Venice: the spirit of the lagoon

5 locations

The lagoon has always shaped the identity of Venice, inspiring crafts linked to navigation, rowing and life on the water. This 5-stop itinerary invites you to meet the artisans who preserve and reinvent this unique heritage: boat builders, oar and rowlock makers, and masters of maritime craftsmanship. Through the work of these makers, you will dive into the enduring dialogue between crafts and the waters of the Venetian lagoon.

©Susanna Pozzoli2024

artisan

Anna Campagnari

Join Anna Campagnari to witness how she perpetuates the visual language of the lagoon through handcrafted banners inspired by Venetian rowing traditions.

S.croce 117, 30135, Venice, Italy

By appointment only

©Marc De Tollenaere

artisan

Paolo Brandolisio

Paolo Brandolisio creates fòrcolas and oars for Venetian rowing, objects deeply connected to Venetian navigation and maritime culture.

Castello 4725, 30122, Venice, Italy

Monday to Friday 09:00-13:00 / 15:00-19:00

©Maurizio Rossi

artisan

Saverio Pastor

Specialising in Venetian oralocks and oars, Saverio Pastor continues the highly specialised art of carving fòrcole, the sculptural wooden rowlocks unique to Venetian rowing.

Fondamenta Soranzo, Dorsoduro 341, 30123, Venice, Italy

Monday to Friday 08:00-18:00; Saturday by appointment

©Joan Pascual

artisan

Piero Dri

Part of the younger generation of rowlock makers, Piero Dri celebrates the bond between Venice and its waters through creations inspired by traditional lagoon life.

Ramo dell'Oca, Cannaregio 4231, 30121, Venice, Italy

Monday to Friday 09:30-13:00 / 15:00-18:30

artisan

Elisabetta Mason

Experience the Venetian magic of Elisabetta Mason's Santa Croce atelier, where the ancient art of gilding brings lustrous splendour to everything from antique treasures to the adornments of gondolas.

1844 Calle del Forno, 30100, Venice, Italy

By appointment only