Giardini Reali Garden

Giardini Reali, a Napoleonic garden on the edge of St. Mark's Basin

Between St. Mark's Square and the basin, the Giardini Reali (Royal Gardens) occupy some 5,000 m² in an area that was once very different. Until the beginning of the 19th century, the Granai di Terranova stood here, vast medieval public granaries where the Republic notably stored grain reserves. Their demolition accompanied the Napoleonic transformation of the district: in 1807, the New Procuratie were assigned to the new Royal Palace and a garden was laid out behind them, facing St. Mark's Basin.

After the fall of Napoleon and the return of Venice under Austrian domination, the garden was completed and transformed. The architect Lorenzo Santi notably created the neoclassical pavilion now called the Cafehaus, built in 1816-1817, as well as structures related to the greenhouses. During the 19th century, the long iron and cast-iron pergola and the drawbridge directly connecting the garden to the Royal Palace also appeared.

Today restored, this green space remains modest on the scale of a park, but precious in an almost entirely mineral district. Under the trees and the large pergola covered with climbing plants, pathways, flowerbeds, and benches form a surprisingly calm interlude a few dozen meters from one of the most visited squares in Europe. The proximity of the basin also offers views of San Giorgio Maggiore and quick access to the Molo.

The Cafehaus by Lorenzo Santi recalls the function originally linked to the court of these gardens, designed as a green dependency of the Royal Palace. Their use then gradually evolved: some areas were opened to the public in the 19th century, before the whole garden became accessible in 1920. Their recent restoration has recovered this dual identity, both a historic garden and a true public space in the heart of San Marco.

Sources and further information

Venice Gardens Foundation - History of the Giardini Reali ; Venice Gardens Foundation - Opening hours and practical information ; Venezia Unica - Giardini Reali di Venezia.