Venice captured global headlines in June 2025 when Amazon founder Jeff Bezos chose the floating city for his spectacular wedding to Lauren Sanchez. With the main ceremony held at the historic Arsenale and pre-wedding celebrations at the atmospheric Madonna dell’Orto church, Bezos’s star-studded celebration showcased Venice’s unparalleled beauty to a worldwide audience. Yet beyond these headline-grabbing moments, Venice continues to enchant visitors year-round through cultural treasures like the prestigious Venice International Film Festival—coordinated from the same Ca’ Giustinian palace that serves as the Venice Biennale headquarters. This guide explores the very venues that made Bezos’s wedding unforgettable, revealing how these iconic locations contribute to Venice’s enduring magic whether the world’s cameras are rolling or the city returns to its timeless, intimate splendor.
Venice Biennale Near San Marco
Ca’ Giustinian Headquarters
The Venice Biennale operates from its headquarters at Ca’ Giustinian, located near San Marco. This historic palace serves multiple functions for visitors and Biennale operations:
Office and Administrative Center Ca’ Giustinian houses the main offices of the Biennale Committee and serves as the administrative heart of Venice’s premier cultural institution. The Ca’ Giustinian palace belonged to the Venetian noble Giustiniani family who claimed descent from the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I, who presided over the Byzantine Empire’s greatest territorial expansion, this elegant building reflects Venice’s rich historical connections.
Exhibition Space and Museum While smaller than the main Biennale exhibitions at Giardini and Arsenale in the Castello district, Ca’ Giustinian features its own intimate exhibition space. Visitors can explore displays of historical administrative documents, venue contracts, and posters from past Biennale exhibitions, offering unique insights into the institution’s rich heritage.
Visitor Amenities
- Souvenir Shop: Browse official Biennale merchandise and unique Venice-themed gifts
- Restaurant: Dine with spectacular canal views featuring iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute and Punta della Dogana (the historic customs house)
Main Biennale Exhibition Venues
The primary Venice Biennale exhibitions take place at two major locations in the Castello district:
- Giardini: The traditional home of the international pavilions
- Arsenale: A historic shipyard converted into dramatic contemporary exhibition spaces
Both venues offer visitors access to world-class contemporary art exhibitions and architectural displays during Biennale years.
Nearby Attractions
Harry’s Bar – A Venetian Institution
Located just steps from Ca’ Giustinian, the legendary Harry’s Bar opened in 1931, founded by Giuseppe Cipriani. This historic establishment has fascinating origins: Cipriani generously lent money to a young American traveler who returned years later to repay the debt with triple or quadruple the original amount, enabling Cipriani to open the bar that would bear the American’s name – Harry.
Giuseppe Cipriani’s culinary legacy extends throughout Venice, as he also founded Locanda Cipriani on Torcello and Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca. The innovative bartender-restaurateur is credited with inventing both the famous Bellini cocktail and Carpaccio dish.
Castello District Highlights
Madonna dell’Orto Church
This remarkable parish church served as the spiritual home of the renowned painter Tintoretto. Visitors can admire numerous masterworks by Tintoretto housed within the church, and pay respects at his tomb, where he rests alongside family members. The church represents an exceptional venue for those interested in Venetian Renaissance art and makes a stunning setting for special events.
Arsenale Historic Shipyard
Photo: Sarah_Loetscher of Pixabay
The Arsenale of Venice once functioned as the Republic’s primary naval shipyard and represents one of Europe’s most important maritime heritage sites. Today, visitors can explore the preserved manufacturing halls and walk through the historic shipyards, witnessing traces of Venice’s powerful maritime past while experiencing cutting-edge contemporary art during Biennale exhibitions.
Venice International Film Festival
Lido di Venezia Venue
The prestigious Venice International Film Festival, another major cultural event organized by La Biennale, takes place annually on the elegant Lido di Venezia. This barrier island provides a welcome respite from Venice’s crowded tourist areas.
Lido Attractions and Activities
The Lido offers visitors a serene lagoon setting with diverse recreational opportunities:
- Accommodation: Wide selection of holiday rental properties
- Sports and Recreation: Open-air tennis courts, swimming facilities, and public beaches
- Natural Beauty: Scenic hiking trails and peaceful waterfront walks
- Dining and Shopping: Iconic boulevards lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and boutique shops
The Lido’s relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for visitors seeking both cultural enrichment and peaceful recreation during their Venice stay.
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