Parco Savorgnan Garden

Parco Savorgnan, public garden in the Cannaregio district

Parco Savorgnan is a public green space in the historic centre of Venice. It extends across Cannaregio, behind Palazzo Savorgnan, not far from Santa Lucia railway station. Its area, around 9,500 m² according to the City's tourist office, makes it a welcome refuge in a dense neighbourhood where lawns are rare.

The palace, dating from the late 17th century, was built for the Savorgnan family to a design attributed to Giuseppe Sardi, although the attribution is not entirely established. Damaged by a fire in 1788, it passed to the Galvagna family in 1826. It later housed a girls' college and then, in the 20th century, the Province of Venice; today it houses the Francesco Algarotti technical institute for tourism.

The garden behind the palace was remodelled in the 19th century. It was first redesigned in 1802 by Pietro Checchia, then laid out in the English garden style by Baron Galvagna. Joined with the garden of the neighbouring palace, it now forms a public park.

What you'll find

The atmosphere is that of a neighbourhood garden: shaded paths, large trees, lawns where children can run and, according to the City, benches, drinking fountains, a children's playground and outdoor fitness equipment. There is no monument to visit and no attraction: the point is to take a breather, away from the crowds on the main routes.

The palace, occupied by a school, is not open to visitors: people come here for the garden, which is a reminder that a Venetian patrician residence could have its own park behind its street façade.