A Name Shaped by Exile and Rebirth
We’ll begin with the story behind Giudecca’s name—often misunderstood as a reference to Jewish heritage, but actually rooted in the word zudegà, meaning “judged.” The island was a place of exile for rebellious patricians, and today it’s home to artists who’ve been “exiled” by Venice’s rising rents.Giudecca disputed history begins with its name. We will learn that its name does not come from one time Jewish inhabitants (an Italian word for Jews is also Giudei) but from a Venetian word "zudega" meaning "the judged", referring to rebel aristocratic families banished here during the 9th century. In recent years, the large abandoned spaces attracted a new set of exiles: artists, who could no longer afford rents in central Venice for their lofts and studios.
Saints and Lions: A Church of Legends
We'll visit one of Giudecca’s oldest churches, with roots in the 9th century and a simple Veneto-Byzantine structure. Learn the legend of the virgin martyr who, after being thrown to lions, was miraculously spared—except for her hand.
From Mill to Luxury: Molino Stucky
Discover the towering Neo-Gothic former flour mill, once a pasta factory and now a five-star hotel. Its scale and industrial architecture reveal the island’s working-class past.
Hidden Gardens and Prison Markets
We’ll explore the quiet inner side of the island, passing the women’s prison and its adjacent organic market—a unique space where inmates grow and sell produce.
Monks, Makers, and Modern Artisans
Visit a former monastery that now houses a hub for local artisans, cultural events, and independent artists—where tradition meets creativity.
Industrial Spaces Reimagined
See how a former glass factory has been transformed into a contemporary theatre and residential complex, offering a striking example of Venice’s adaptive reuse.
Palladio’s Masterpiece: The Redentore Church
Marvel at the Church of the Redeemer, built by Palladio after the plague of 1575–77. Still today, Venetians cross a floating bridge every July to honor the city’s survival.
A Hidden Art Nouveau Villa on the Lagoon
Enter a rare Liberty-style villa tucked away from the main paths, with breathtaking views over the southern lagoon and surrounding islands.
Final Views and a Curious Palace
We’ll end the tour at the eastern tip of the island, facing San Marco and Punta della Salute. Don’t miss the “palace with three eyes”—a mysterious building with a triple-arched façade and neo-Gothic charm.
