Merchants of Venice: the most beautiful historic shops in the Italian city

Venice is a unique city, and among its many treasures, authentic shops occupy a special place. These are not just commercial establishments, but places where traditions, culture, and art meet. They convey the atmosphere of the past centuries and allow you to feel the spirit of the old city.

Some shops have been around for decades, sometimes even centuries, and have become a traditional part of the local landscape. In the city, you can buy products made using ancient technologies or find unique items. Experts told about the most beautiful Venetian shops.

Cantina del Vino gia Schiavi

Cantina del Vino gia Schiavi is a 150-year-old wooden-beamed shop located right on the edge of the canal. It is known for prosecco and an original selection of cicchetti created by owner Alessandra De Respinis. Alessandra's sons, Tommaso and Paolo, offer wine from high-quality vineyards in the surrounding Veneto and Friuli regions, along with rare vintages from all over Italy. It is also the place to come if you want to take home a bottle of quality grappa.

Address: Fondamenta Nani, 992.

Antica Stamperia Gianni Basso

Calle del Fumo is a bustling alleyway leading to Fondamente Novo, where boats depart for the lagoon's islands. But many tourists come here to visit the Antica Stamperia Gianni Basso, a printing house, exhibition hall, and museum. Since 1981, Basso has been producing exquisite custom stationery – writing paper, bookmarks, business cards, and invitations – using antique hand presses and a collection of metal fonts, copper plates, and stamps.

Address: Calle del Fumo, 5306.

Spezeria all'Ercole d'Oro

Crowds of visitors walking along Strada Nova, the main street between Venice's train station and Rialto Bridge, often overlook one of the hidden gems of the glorious Settecento era. Known as the Spezeria all'Ercole d'Oro (Pharmacy of the Golden Hercules), this old pharmacy dates back to the 17th century and today is divided into a regular pharmacy and an adjoining salon with wood paneling, walnut cabinets and shiny lamps, gilded scales, and elegant ceramic jugs. Unique Murano glass containers from local perfumer The Merchant of Venice are sold here, along with natural wellness products such as herbal teas, mustard seeds, and blueberry essences.

Address: Salizada Santa Fosca, 2234.

Antica Drogheria Mascari

Sometimes it seems like there are more groups of gastronomic tourists wandering around Venice's historic Rialto market than local shoppers. But the only store in the maze of streets around the market that is always crowded with mostly Venetians is Antica Drogheria Mascari, a delicatessen. There are countless delicacies from all over Italy, such as Sicilian cassata, amaretti di saronno or Florentine cantucci. You can also buy delicious chocolate bars and vintage glass jars filled with sweets.

Address: Calle Prima de la Donzella, 306.

Carnival costumes

On the streets of Cannaregio you will find Orsoni mosaic kilns, the Valese foundry, and the Piero Dri woodcarving workshop. It is not surprising that costume designer Stefano Nicolao chose the first floor of the grand Gothic palazzo on Cannaregio's Misericordia Canal to open his workshop and showroom, Nicalao Atelier. While this is an ideal place for those who want to rent a costume during the carnival, the exhibition hall is worth a visit throughout the year to see the range of clothing and accessories, as well as a museum collection of 15,000 costumes carefully recreated from the Renaissance to the 19th century.

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