This historic glass-blowing business has always produced extremely exclusive glassware. Vases of all shapes and sizes take on magical colors and transparencies in a plethora of styles. Collaboration with a variety of modern designers and artists such as Ettore Sottsass has insured that the decorative glassware remains contemporary. Today, Venini produces vases, glasses and chandeliers, which are exported all over the world. Decorating your home with Venini's pieces adds a wonderful dimension to the interiors and brings an unique charm.
Since 1984, La bottega dei Mascareri has been showcasing and selling masks. Each of the mask is a masterpiece that stands for innovation and mastery over intricate designs. The hand-painted masks often feature in Hollywood movies as well as California Shakespeare Festivals taking this art beyond the bounds of Europe. The owner-cum-artist Sergio will be more than happy to show you around and help you to choose one.
Martinuzzi is touted to be the oldest shop selling lace in Venice. Most other lace shops in the city import their goods from foreign lands, however Martinuzzi has stuck to its traditions and is one of the best places to buy handspun Venetian lace items. As soon as you enter the shop, you are greeted by racks of laces in a variety of colors and intricate patterns. Whether you are looking for bobbin lace, bedspreads, table cloths or mats, this place has it in unusual and fashionable patterns that are sure to infuse an element of surprise in your home. This store also takes custom orders to design bed sheets for oversized beds.
Masks of all kinds are available at Ca' Macana, one of the best-known, mask-making studios in Venice. They produce a wide range of masks including favorites as Pulcinella (Punch), the Bauta, the Plague Doctor and the colored, gilded eye-masks. Many of them can be spotted in Tiepolo paintings. In the nearby workshop, the owner organizes courses teaching the theory and the practice of mask-making and explaining how to prepare papier-mâché decorations. Ca' Macana also offers short conferences on the history of Carnival and the importance of masks in the city's culture.
Everyone of us wants to prepare an authentic Italian meal that will appeal to the eyes as well as palate. We are always awe-struck, when elaborately prepared meals with lovely presentation are served at a gourmet restaurant or a cooking show. At I Tre Mercanti, you can actually shop for ingredients that go in the making of a lavish Italian platter. At this store, you can also savor delightful panini as well as Tiramisu sweets that are liked by all. For more details, check website.
Located near the iconic Rialto Bridge is the world famous Mercato di Rialto. The market is frequented by tourists and locals like for its fresh fruit, vegetables, groceries and fish. The market stands in the heart of city and has the famous Grand Canal as its neighbor. Full of local color, a browse through the stalls is a must, even if you have nothing to buy. Prices are lower than in the shops and the fish is always extremely fresh. A few meat shops around the market also sell cavalo (horse meat). It is also a perfect place to collect souvenirs as a memorabilia from Venice.
Only a street away from the Galleria dell'Accademia, this exquisite shop resembles an art gallery. Gorgeous works of art adorn the walls of the large rooms at the Antichità Pittarello, and furniture is also on sale. It is owned by one of the city's most knowledgeable and respected antiques experts. Find a host of home decoration options on the shelves here as you browse through their collection of stained glass paintings, antique furniture, pretty sculptures and models among other things. Check website for more details.
This shop and workshop sells fine jewelery which were crafted in the best tradition of Italian goldsmiths. Gioielli Soprana sells necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, all creatively designed to make sure that each accessory is unique. It also specializes in making gold or silver representations of old Verona, which are luxurious souvenirs of one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.
Martinuzzi is touted to be the oldest shop selling lace in Venice. Most other lace shops in the city import their goods from foreign lands, however Martinuzzi has stuck to its traditions and is one of the best places to buy handspun Venetian lace items. As soon as you enter the shop, you are greeted by racks of laces in a variety of colors and intricate patterns. Whether you are looking for bobbin lace, bedspreads, table cloths or mats, this place has it in unusual and fashionable patterns that are sure to infuse an element of surprise in your home. This store also takes custom orders to design bed sheets for oversized beds.
Time comes to a halt at La Casa di Loto and so do most shoppers who pass by its attractive window displays. Inside, the atmosphere of the 1920s pervades throughout with old-styled tables covered with tablecloths and cutlery, vintage lighting, and old dressing tables and cupboards preserving the secrets of a bygone era, replete with vintage clothing and accessories. Whether you are looking for soft brown fur to dress up like a grand lady, lustrous silk trousers and dresses, sequined outfits, layered skirts, tulle frocks, vintage jeans, apparel sewed from Venetian lace or traditional local garbs, you are sure to find it here. Dress up like a glam doll, an early 20th Century princess or a fashionista from the 1950s: pick your style and show up at a party as a classic Venetian icon.
Founded by Renzo Rossetti in 1953, Fratelli Rossetti has built up a reputation to being one of the foremost shoemakers in the country. It is also renowned internationally with many branches abroad. Don't miss this chic store on Campo San Salvador near the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square and other tourist attractions. You will find only top quality footwear and leather accessories that are handmade that are timeless yet trendy.
Gucci a well known fashion brand all over the world has its store in Venice. This branch is well stocked and the sales assistants are helpful and unobtrusive. Find a tempting collection of trendy clothing, shoes, bags and accessories in styles that are the rage of the season. Gucci is close to the Piazza San Marco.