Arts & Craft

Visit of the Venetian artisans

The art of making mosaics in Venice

The art of mosaic is still alive in Venice and has managed to renew itself and become modern. If you are curious to know how a mosaic is created, how glass and stone are cut, what the techniques are, this visit is for you. Seeing how a mosaic is created is really interesting and gives us an insight into how people worked in Venice.If you have the curiosity to try your hand at a workshop and make your own mosaics, you can spend your afternoon in an exciting activity away from the crowds and away from the usual tourist visits in Venice

The fabrics of Mariano Fortuny and the Giudecca island

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Atelier Mariano Fortuny

Mariano Fortuny was a multifaceted artist: painter, photographer and famous creator of fabrics and avant-garde clothes appreciated by noblewomen and actresses. The artist began to decorate by hand his fabrics in the palace Pesaro degli Orfei and then moved the activity to the factory on the island of Giudecca, where it is still located. During this visit to the Fortuny Atelier you will admire the Fortuny fabric, which is still produced today with the original designs made by Mariano Fortuny, the hidden garden, and you will learn the history of this Spanish artist who loved Venice.

The visit of the Fortuny Atelier will also be an opportunity to discover the Giudecca island with its ancient and modern architectures, the Mulino Stucky, some art galleries as well as the Venetian artisans.

Duration from 2 to 4 hours. You can reach the island by vaporetto or water-taxi.

Building a gondola – Guided tour to a gondola boatyard

The gondola and the gondoliers are a part of the history of Venice. If you are curious about how a gondola is made, where and with which materials the gondolas are made, this is the perfect visit for you. We will visit a traditional gondola boatyard.

This guided tour will take you to discover one of the ‘squeri’, typical shipyard still active in the city. You will see how gondolas are made and which kind of wood are used. During the visit of the sestiere (district) of Dorsoduro, you will also see one of the few ‘remeri’ ( oars-maker) still active in the manufacture of oars and rowlock, fundamental parts of the gondolas. It is a visit to discover the Venetian craftsmanship for adults and children of all ages. Duration 2 hours.

For information on these guided tours contact me: fiorellapagotto@gmail.com

Masks and mask-makers in Venice – showroom and workshop

Using masks was part of everyday life in Venice. But who were the ‘maschereri’ (mask-makers) ? When were masks used and why?

With this guided tour to the artisans of Venice, you will discover the history of Carnival and the feasts of Venice.
This itinerary is a mix of culture, history and fun.

We will visit a mask-atelier to see an artisan at work and discover the art of mask-maker with paper-machè. You will admire him making a mask, as well as some Venetian old costumes. We will discover also the quite districts (sestieri) of Dorsoduro or San Polo.
This is an itinerary for children and adults, for those who love art, craftsmanship, history, curiosities and want to have a relaxing and funny experience in Venice.

Duration 2 hours

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