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San Marco Souvenir Shops, Venice

San Marco Souvenir Shops (Self Guided), Venice

Venice excels in artisanal shops. Venetian lace, hand-blown glassware, velvety textiles the color of the lagoon, marbled paper, butter-soft leather, and papier-mâché masks – all these items have a long history in the city, and discerning visitors travel to Venice yearly to invest in these and other items from the impressive range of unique local boutiques. Many of them are found in the San Marco area, renowned as one of Venice’s top hotspots for luxury shopping.

Amid the inflow of tourists and the ensued invasion of dealers in cheap, fake, low-quality merchandise, to tell apart a tourist trap from a genuine artisanal shop offering original handmade Venetian designs, particularly if you're a first timer in Venice, may present a bit of a challenge. However, if you find the prices too low and the discounts too high – up to 50% or more, rest assured that this is NOT the real thing. Moreover, a genuine artisan shop is distinguished by a creatively arranged window – elegant, not overloaded – with a limited number of items of similar type, slightly imperfect maybe and not quite alike. The owners are also happy to demonstrate the creation process, or at least tell you a story behind their product.

In this guide, we highlight some of the most notable artisanal stores worth exploring on your trip to Venice, whether you're shopping for crafts, jewelry or ready-to-wear pieces!

Getting to Sight #1. The first tour stop (Galleria San Marco) is on Piazza San March and can be reached by: Alilaguna Water Taxi: Blue (B), Rosa (R); Water Bus: 1, 2, 4.1, 10, 7, 4.2, 5.2, 2, 20 + N (Night line).
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San Marco Souvenir Shops Map

Guide Name: San Marco Souvenir Shops
Guide Location: Italy » Venice (See other walking tours in Venice)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Galleria San Marco (St. Mark's Gallery)
  • La Pietra Filosofale
  • The Merchant of Venice
  • Venetian Dreams-Marisa Convento
  • Quorami Venezia
  • Modisteria Giuliana Longo
  • Fondaco dei Tedeschi (Shopping, Art and Culture)
  • Giovanna Zanella
1
Galleria San Marco (St. Mark's Gallery)

1) Galleria San Marco (St. Mark's Gallery)

This Murano glass showroom remains tucked away from plain sight, concealed behind the shops that overlook Saint Mark's Square (its connection to the outside world is through a narrow alley). Upon entering, you'll be treated to a brief but enlightening demonstration of the mesmerizing art of glass blowing, offered free of charge.

The best approach is to wander at your own pace through the gallery, admiring the displayed pieces. It's worth noting that these items are not inexpensive, with prices ranging from 20 to 20,000 euros per piece. Each creation is a testament to the craftsmanship of Venetian Murano glass artisans, who skillfully produce them in their factory on the island of Murano. The selection is diverse, although there may not be an extensive array of small glass trinkets suitable as gifts. Nevertheless, some options are available.

If you are not prepared to spend a substantial amount on a handmade keepsake, it might be wise to exercise caution, as experience has shown that few can resist leaving this place without making a purchase. However, the exquisite glassware you acquire here is likely to be treasured for a lifetime, serving as a cherished reminder of your journey to Venice.
2
La Pietra Filosofale

2) La Pietra Filosofale

Venturing beyond the flashy, tourist-oriented items that saturate the streets of Venice, one can discover the authentic essence of Venetian culture through the vibrant world of masks. If you seek the epitome of quality and craftsmanship, look no further than La Pietra Filosofale ("The Philosopher's Stone"), a hidden gem run by the elusive mask maker Carlo Setti. Despite his somewhat enigmatic demeanor, the maestro is remarkably amiable, brimming with knowledge and passion for his art, and even crafts masks right before your eyes at the counter.

While the unassuming exterior of his charming little shop may not command attention, do not be deceived, as this is where the true magic happens. Within its walls, a plethora of masks, meticulously crafted using genuine leather and papier-mâché in the traditional manner, adorn the shelves. These remarkable creations are often embellished with herbs and grasses, as they are frequently utilized in theatrical productions.

