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​From our restaurant window, you can often see water taxis heading north toward Murano, the island of fire and glass. Today, Murano glass is famous worldwide for its beauty, but during the height of the Venetian Republic, the secrets of making it were guarded more fiercely than military plans. ​Prisoners of Luxury In 1291, the Republic ordered all glassmakers to move to Murano, officially to prevent fires in the main city of Venice. In reality, it was to protect a monopoly. M

If you happen to visit Venice on April 25th, you will notice men all over the city carrying single red rosebuds (bòcolo) to give to the women they love. This romantic tradition dates back to the 8th century and is born from a heartbreaking story of love, war, and a final, poetic gesture. ​The Troubadour and the Noblewoman Vulcana was a beautiful, noble Venetian woman who fell deeply in love with Tancredi, a talented but poor troubadour. Because of his low social status, Vulca

​Every day, our guests at Riva Rialto watch the elegant black gondolas glide gracefully along the Grand Canal. They are the ultimate symbol of Venice, but very few people know that a gondola is actually a history book written in wood and metal. The most fascinating part is the ferro di prua—the shiny metal object at the front of the boat. ​A Map Made of Metal The ferro isn't just for balance or decoration; it is a visual map of the Venetian Republic. ​The S-Shape: The main, e

​When looking out at the Venetian Lagoon from Riva Rialto, the water seems peaceful, hiding centuries of secrets beneath its shimmering surface. If you venture north towards the island of Torcello, you will find a place where time stands still. But beneath the nearby waters lies Ammiana, a once-thriving Roman city that completely vanished centuries ago, swallowed by the rising tides and shifting mud. ​The Echoes in the Fog Ammiana was rich with churches, monasteries, and gran