2024 Hidden Gems of Venice

Our goal on day 3 was to find some of the Hidden Gems of Venice and to keep out of the heat. But first a bit of a wander around the alleys of Venice.

Venitian Chocolate

Anyone up for some chocolate…? An interesting and attractive chocolate fountain.

Palazzo Grimani

After our wander around the lane ways of Venice we made our way to the Palazzo Grimani.

The Palazzo Grimani was originally built in the 1500’s and was a home to some of the Grimani families until the late 1800’s.

In 1981 it was acquired by the Venetian State who started restoring the place back to it’s former glory, opening to the public in 2008 as a museum. There is an entry fee of €13.00, which, IMHO, is worth it.

Exploring the Palazzo Grimani will take you between 60 an 90mins. This depends on how long you spend checking out the other exhibitions which currently includes “Archinto“ an art exhibition by Georg Baselitz.

Another great thing about the Palazzo, it is a great place to escape the heat if you are foolish enough to visit Venice in the summer like I did!

San Zaccaria

Next up on our Hidden Gems of Venice day was the Church of San Zaccaria, which includes a flooded crypt. The Church was originally built in the late 1400’s early 1500’s and still exists as the newer Church was built next door instead of replacing it.

It was originally a part of a Benedictine Monastery of Nuns. There are a number of parts of the Church that are currently being restored. I expect that this is a never ending process, worthwhile though.

A bit of useless trivia, has been awhile, is that this is where the remains of the father St John the Baptist.

The Flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria

The main reason for visiting San Zaccaria was to see the Flooded Crypt which is below sea level and usually (I expect always these days) a bit flooded. It does get totally flooded at times, probably when Saint Mark’s square is flooded. Remember to watch your step as it is slippery.

The Crypt was built between the 900’s and 1000’s and is where a number of Doges and Saints were buried.

As can be seen the effects of the floods have faded and eroded the original ornation leaving only the altar. Entry to the Crypt costs €1.00, also worth it.

When we arrived the place was empty, not usually a good sign, but it was a little early for lunch so we decided to give it a go. The Maître d’ seated us next to the window over looking the walkway which gave us a great vantage point to people watch. It also meant that we were the window display for the restaurant which filled up over our lunch. Obviously because everyone wants to dine with us!

The Food

First up was Crudità di scampi e caviale Master, raw scampi and “Master caviar”. Very tasty. Check out the white rocks, they have been frozen and are used to keep the scampi cold whilst on the plate. A great idea.

Next up was the very photogenic and yum Polpo alla griglia, grilled octopus.

For our last dish we had Seppie alla veneziana, Venetian cuttlefish and polenta. Not exactly photogenic, still an good dish, though I think that the Polpo was the best dish.

The Wine

To finish up I had a very decent doppio espresso.

I would definitely recommend dinning at Tratorria Zaccaria, expect that lunch is the best time to go. Another plus is that, by Venetian standards, this is reasonably priced with pretty good service. The waitress who looked after us was from South East Asia. I think Thailand or Cambodia, who has been in Venice for a number of years.

As the evening was going to be a big night with dinner at Oro we did not do to much more other than to try and find the glass shop where I found a rooster that I wanted to buy. I say try as the card I was given had the wrong address and, after wandering the alleyways for nearly 90 mins, and my friend getting more and more “unhappy”, decided to call it a day. At least we got some extra steps in.

Thanks to Merryl of Merryl’s Travel and Tricks for the suggestions!

Next up a trip to Verona.