Nights in Venice and other Venice, Italy Nightlife Tips

Strolling: Nights in Venice

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Updated by suvanki

on Feb 22, 2009

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San Marco Piazza

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Nightlife Spot: Strolling around Venice at night

Venice is quite safe to wander around at night - as a lone female, I didn't encounter any worries. As far as I know there are no 'No Go' areas

There are plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants to sit outside and enjoy the night air. Bear in mind that Venices restaurants close quite early around 22.30 ( I read that this was because many of the restaurant workers live in Mestre and other mainland towns, and need to get the train or bus back home)

My visit at Christmas 2007, I found that one of my favourite places for a drink was the bars around the Rialto Markets, full of locals celebrating the festvities.

The Theatre or Casino are other options for nightlife -there are a few clubs and discos. Mestre has quite a few rock and Jazz clubs, where live music can be heard.

Apparently, the Tortuga Pub off Fondamente Nuova is open to 0100 and plays music- mainly rock, with food served to the early hours (see my restaurant tips)

Classical concerts are advertised, of varying standards.

I enjoyed wandering around, seeing a different side to Venice. You can really get away from the crowds if You want.

You might come across an open air concert, or cinema in one of the campos - these usually start around 20- 2100hrs.

Riding on the vaporettos, You get a different view from the Grand Canal at night - or a more expensive way is a romantic gondola ride.

The Vaporettos run through the night, so You could travel across the lagoon to one of the other islands for a meal and a drink, then return later.

The Campanile is open June to Mid September til 2100hrs, so You can view Venice by night from on high, then treat yourself to a drink at Florians or Quadris, listening to the orchestras - expensive, but an experience!

Guided night walks, including ghost walks can be booked at tour offices.

When I was in Venice at Christmas, I came across a fun fair on Riva degli Schiavoni. I think it's only there December and January.

This Christmas, I came across many stalls selling hot mulled wine- I enjoyed a glass from the stall outside the Scalzi church

I also witnessed midnight mass on Christmas Eve in Saint Marks -2006 I stood outside, and viewed the proceedings from a doorway, watching a screen. Christmas Eve 2007, I got a seat inside, although I'd intended going to one of the smaller churches. Christmas Eve 2008, I also sat through Midnight Mass, to the end of the service, when for about 15 minutes, we were all allowed to wander around the Basillica taking photos. It was a magic moment, walking out into the Piazza at around 01.30 hours, then just wandering around taking photos from the Molo.

I enjoyed window shopping at night, especially the designer clothes shops - As they were closed, there was no danger of me upsetting my bank manager!

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Theme: Other
Dress Code: In winter, dress warmly - it can be bitterly cold, walking around at night . I tend to dress up a bit more smartly in Venice too.

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Chiesa dell' Ospedaletto: Free Concert

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Updated by suvanki

on Apr 26, 2009

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Chiesa dell' Ospedaletto

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Nightlife Spot: Chiesa dell' Ospedaletto

CASTELLO

One of the things that I especially enjoy about wandering around Venice is coming across something unexpected. This time it was a free concert.

I had noticed that this church (also known as Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Derelitti) was open, so wandered inside, only to find that a concert was about to begin. I decided to stay.

This was a Concerto di Natale - A Christmas Concert and featured a soprano (Sara Bino) accompanied by Claudio Gasparoni (Viola da gamba - I'll try and find a translation) and Nicola Lamon (organ and clavicembalo).
Prof. Gasparoni is also the Artistic Director

They performed a selection of pieces by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Galuppi and Telemann.

I particularly enjoyed the organ playing from the loft above the front of the church.

The leaflet that I picked up listed a programme of concerts for Autumn and Winter for Saturdays and Sundays, with some weekday concerts too.

These all commence at 17.30 I'm not sure how long this concert lasted.- probably just over an hour.
(I suppose that this isn't strictly a night time tip, but in December it is dark at this time!)

Free admission to the concerts- a donations basket is prominantly placed near the exit.

The church is worth a look around too. There are frescoes by Jacopo Guarana and The Sacrifice of Isaac by Giambattista Tiepolo (1720)

The Ospedaletto was established by the Republic in 1528 as a charitable institution, initially to provide care for the peasants fleeing famine on the mainland. Its aim was to care for the sick and aged and also to educate orphans and abandoned girls. Music was the main subject studied, which resulted in the girls becoming accomplished musicians and singers in orchestras and choirs performing through Venice and beyond. Concerts raised enough funds to enable the building of a Sala della musica in 1776.

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Theme: Concert
Dress Code: It is a church, so dress accordingly - no need for head coverings etc though!

As with most churches in Venice, the heating is minimal! It's quite cold sitting for any length of time- so wrap up warm. I was glad of my heavy winter coat and scarf.
Phone: 0415264271 0412702464
Address: Calle Barbaria delle Tole, 6691 Castello
Directions: VAPORETTO- OSPEDALE CIVILE

Near Santi Giovanni e Paola
Other Contact: claudiogasparoni@libero.it

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