"Giudecca, Venice, Italy

Giudecca

Venice, Italy

Part of the Dorsoduro district of Venice. Shops, squares, galleries and restaurants away from the madding crowds.

About

Giudecca (pron: joo-dekka), historically, was an island with large palaces and gardens. It became industrialised in the early 20th century with shipyards, factories, and a film studio. Much of the industry went into decline after World War II. It is now a quiet, largely, residential area with shops, bars and restaurants.

Il Redentore

One of the most important sights on Giudecca is Il Redentore, the church designed by Andrea Palladio. It was was built as a votive church to thank God for the deliverance of the city from a major outbreak of the plague between 1575 and 1576, in which some 46,000 people died.

The Feast of the Redeemer is the event that commemorates the end of the plague. A promise was made that every year, on the day in which the city was declared free from the plague, a procession would be held to the new votive church.

On the Saturday preceding the third Sunday of July a long bridge of boats is set up on the Giudecca Canal, connecting Giudecaca with the Zattere on the mainland allowing people to reach the church on foot.

Opening Times/ Tickets

Mon-Thurs: 10.30am-1pm
Fri-Sat: 10.30am – 1.30pm/ 2.30pm- 4.30pm

Tickets €3.00/€1.50

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Molino Stucky

The island was the home of a huge flour mill, the Molino Stucky, which has been converted into a luxury hotel and apartment complex. The rooftop bar is a great place to get a good view of the lagoon and Venice (open 4pm – midnight).

More information: Hilton bar website

Image: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Chiesa Della Zitelle

Chiesa Della Zitelle (officially Santa Maria della Presentazione) is part of a former complex which gave shelter to young maidens (“zitelle” in Italian) who had no dowry.

The church was built circa 1586 and houses works by Aliense, Leandro Bassano and Palma il Giovane.
Opening Times/ Tickets No current information

Opening Times/ Fri – Sat 3.30 p.m. to 6.30 pm

Google Maps Location

Casa dei Tre Oci

Casa dei Tre Oci is a modern, neo-gothic palace. It is a gallery and exhibition space promoting twentieth century art and photography.

Opening Times & exhibitions: see website

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Tip

Giudecca is much more of a residential area, so if you would like a little more peace and quiet, staying in an apartment or hotel in Giudecca is a good choice and close to the San Marco and the Dorsoduro districts of Venice. However, if you want the “full” Venice experience, stay on the main island.