Venice and its Jewels: Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei – Fortuny

Venice and its Jewels: Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei – Fortuny

Mariano Fortuny was an eclectic genius of the early 1900’s: he was a painter and a scenographer, he was interested in light effects, in theater, in costumes and fabric… he designed fabulous dresses and robes, printing the fabric with unique patterns through the use of original woodcuts, and invented a particular technique to create thin folds in silk cloth.

The Contarini Family and their Snail Staircase in Venice

The Contarini Family and their Snail Staircase in Venice

The noble family Contarini decided in the 15th Century to embellish their pre-existing Gothic palazzo, located in a strategic position, but unfortunately not on the prestigious Grand Canal. So after having frescoed their palace, a unique external spiral staircase was added, with a mere decorative purpose. Learn about the undertaking, the materials and the extraordinary result.

Precious transparencies at St. George’s island, Venice

Precious transparencies at St. George’s island, Venice

BestVeniceGuides invites you to discover some less known aspects of the island of St. George in Venice: the Glass Rooms and Hiroshi Sugimoto’s Glass Tea House. The Glass Rooms display at the moment Paolo Venini pieces, real works of art blown in Murano. Admire the transparency of the Venetian atmosphere from a totally different point of view!