Secret Venice: Discover Acqua Alta Bookshop and Hidden Gems near Cà Vittoria
Staying at Cà Vittoria doesn’t just mean being close to major monuments like St. Mark’s and the Rialto Bridge; it means being at the perfect starting point to discover the most authentic and unusual side of Venice. Just steps from your accommodation lie magical corners that seem straight out of a fairy tale.
Libreria Acqua Alta: A Submerged Literary Experience
Less than 10 minutes from Cà Vittoria, in Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, you’ll find what many call “the most beautiful bookstore in the world”: Libreria Acqua Alta.
- Books in Boats and Gondolas: To protect the volumes from high tides (acqua alta), books are stored inside bathtubs, canoes, and even a full-sized gondola.
- The Staircase of Books: In the inner courtyard, you can climb a staircase made entirely of old encyclopedias to enjoy a unique view of the Venetian canals.
- The Bookstore Cats: Don’t be surprised to find cats napping among the pages; they are the true guardians of this enchanted place.
Enchanting Spots Just a Stone’s Throw from Cà Vittoria
Beyond the bookstore, the surroundings of your accommodation offer rare gems that few tourists know:
- Scala Contarini del Bovolo: A spectacular late-Gothic spiral staircase hidden in a small courtyard. From the top, the view over Venice’s rooftops and St. Mark’s dome is breathtaking.
- The Crypt of San Zaccaria: Located a short distance from Cà Vittoria, this church hides a permanently flooded crypt where columns reflect in the water, creating an eerie yet beautiful atmosphere.
- Campo Santa Maria Formosa: One of Venice’s largest and liveliest squares, perfect for a morning coffee before starting your exploration on the way to the Acqua Alta Bookshop.
Why Cà Vittoria is the Perfect Choice for Your Itinerary
Thanks to its central location, Cà Vittoria allows you to alternate between the great classics (like the Doge’s Palace) and these unusual destinations without wasting time commuting.
- Aimless Wanderings: Step out of Cà Vittoria and get lost in the calli of Castello and San Marco; every corner hides a secret.
- Relaxing Return: After climbing the staircase of books or photographing the Bridge of Sighs, your room at Cà Vittoria awaits to offer you all the tranquility you need.
“Living Venice from Cà Vittoria means having the keys to the city: from the Doges’ palaces to submerged bookstores, everything is just a breath away.”
