Originally a trading post for German merchants in the 13th century, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi now … [+]
This week sees the release of The Haunting in Venice, a Poirot thriller set in the titular canal city. Dozens of films have been shot in the tourist hotspot, many in some of the most frequented locations in the city including St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
But for set-jetting visitors—travelers who visit real-life film locations—there are a few hidden spots that feature in movies that you might not know of. Five-star hotel JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa has created a guide to the lesser-trod areas of the city that have graced the silver screen.
1. Fondaco Dei Tedeschi
Just a few minutes from St Mark’s Square, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi features in the hit historical drama The Merchant of Venice. The historic building is situated near Rialto Bridge along Venice’s Grand Canal.
Interior of Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice
Originally a trading post for German merchants in the 13th century, it now houses a luxury department store with a panoramic roof terrace. Its monumental arcaded interior and history of riches have made it a captivating choice for film productions.
2. Palazzo Pisani Moretta
Featured in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale, the Palazzo Pisani Moretta is an elegant salmon-pink 15th-century palace that exudes opulence, appropriately embodying the setting of a high-stakes casino.
Palazzo Pisani Moretta, Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
As well as the exterior, the film showcased various areas within the palazzo, including the grand entrance hall, the pastel-hued frescoes in the gambling rooms, and the sweeping staircase.
3. Campo San Barnaba
In the iconic action-adventure film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Campo San Barnaba square served as the backdrop for Harrison Ford’s character to embark on his search for the Holy Grail.
Fondamenta Giardini street and Campo san Barnaba.
In the film, Campo San Barnaba is transformed into a cacophonous marketplace. Today, it still has cafès whose tables and chairs spill out onto the pavement and the canal running alongside has a permanent floating fruit and vegetable stall.
4. Church Of San Nicolò Dei Mendicoli
This centuries-old church, located in the Dorsoduro district of Venice, featured prominently in the 1970s psychological thriller Don’t Look Now.
Venezia. Bridge and façade beyond the canal.
Throughout the film, the Church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli is used as a key setting for various pivotal scenes, with its Gothic architecture and candle-lit chapels giving a haunting sense of foreboding to the movie.
5. Sant’ Agnese Church
Also located in the Dorsoduro district, the Sant’ Agnese Church was used as a location in the 2010 romantic thriller The Tourist. Whilst the film featured many famous Venetian landmarks, it also included a number of lesser-known spots.
Chiesa di Sant’Agnese catholic church on Campo di Sant’Agnese square with trees alley in Venice … [+]
The interior of Sant’ Agnese Church was transformed into a lavish setting for a masquerade ball scene. The church’s elegantly simple architecture, adorned with religious iconography, served as a striking backdrop.
