The "Altane"These are structures located above the rooftops of Venice.
These elements, typical of the city's architecture, form wooden terraces supported by pillars.
With it, you can stand on a church steeple or the roof of a building.
All you have to do is look up to see the most beautiful streets in Venice.
Together, let's discover the places from which you can see the city.
Altane: article summary
L'Altane: an improvised terrace
The "altana" is not, however, a real terrace. The structure consists of a plank platform exposed to the sun and wind, resting on the roof. It rests on small pillars, with perhaps one side leaning against the attic through which you can exit.
Make sure you don't hit your head when entering the terrace. The doors are quite low and it's possible that you could hurt yourself trying to reach the terrace.
In a city where the urban structure is formed by a maze of narrow, often shady streets, the main function of the Altane was also to reach sunny, airy areas where you could dry clothes or simply soak up the sun.
Improvised period hair salons
During the Venetian Republic, Venetian women used to bleach their hair while sitting on the altane. To do this, they used a dye called Bionda (Blonde) or Acqua di Gioventù (Water of Youth), which had to be spread on the hair and dried in the sun.
The treatment had to be carried out in several layers. This meant long hours in the sun to achieve the desired discoloration. In warmer weather, the women wore a "schiavoneto", a white silk scarf draped over their shoulders, and a "solana", a straw hat with a white band. a hole in the central crown through which they passed their wet hair.
These scenes of life were described in 1865 in a French book about this fashion. The book is entitled "Les femmes blondes selon les Peintres de l'école de Venise", by Armand Baschet and Feuillet de Conches.
The Altane in modern Venice
The roof terrace is not a place where you'll find plants or parasols. It's also a place I wouldn't recommend for people who suffer from vertigo! However, on this traditional terrace, you'll generally enjoy a breath of wind, a little light and, above all a magnificent view of the city.
Two places not to be missed
If you'd like to try your hand at the views offered by Altane, I recommend you visit one of these two locations. Very accessible, you'll find a magnificent view from a high point in the city.
The Altane at Osteria di Mare
Between the San Zaccaria and Riva degli Schiavoni, on the San Marco basin, is a small hotel, recently renovated, where interior design blends perfectly with Venetian style. It's the Hotel Paganelli (The Collectors), overlooking the island of San Giorgio and the gondolas of San Marco.
Here, two panoramic points offer incredible views: San Giorgio's rooftop terrace, ideal for relaxing, perhaps sipping a drink, and the Altana Redentore for exclusive dinners served by partner restaurant Sestante-Osteria di Mare, a young restaurant with a strong identity where dishes are mainly composed of local and seasonal raw materials, including typical seafood from the lagoon area, oysters, shellfish and reinterpretations of the great classics of Venetian cuisine.
The Altane at Venice's Splendid
In the heart of the city, a stone's throw from the RialtoYou arrive at the Hotel Splendid Venice and its "water gate" on the Rio dei Baretteri. The location is central and quiet, almost hidden from view despite its proximity to San Marco. Here, you can really climb onto the roofs of an unusual and authentic Venice.
The Altana Solana houses a lounge bar with tables and lounges from which you can see a magnificent tangle of ancient houses, bell towers (including that of San Marco), windows and other terraces. Looking down, on the other hand, the rivers and bridges crossed by the tourists and gondoliers will complete the view.
Spending some time on an Altane in Venice is a must if you're visiting the city. If you follow the signs, you'll find two of the city's most beautiful spots. Enough to make your vacation an exceptional moment.
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