From Art Nouveau architecture to the Biennale of Cinema
19 Aug 2024
Among the many places that make Venice one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy and in the world, a special role is reserved for the famous Lido, more than 10 km long, popular with locals and holidaymakers alike. Relaxation, nature and great Art Nouveau architecture are the main ingredients that make the Lido of Venice such a popular destination. Here you can enjoy the waterfront and its beaches, admire the historic buildings and, if you happen to be there between the end of August and the beginning of September, fully experience the Venice Film Festival, which has been held here since the first edition in 1937 and welcomes international stars on the red carpet every year.
Venice Lido: what to see
When one speaks of Venice Lido, one cannot fail to mention the seafront and its beaches (some free and some with a fee) with their fine golden sand: this area still has the aristocratic charm that only places close to Art Nouveau can convey and will allow you to dive into the more traditional side of Venice. If you don't know them, don't forget to pay a visit to Murazzi, large flat stones placed in the 18th century to defend the Lido from sea erosion and today one of its most characteristic sides. For relaxation, however, nothing beats a stroll along Viale Maria Elisabetta, the Lido's tree-lined street with bars, restaurants and shops. If you want to return to an era that no longer exists, then let yourself be bewitched by the small village of Malamocco, located south of the Lido and heir to one of the first lagoon centres destroyed by a seaquake almost a millennium ago.
Aficionados of historical architecture will feast their eyes on the Art Nouveau buildings present, well over 250 of them, and the iconic Lido sites such as Tempio Votivo (its unmistakable green dome is the first detail one admires when arriving by ferry), the Church of San Nicolò and Palazzo del Cinema, known everywhere for being the historic location of the Venice International Film Festival.
Cinema on Venice Lido
If you are in Venice to enjoy its Lido in the first half of September, you cannot miss Biennale del Cinema, one of Italy's biggest festivals and the second oldest dedicated event in the world after the Oscars. From 31 August to 10 September 2022, some of the biggest international names of the silver screen will gather here, including Julianne Moore who will head the international jury that will award the Golden Lion and other prizes: so don't forget to keep an eye on the event's official website to secure your tickets, available during the month of August.
Venice Lido: how to get there
If you don't want to miss the magic of the Biennale del Cinema and all the other beauties of Venice and its Lido you could stay for a few days in this city. Why not stay at Maison Venezia | UNA Esperienze in the heart of the historic Cannaregio district with its luxury rooms between Venezia Santa Lucia and Ponte di Rialto. Palazzo Maurogonato is home to UNAHOTELS Ala Venezia: this hotel too enjoys an excellent location and the presence of an altana where you can enjoy a cocktail with a 360° view over the city. If, on the other hand, you prefer to find accommodation far from the centre (but still well connected) then you could opt for the UNAWAY Ecohotel Villa Costanza Venezia, located in Mestre in a 19th-century building restored with respect for the environment.
Venice Lido is very easy to reach given the great availability of waterbuses and ferry boats: the preferred departure points are the Venezia S. Lucia station and Piazzale Roma, from where several waterbus lines depart, including the 5.1, 5.2 and 6. If, on the other hand, you are travelling by car or by bike (a great idea if you want to enjoy the entire Lido immersed in nature) then you can use the Ferry boat that leaves from Tronchetto and arrives directly at San Nicoló, the starting point from where you can immerse yourself in the heart of the natural and architectural beauty that only the Lido of Venice can offer.