Having honed his skills through years of work in the theater and puppetry realms, Carlo Setti has mastered the art of creating masks that immortalize famous personalities or embody the traditional spirit of the Venetian Carnival. Through word of mouth among the theater community, clients from around the world flock to his workshop on a regular basis. Each mask is custom-made, resulting in truly unique pieces of artistry. It's worth noting that all displayed items are available for purchase, allowing visitors to bring a piece of Venetian magic home with them.
3
The Merchant of Venice

3) The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is more than a perfume store; it is a living testament to Venetian history and its legacy as a historic hub of trade routes. With their innovative formulas, they pay homage to the indomitable perfume heritage of Venice, a renowned capital of scents that spread its fragrant influence throughout Europe.

Nestled in a 17th-century chemist shop in the square of San Fantin, stepping into this boutique feels like entering a time capsule. The meticulously preserved interior features marble pillars, statues, mahogany wood shelves, and a floor that has witnessed over three centuries of history.

Managed by the esteemed Vidal family, the perfumery showcases a luxurious line encased in exquisite Murano glass. Collections inspired by Murano, the iconic La Fenice theater, and the captivating symbols of the city capture the essence of Venetian allure, catering to both men and women.

Even if perfumes, soaps, and body lotions are not your primary motive for visiting Venice, immersing yourself in the world of luxury offered by this establishment will gift you a unique experience. And if you have the chance to bring home one of their marvelous Murano flacons, delicately adorned with gold tassels, the magic of your Venetian adventure will be perpetuated.

Tip:
The ground floor houses a perfume laboratory where The Merchant of Venice organizes thematic workshops (available upon reservation), offering a captivating journey into the world of olfactory pyramids. Participants have the opportunity to learn about the art of fragrance composition and create their own remarkable personalized scents.

Opeation Hours:
Tue, Wed: 10:30am–1:30pm, 2:30–7:30pm; Thu-Sun: 10:30am–7:30pm
4
Venetian Dreams-Marisa Convento

4) Venetian Dreams-Marisa Convento

In the not-too-distant past, Venice was home to approximately 5,000 women skilled in the art of beadwork. Today, only a few of these remarkable artisans, known as "impressessas" or lady stringers, remain. One such extraordinary individual is Marisa Convento, a master of her craft. She creates stunning jewelry using a combination of century-old delicate glass beads and new, larger ones custom-made exclusively for her in Murano.

Marisa's shop, Venetian Dreams, embodies the true spirit of an artisan's haven. Although it may be small and easily overlooked, bypassing this store would be a great loss, as it offers a glimpse into a kinder and slower-paced era.

From intricately crafted pendants made from antique orange or black beads to enchanting earrings and more elaborate pieces, each creation is adorned with a touch of glitter and exhibits a sense of sophistication, whimsy, and uniqueness. Surprisingly, Marisa's jewelry is remarkably affordable and comes beautifully packaged in little boxes adorned with colorful hand-tied strings, featuring picturesque depictions of Saint Mark's Square. Alongside the jewelry, the shop also showcases larger objects such as lampshades, figurines of animals, birds, and flowers, as well as embroideries and corals crafted with exquisite Venetian glass and seed beads—a testament to the ancient craft traditions of Venice known as "Conterie".

Marisa offers a morning workshop suitable for families with slightly older children who wish to engage in a delightful craft activity. Additionally, she hosts an afternoon walking tour, providing a glimpse into the authentic Venice that remains hidden from the usual tourist paths. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Venice and the significance of beads. Both experiences come highly recommended, allowing you to immerse yourself in the true essence of Venice and its rich cultural heritage.
5
Quorami Venezia

5) Quorami Venezia

Nestled in the bustling Calle della Mandola, not far from The Phoenix Opera House ("Teatro La Fenice"), Quorami is a hidden gem of an authentic leather store in the heart of Venice, where you can still discover beautiful, high-quality, Italian-handmade leather belts amidst the sea of cheap, mass-produced goods.

Founded in October 2015 by the talented Venetian artisans Giorgio & Lella, this small shop offers a remarkable variety of belts and accessories, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail using premium raw materials.

What further sets Quorami apart is the opportunity to create your own custom-made belt right on the spot, with easy adjustments to width and length, ensuring a perfect fit within minutes.

