The gardens of Venice are often hidden gems, tucked away from the bustling canals and winding streets, largely invisible to tourists and even many locals. These verdant spaces, nestled in a city better known for its art, architecture, and waterways, now take centre stage in The Gardens of Venice, an illustrated volume that brings to light the beauty and complexity of Venetian greenery. Published by Marsilio Arte, this work is crafted by Toto Bergamo Rossi, director of Venetian Heritage, and landscape architect Marco Bay, with the atmospheric photography of Marco Valmarana capturing the essence of these secluded landscapes. Together, they create an immersive experience that transports readers through the interplay of art, history, and nature that defines Venice’s hidden gardens.

The magic of Venetian gardens lies in their mystery. As Marco Bay aptly remarks, these gardens are “secret, protected, and hidden,” characteristics that allow them to maintain an aura of exclusivity even in one of the world’s most visited cities. The book systematically guides readers through these tranquil spaces, presenting careful indexing of gardens by sestiere—the six historic districts of Venice. This approach allows readers to see the diversity of garden designs throughout the city, from the grandiose green spaces adjoining noble palaces along the Grand Canal to the simpler, less adorned gardens on the lagoon’s quieter islands. Valmarana’s photography adds another layer of discovery by capturing the gardens through Venice’s seasonal changes, presenting spring’s first blooms, the lush greenery of summer, autumn’s fiery hues, and winter’s mist and frost. Each season is documented in detail, inviting readers to experience the green heart of Venice throughout the entire year.

Toto Bergamo Rossi’s passion for gardens and Venice is evident throughout the book. A restorer by training and a former conservator of stone materials, Rossi has directed Venetian Heritage since 2010, leading numerous cultural projects that underscore the city’s rich artistic and architectural heritage. His writing delves into the historical evolution of Venetian gardens, exploring how these green sanctuaries have developed amidst Venice’s unique environment. The challenges of cultivating gardens in a city surrounded by stone and water are considerable, and Rossi reflects on how Venetian gardens have adapted to these constraints, integrating harmoniously into the city’s architecture and landscape. From early design influences to recent restorations, Rossi presents a comprehensive account of the journey that Venetian gardens have taken to become what they are today.

Marco Bay, as a landscape architect, brings a technical perspective to the book, examining the botanical diversity, landscape design, and architectural nuances that characterize Venetian gardens. With a career dedicated to restoring historic gardens and environmental redevelopment, Bay offers readers insights into the complexities of maintaining green spaces in an urban setting where nature must coexist with history. His contributions include a historical overview that highlights the transformations Venetian gardens have undergone over centuries, revealing how they have served as both ornamental and functional spaces for Venetians across different eras. In addition to providing historical context, Bay closes the book with an essay in which he envisions the future of Venice’s green spaces. He proposes ten new garden concepts designed to preserve and expand the city’s botanical legacy, inspired by historical reverence and forward-thinking innovation.

For those who appreciate Venice and its rich history, The Gardens of Venice offers an enriching experience. This book serves not only as a guide to the city’s hidden green spaces but also as a testament to the commitment of those who strive to preserve and honour the city’s heritage. With the collaboration of Rossi, Bay, and Valmarana, readers are invited to venture off the beaten path and find themselves in the heart of Venice’s lesser-known but equally captivating treasures: its gardens.