in the hot water in absolute safety, in an inviting greenhouse after long walks visiting our fascinating city.
We hope that this initiative will bring relief to all our guests and represent a contribution to a pleasant escape… in this particular period, we would all really need it!
Written by Margherita Pasotto
Venice is not Sinking!
3rd of October 2020, historical date for Venice. We will find it engraved on some walls, close to the notches of the high waters that in the past flooded us, but never drowned us.
On the 3rd of October 2020, seventy-eight mobile gates protected Venice from the 135 cm of exceptional high tide.
We heard the sound of the siren, three tones, which indicate over 130 cm. We were all ready, rubber boots on the door, bricks under furniture, store goods raised, steel bulkheads settled… The Mose was activated, we stayed dry, like dry was the mouth of those who have argued for years and of those who made “Venice is sinking” a stereotype.
Venice is not sinking and those seventy-eight massive yellow gates deserve a new cover of Vogue...
Written by Margherita Pasotto
SLOW TRAVEL IN VENICE - Our exclusive Apartments for Weekly stays
After having spent just twenty-four hours in Venice, you might get that need to stay longer and take your time to understand Venice. Seeing Venice is not racing with a guide tour from one attraction to another, getting anything out of it besides photos. You deserve to leave Venice with memories that light up your face.
If you have the time, we offer you the possibility to put quality over quantity, a chance to explore Venice and get a taste of local every day life, stroll downs side streets where locals buy their vegetables and chat from balconies.
…Give yourself time to wonder and explore…
Our dedicated Promo:
An exclusive promotion to experience Venice in autumn and winter (from October to March) in our exclusive Giorgione Studio Deluxe and Giorgione Suite Apartment. For stays of at least 7 nights we offer a special rate dedicated to those who want to take advantage of this period to experience the city like the Venetians. You will enjoy all the services of the Giorgione Hotel and the maximum privacy and independence of our exclusive apartments.
CLICK HERE to check availability and special prices!
Written by Margherita Pasotto