Complementing the leather selection is a wide collection of exquisite buckles crafted by Florentine artisans, ranging from timeless classics to intricately engraved designs adorned with precious stones.
6
Modisteria Giuliana Longo

6) Modisteria Giuliana Longo

If you have a fondness for hats, especially handmade ones, treating yourself to a stylish creation from Giuliana Longo's shop is highly recommended. As a prominent Venetian dealer specializing in fine quality hats, this family-owned store has been in operation since 1901, located near the Rialto Bridge, facing another luxury shop. Their collection offers a captivating variety of headgear, ranging from authentic Ecuadorian Panama hats to Carnival-inspired headpieces, handmade cappello da gondoliere (official gondolier caps), fascinators, sun hats, and much more.

Giuliana Longo, the store owner, is an exceptionally knowledgeable artisan hatter and has been a prominent figure in Venetian hat-making since the late 1970s. Her expertise extends to crafting elegant and whimsical hats for both women, capable of enchanting any member of a royal family, and men. Over the years, some of the items in her collection have become popular as unisex pieces.

With Giuliana's warmth and professionalism as the owner, coupled with an irresistible selection, visiting this store becomes an essential part of any shopping spree in Venice.
7
Fondaco dei Tedeschi (Shopping, Art and Culture)

7) Fondaco dei Tedeschi (Shopping, Art and Culture) (must see)

Once headquarters of the German merchant community in Venice, Fondaco dei Tedeschi is an immense building standing just beside the Rialto Bridge. During its heyday, German traders were the most influential foreign group in the city and had rented this centrally-located building from as early as the 13th century. After being ravaged by fire, the Fondaco was rebuilt in the 16th century as a functional four-story building with a grand inner courtyard. While architecturally it is typically Italian Renaissance, the fundamental concept of the building, much like the word "fondaco" itself, derives from Arabic origins. Similar to the Fondaco dei Turchi, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi encompassed a palace, a warehouse, and restricted living quarters for its inhabitants – mainly merchants from German cities such as Nuremberg, Judenburg, and Augsburg.

Today, this grand establishment has transformed into one of Venice's largest and resplendent shopping centers, specialized in high-end luxury goods. It comes as no surprise that prices here tend to be on the higher side, but the place is still a popular hangout, always teeming with tourists.

But don't let the crowd put you off – at least not before you experience the views from the Fondaco's rooftop terrace, fit to blow anyone away. The 4th-floor Event Pavilion serves as an exhibition space and grants free access to the terrace, affording one of the best panoramas of the Grand Canal, a downward view of the Rialto Bridge, and a distant glimpse of Saint Mark's Basilica, situated a kilometer or so away – quite a different angle from what you can see at ground-level!

Tip:
To access the rooftop terrace, you will need a ticket, which is provided for free but issued for a specific time slot to manage visitor numbers and prevent overcrowding. It is advisable to obtain your ticket on the top floor first and then explore the shopping mall below. Otherwise, you can book your ticket in advance online through the Fondaco's website. If you happen to catch a sunset while up on the roof, your efforts will be well rewarded!
8
Giovanna Zanella

8) Giovanna Zanella

When it comes to authentic Italian shoes, excellence comes to mind, and for a cutting-edge pair of footwear, a visit to Giovanna Zanella's shop in Venice is a must, located just 200 meters away from the Rialto Bridge.

As the most renowned shoe designer in Venice, Giovanna Zanella has been crafting exclusive lines of men's and women's shoes for over a decade. Her creations go beyond traditional designs, often blending tradition with modernism to produce truly unique pieces that combine various materials such as fabrics, leather, plastics, and more. Each pair is an haute couture masterpiece, often featuring surprising elements like delicate nylon blossoms, cobra heads, pistils, or frills.

All shoes are meticulously handcrafted and tailored precisely to fit the customer's foot. Whether you prefer boots, sandals, or moccasins, you have the opportunity to choose your preferred color shade and suggest different materials for the construction and embellishment, resulting in a pair of dream shoes that are truly one-of-a-kind wearable sculptural works. Even the shop's mosaic floor, composed of multi-colored, irregular-shaped tiles, inspires customers to embrace daring and vibrant color choices.

It's no wonder that many prominent individuals from Venice and beyond, including VIPs, frequent this store. The prices for these exquisite creations range from €500 to €1500, with women's shoes starting at €700 and men's shoes priced between €900 and €1,500.

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