In this new series, Venetian locals reveal their hidden gems and personal favorites, offering insider tips for a unique Venice experience. Each walk is carefully designed based on their recommendations to guide you through the authentic heart of the city. In this journey, fashion upcycler Demis Marin guides us through the parks of Parco San Giuliano and Sacca Fisola.
Demis Marin was born near Venice and studied at one of the city’s art schools. He spent many years working in fashion. A proponent of the circular economy, he founded his Ramosalso Upcycling Atelier in 2022. He sources vintage clothes and fabrics from Venice’s social markets and handcrafts them into unique, reinvented pieces. More information >>> www.facebook.com/ramosalso
What’s the one thing you adore most about Venice?
“Venice is a very strange city. My shop is located near Rialto Mercato, where people still gather in the streets for a chat. In front of my little boutique, I often chat with people returning from the market. I enjoy chatting with them, and they often offer me a coffee.”
Demis’s special place: start of the itinerary
Take tram 1 from Piazzale Roma to San Giuliano. The ride takes approx. 10 minutes.
“If you are very curious, venture beyond Venice’s historical centre to visit the San Giuliano Park. You’ll enjoy stunning views of Venice’s skyline. The interplay of light between the sky and the lagoon creates a magical experience.”
Parco San Giuliano is one of Italy’s largest urban parks and a prime example of urban regeneration. Urban planners transformed the former industrial wasteland into a 74 hectare green space. Initiated in 1990, the project aimed to restore the area’s ecological balance and create recreational spaces. The park was inaugurated in 2004. It features cycling and walking paths, a skating rink, and sports fields and hosts cultural and music events. The park also serves as a hub for biodiversity, with an artificial lake and various bird species, while its panoramic views of Venice provide a scenic backdrop.
(Via San Giuliano, Mestre)
From Parco San Giuliano to Piazzale Roma
From the park, head north towards Ponte Europa. The Quartiere San Marco is the area on the right after crossing the bridge above the roundabout. Then, head towards the main street Viale San Marco and take tram 1 back to Piazzale Roma.
“Explore the Quartiere San Marco, near the San Giuliano park. This beautiful quarter showcases popular architecture from IUAV (Istituto Universario di Architettura di Venezia), dating back to around 1960.”
The Quartiere San Marco is a significant example of post-war urban planning in Italy, resulting from a project by the School of Architecture in Venice. Constructed in different phases between 1951 and 1970, the neighborhood reflects the designs of Giuseppe Samonà and Luigi Piccinato. Their aim was to provide housing for workers while combining modernist architectural principles with a focus on communal living. Its distinctive features include varied building heights and open courtyards that encourage social interaction. This project illustrates the integration of functional housing and architectural innovation into Mestre’s urban landscape.
(Quartiere S. Giuseppe, Mestre)
From Piazzale Roma to Campo San Polo
Enter Venice via the Ponte Papadopoli and follow the streets until you reach the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Walk around the Frari church, then keep right after the canal to arrive at Campo San Polo.
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco was founded in 1478. Thanks to the popularity of San Rocco, the patron saint of plague victims, the confraternity expanded rapidly and became the richest scuola of the city. In 1517, a new monumental headquarter was built, which was sumptuously decorated with art. When the Scuola sought proposals from Venice’s best painters, Tintoretto sneaked into the building to paint his proposal ‘San Rocco in Gloria’ on the ceiling. The Scuola accepted his gift, and he has been the ‘house painter’ ever since. Over a period of 20 years (1564-c1588), he painted more than sixty episodes from the Old and the New Testaments to decorate the entire building as well as the San Rocco church. Check out my post ‘These stunning scuole grandi reveal the social history of Venice‘ for more background information.
(Campo San Rocco 3052, San Polo, www.scuolagrandesanrocco.org)
Campo San Polo is the second largest Venetian public square after Piazza San Marco. Historically, it was used as a scene for bullfights and masked balls. Stunning palazzos and the San Polo church surround the campo. The current gothic structure dates back to the 15th century, yet it retains elements from the original 9th century church, such as the southern doorway. The surrounding houses and the Oratorio del Crocifisso conceal the facade. The only visible feature, the rose window, can be seen from a tiny courtyard with private homes. Inside, you’ll find stunning artworks by Tintoretto, Veronese, and Palma il Giovane.
From Campo San Polo to Sacca Fisola
Go southwards in the direction of Dorsoduro, following the flow of Canal Grande. After passing Campo San Barnaba, turn right until you reach the second canal. Turn left towards the Giudecca Canal to catch the vaporetto at San Basilio towards Sacca Fisola.
“Sacca Fisola, a popular area near Giudecca, offers a unique experience. While not a historical location, it is very real.”
Sacca Fisola is a small residential island connected to Giudecca. Created artificially in the 1950s, it combined smaller islands to accommodate residential buildings and provide affordable housing for Venetians. Sacca Fisola, unlike Venice’s historic center, has a suburban vibe with wide-open spaces, local shops, a municipal swimming pool, and athletic fields.
Any other insider tips you’d like to share?
“If you like vintage, you will adore Venice. The essence of the city lies in wandering through its narrow streets and along the canals, where you can lose yourself without worrying about directions.”
More tips from Demis
Coffee: Osteria Ai Storti (Calle S. Matio 819, San Polo)
Aperitivo: Cantina Do Mori (Calle Do Mori 429, San Polo), Bar All’Arco (San Polo 436), Cantina Do Spade (Calle de lo Do Spade 859, San Polo, cantinadospade.com)
Special evening dinner: Londra Palace (Riva degli Schiavoni 4171, Castello, www.londrapalace.com)
Shops: charity shops near the churches; pastry: Targa (Rugheta del Ravano 1050, San Polo)
If you would like to continue your walk, cross the bridge to Giudecca, so you can continue there with the walk with Nicoletta (from Torcello to Giudecca).
Have fun!