Page 130 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

128  NOR THEAST IT AL Y

Shopping in Venice has revived traditional mask-
making. Near Campo San Polo,
The attractive shop windows that line the narrow streets of Tragicomica sells masks and
Venice are an irresistible attraction for any visitor. Myriad fashion costumes, as well as commèdia
brands are available in gleaming ultra-modern stores, but the dell’arte figures. You will also
city also has a strong artisan tradition. Expert craftspeople in find these at Leon d’Oro, where
they make string puppets too.
tiny workshops open to the public create delightful and highly Ca’ Macana has a great
original objects in glass, wood, leather and papier-mâché. collection of eye-catching
Skilled hands transform coloured glass rods into miniature masks. You can even participate
animals and flowers, while plaster moulds turn out shapes in a mask-making workshop.
destined to become ornate masks. Interior-design establishments Down a winding street in
Cannaregio, the husband-and-
also abound, and sleek kitchenware and fabrics make unusual wife team at Il Pirata make
purchases. Beautiful boutiques offering antique furniture and papier-mâché masks in their
accessories are concentrated in the city centre. store. Courses are available in
the decoration and history of
Venetian masks.
Where to Shop Glass
The glittering Mercerie, which The island of Murano is a Jewellery
runs from Piazza San Marco to good place to watch expert
the Rialto, has been Venice’s glass-blowing. However, for Nardi, located in the arcades
main shopping street since the contemporary glass creations of Piazza San Marco, crafts an
Middle Ages and, along with the head back to Venice, around San exquisite brooch with a moor’s
fashion avenue Calle Larga XXII Marco – try Venini’s showroom head, among other things.
Marzo, is still a draw for the for stunning platters and huge A short distance away are the
crowds. The zigzagging Frezzeria vases, and L’Isola for Carlo sparkling premises of Bulgari,
is full of unusual shops, while Moretti’s tumblers in rich colours. while Cartier, with its beautiful
across the Grand Canal the The art of bead-making is collection of watches, can be
narrow streets from the Rialto flourishing thanks to sisters found along the nearby Merce-
southwest towards Campo Marina e Susanna Sent’s simple, rie. Shops on the Rialto Bridge
San Polo are lined with a variety irresistible necklaces. At Perle e sell cheaper designs; this is a
of less expensive stores. The Dintorni, customers can sort good place to find bracelets
bustling Lista di Spagna, near through an astonishing range of and chains, the prices of which
the station, and the Strada Nova, beautiful glass beads and create are determined by the weight
towards the Rialto, cater for the their own costume jewellery. of the gold. Over the bridge,
everyday needs of the locals. under the arcades of the ancient
The islands of Murano and Clothing and Accessories goldsmiths’ district, is Attombri –
Burano are the places to buy two brothers who design
traditional glass and lace. Mango, near the train station, unusual jewellery from antique
has reasonably priced fun gear Murano glass beads.
for the young set. Nearby is
Food and Markets Benetton’s megastore, with
One of the delights of Venice is its trademark bright clothes, Fabrics and
Interior Design
exploring the city’s food markets while, opposite, Max Mara has
and shops. Fruit and vegetable superlative womenswear. Other Venice is famed for fine silks and
stalls sprawl to the west of the leading names in fashion – velvets and sumptuous brocades,
Rialto Bridge and along the Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Missoni many of which are still sold at
Grand Canal. The Pescheria, or and Gucci – also have stylish Trois, close to the Gritti Palace
fish market, occupies the furthest shops around Piazza San Marco. hotel. On the Grand Canal, at
section. The neighbouring Just off San Lio, Giovanna Sant’Angelo, Rubelli is fabric
streets are full of gourmet food Zanella can be found at her heaven, with a wide range of
shops. Wine, olive oil, vinegar cobbler’s bench crafting zany designs and rich upholstery.
and grappa in decorative shoes and sandals. Her amazing More down-to-earth but good-
bottles, as well as dried pasta range even includes eye- quality household linen and
in many shapes, colours and catching gondola decorations. brilliantly coloured bath
flavours, are all good purchases. accessories are sold at TSL, which
Aliani’s cheese shop offers Masks and Costumes has several stores around town.
a mouthwatering selection of For original kitchen items,
picnic fare, while Drogheria Mass-produced Carnival masks the choice at Domus is hard
Mascari has a fine range of can be found all over the city, to beat; or head to Il Canape,
dried fruit, coffee and alcohol. but a genuine one makes for on Calle San Pantalon, for
Rizzo, on the other side of the a wonderful souvenir. With its fabulous fabrics and interior
bridge, is a master pasta-maker. striking designs, Papier Mâché design pieces.

128-129_EW_Italy.indd 128 4/4/17 5:32 PM
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