Impossibly picturesque, the canals of Castello abut lush park spaces and churches dating back to the 1200s. Locals’ laundry drapes over the clotheslines that crisscross this central neighborhood’s floating roads, and the sight of undershirts baking in the sun only adds to its enchantment. Despite the crowds of St. Mark’s Square being minutes away, a general calm fills the air amongst Castello’s boat ramps, naval bastions, and tiny bookshops.
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The community says:
A Sense of Serenity Minutes Away from the Heart of Venice
The kind of neighbourhood where it's easy to meet Venetians, Castello's provincial ambiance contributes to its rustic allure.
Although it's part of central Venice, Castello manages to feel miles away from the crowds of San Marco.
Here, vaporettos glide and people listen.
Here, public squares like Santa Maria Formosa get back to the basics–its small banks, bakeries, bookshops, and meat markets provide locals with all they need.
Castello's calm is punctuated with the lively chatter of sightseers walking through Riva Degli Schiavoni, the busy avenue that connects St. Mark's Square to Venice's Biennale Gardens.
The Riva winds through Venetian homes before snaking along Castello's waterfront.
As you return to the core of Castello, you'll find yourself amid the fabric of everyday Venetian life.
Castello keeps it simple.
It's best like that.
The Local Flavours of Castello
Despite its location in one of the world's most touristed cities, Castello feels decidedly local.
Bakeries, cafes, and wine shops serve Castello's residents.
Markets float on boats.
Flowers peek from sidewalk stalls.
Bookshops welcome the intrepid reader.
Even Castello's cats exude perfect poise.
Powerful Architecture In Castello
Castello holds the entrance to the Venetian Arsenal, a complex of 12th century shipyards and armories. Its brick pillars have remained unchanged since their construction.
Historic churches like Santa Maria Formosa commingle with the city's largest hospital.
The neighbourhood's agrestic facades contrast with the 60s-era buildings along its eastern edge.
Botanic Enchantment: Castello's Biennale Gardens
Created by Napoleon Bonaparte, Castello's Biennale Gardens host Venice's biannual Biennale Art Festival.
The gardens incorporate thirty permanent pavilions. Built by world-renowned architects, the structures showcase artwork from foreign nations during the Biennale.
One part seedling incubator, one part cafe, and one part exhibition space, the Biennale Garden greenhouse is rooted to the success of the park.
Castello's tranquil nature attracts residents and visitors seeking some calm away from Venice's crowds.
In the summer, Castello becomes a little more crowded itself.
Close to Lido, the neighbourhood anchors itself to Venice's thriving seaside beach scene.
Photography
Airbnb works with local photographers to capture the spirit of neighbourhoods all around the world. The photography on this page includes work by:
Luca Girardini
Luca Girardini is a freelance photographer based in Venice, Italy. He turned to photography after studying architecture at university and specialises in architectural and interior design photography. His personal work explores the contemporary landscape. Luca photographed Venice for Airbnb and set out to capture the real Venice he knows rather than its tourist persona.