Italy is filled with exquisite sights throughout the world that are hidden from visitors. Tourist information elaborates on the most popular attractions within the city. However, Italy’s secret sights are definitely places that you won’t want to miss.

Secret Gardens of Venice

Venice gives the impression that it is a city of stone and water. Nothing could be further from the truth. Hundreds of exquisite gardens are hidden throughout the city.

You’d wonder why the locals would grow gardens in such a difficult environment, but grow them they do and they are some of the most magnificent gardens in the world. The combination of flowers, plants, rocks and water delights those visitors who are lucky enough to stumble upon them.

The Giardinett Reali (the royal gardens) is located between St. Mark’s Square and the lagoon. They are open to the public and there is no admission charge. Stroll along the pebbled paths and enjoy splashes of color and heavenly fragrances. Sit on one of the many benches to rest your feet, relax and take photos of the exquisite blossoms. Lush greenery and tall trees with an abundance of foliage provide shade from the sun.

The bell tower of Saint Mark’s can be seen from the gardens. A panoramic view of boats moored along the water and that of the island of San Giorgio give visitors a sense of peace and tranquility.

Just outside the garden gates, you’ll find a quaint taxi stand. Drivers are friendly and always ready to lend a helping hand, or drive you to a favored destination. The building itself is very small, but provides excellent service.

Not far from the taxi stand, vendors sell a variety of beautiful Venetian masks. These decorative pieces are adorned in combinations of rose, burgundy, blue and other colors that delight the eye. Be sure to purchase one of these that will compliment the colors of your favorite room back home.

When you exit the gardens, take time to explore the Santa Maria della Salute. This imposing church is a baroque building which was completed in 1689. From its façade and hug cupola, you can see a panoramic view of the water.

Secret Gardens of Venice Walking Tour

This walking tour will take you into three gardens of Venice that are not usually sought out by tourists. It includes two convent gardens and on that is a beautiful example of a renaissance Venetian garden. It is located on the grounds of a secluded palace and few people know it exists.

Gondola Rides

Though the canals and gondolas of Venice aren’t exactly hidden, a gondola ride gives you the chance to view Venice from a different perspective. Gondolas were once used to transport goods along the canals. Today, they are mainly used for ceremonial events and sightseeing. View historic buildings and magnificent architecture from water level. Enjoy gliding over the water of hidden canals as your gondolier takes you off the beaten path. It’s also possible to take a gondola tour of your favorite hotel, which is a unique experience for those visiting the city.

The most romantic time to take a gondola ride is in the evening when lights twinkle on the water’s surface and the waterways are no longer crowded. If the moon is full, moonbeams will dance on the water, filling you with a sense of wonder.

San Polo and the Frari Church

Book a walking tour of San Polo and the Frari Church. This tour has a rich and stimulating itinerary. It is a walk of wonder and discovery of hidden Venice, through both the past and present.

The Frari Church, an important building, houses an imposing funeral monument that was created by Canova. View magnificent masterpieces by Bellini and Titian that are displayed in the Church.

Once you’ve toured the church, you will be guided through a labyrinth of streets and narrow passages in the old artisan quarters of Venice. Listen to intriguing tales of illustrious merchants of the past and their horrific acts of cruelty. Stroll by the old locandos, where merchants of old came to enjoy the company of women in the red light district that is home to the notorious “Ponte delle Tette (Bridge of the Female Breast.) This historical rendition of how the bridge came to get this title is part of the tour and actually fascinating. It shows an erotic side of Venice that is not well known.

During this walk, you will see palaces, some of the oldest homes in Venice and an antiquated prison that housed tax evaders. Take a glimpse into the lives of ancient Venetians and how their life differed from the people living in the area today.

The Jewish Ghetto

Take an in-depth tour of the Jewish Ghetto that includes the services of Mordechaj, a Venetian guide who is an expert on the fascinating history of this area. In recent years, the Jewish population of Venice has decreased. However, ancient stones and medieval skyscrapers still exist. This tour takes approximately two hours and Mordechaj brings the history of the oldest ghetto in the world’s history to life. He describes the stories of the people who lived in the ghetto with flourish. Learn and discuss the role of Jews in Venice and discover the synagogues and intriguing pawnshops of the ghetto.

You’ll visit the Madonna dell’ Orto and listen in fascination to the legend of this spectacular church. While there, admire works by the famous painter, Tintoretto. His home is in the ghetto and one of the stops on this tour.

Hear morbid tales of San Michele, the cemetery island of Venice and learn the important role that the lagoon played in the city that was built from fear.

Murano Glass Tour

Be sure to book a spot on the Murano glass tour. A guide will meet you in Venice and you will take a boat to the island. While on Murano, you will visit the Murano Glass Museum and tour the most prestigious glass factories in all of Venice. Watch in awe as skilled craftsmen create glass pieces that are exquisite. Be sure to stop by the showroom to view spectacular pieces of glass that are created in the factory by the artisans. Purchase one or two pieces to compliment your home on your return, or take an exquisite piece of history home to a special friend or family member.

There are hundreds of hidden sights in Venice. Ask the locals to point you to places of interest that are well off the beaten path. The memories of these hidden gems will make your vacation one that will remain in your memory forever.