Giardini Reali — Attraction in Venice

At one time Venice was surrounded by green fields, the squares of the city were used for growing or grazing of animals (hence the origin of the name Campo), but over the centuries, these areas have been gradually covered by paving stones. Nowadays the public gardens area is not very extensive, it is about 120,500 square meters divided into six gardens scattered around the city. These parks are: St. Helena, Napoleon Gardens, Groggia Gardens, Savorgnan Park, Papadopoli Gardens and the Royal Gardens. Like any park, the Giardini Real offers complete relaxation and enjoyment of the beautiful greenery. It is our favorite place because the park is just a short walk away from St Marks square. We enjoy having a coffee to go or a spritz sitting on a nearby bench and watching exotic plants and listening to the birds singing. The Royal Gardens of Venice originate from the Napoleonic reform project of the Marciana Area with the decision, sanctioned on 11 January 1807 by the decree of Napoleon Bonaparte, to allocate the New Procuratie as the seat of the Palazzo della Corona. The architect Giovanni Antonio Antolini, called to Venice in 1806, presented the first plans for the residence: a new building overlooking the San Marco Basin, which will not be built, and a garden in the space between the Procuratie and the Lagoon, in the place of the fourteenth-century granaries of Terranova. Thus arose the idea of building the Giardini Reali which in the immediate vicinity of the Doge's Palace offered the escape of the courtiers into the splendor of greenery. Many famous architects participated in the development of the park and each of them enriched it with his idea. Shortly after Antolini, Viceroy Eugène de Beauharnais changed Antolini's approach by deciding to build a new monumental building: the so-called Napoleonic Wing (Ala Napoleonica) with lush gardens. After that, in 1810, the architect Giuseppe Maria Soli began the first interventions in the garden by building a stone fence and a wooden bridge to allow access from the Palace. After the return of the Austrians in 1814, the architect Lorenzo Santi became the director of works of the Royal Palace. He made several significant alterations so that In 1815 the garden was isolated from the city with the demolition of the bridges over the Rio della Luna, thus interrupting the connection with Calle Vallaresso, while direct access from the building was confirmed with a drawbridge over the internal stream, thus also allowing the transit of gondolas. The entire area was surrounded by a stone balustrade, and in 1816, between the garden and the shore leading to the Piazzetta di San Marco, a majestic iron gate was placed by the blacksmiths Pietro Acerboni and Daniele Pellanda. Santi gave complete shape to the garden by outlining a tree-lined avenue overlooking the Basin of San Marco, "Italian-style" geometric parterres and two "English-style" groves at the ends, whose trees, flowering plants and potted citrus fruits came from the Royal...

Tucked away just around the corner from the bustling St. Mark’s Square, the Gardens of the Venice Foundation (Giardini della Fondazione Venezia) are a true hidden gem—a quiet haven of greenery and tranquility in a city better known for its canals and narrow alleys. We stumbled upon this secret spot during our visit and ended up spending a wonderfully peaceful hour here, simply relaxing with an ice cream and enjoying the natural beauty.

The gardens have an interesting history, originally part of the private grounds of a noble Venetian palace. Today, they are one of the few green spaces in the historic center, offering a rare escape from the crowds. The well-maintained paths wind through a delightful mix of Mediterranean plants, shady trees, and blooming flowers, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the nearby tourist hotspots.

One of the most enjoyable aspects was the sense of seclusion—even though we were only minutes from the heart of Venice, the gardens felt almost undiscovered. The benches and quiet corners make it an ideal spot to pause, unwind, and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

For anyone looking for a moment of calm in the midst of Venice’s energy, this is the perfect place. Whether you’re escaping the midday heat, looking for a quiet place to read, or simply wanting to appreciate another side of the city, the Gardens of the Venice Foundation are well worth...

“Tiny green escape in the heart of Venice—surprisingly refreshing! 🌿”

Stumbled upon Giardini Reali just behind Piazza San Marco, and it instantly became my go-to oasis in the city. With shaded benches, pergola-covered walkways, and a lovely view of the lagoon, it’s the perfect spot to recharge between sightseeing bursts .

Unexpected calm: Even on busy days, the garden’s tucked-away location makes it feel almost secret—perfect for a pause with a book or a snack .

Lovely design touches: A restored 19th-century greenhouse, drawbridge to Piazza San Marco, and the longest wisteria pergola in Venice give it both charm and elegance .

Free and easy access: Open to the public, and ideal for hanging out while you wait for the vaporetto at Giardinetti stop. No...