Sestiere Castello
Giardini della Biennale
Napoleonic Gardens
Venice's first public gardens, now the heart of the Biennale art exhibition.
Giardini Biennale
www.labiennale.org
Additional resources
What makes it special
A first for Venice
Napoleon's creation of the park by draining an area of marshland marked the city's first public green space.
30 national pavilions
Today, these lush gardens serve as the central hub for the cultural exhibition Biennale, with permanent pavilions located inland, away from the lagoon. Access to this section is permitted with a valid ticket during the Biennale, but it is closed outside of the Biennale dates.
Waterfront greenery and views
The strip along the lagoon, extending toward Via Garibaldi, is always open to the public. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views over the entire San Marco Basin, with iconic landmarks fading into the distance across the water, and especially beautiful sunsets.
Recharge
Shade and benches offer the perfect opportunity to rest your weary feet after exploring Venice.
Discover more about Biennale Gardens through 11 photos with explanations.
Open galleryWhat to expect here
- Be in the heart of the Biennale if you're an art or architecture fan.
- Take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Enjoy relaxed gardens with stunning views over the city and lagoon.
Reach the gardens
Coming from Piazza San Marco, take a stroll along the full length of Riva degli Schiavoni.
If about 1 km feels too far, you can always hop on the waterbus and get off at the 'Giardini' stop.
Don't miss La Partigiana
Look near the waterfront for the haunting bronze statue of a lifeless woman, her hands still tied, commemorating the execution of Venetian partisans by the Nazis.
Resting on an irregular concrete base designed by Carlo Scarpa, it emerges and submerges with the tide.
Visit the Biennale
The Biennale is a premier global cultural event in Venice, alternating annually between the International Art Exhibition (even years) and the International Architecture Exhibition (odd years).
Running from late April to November, it offers the opportunity to visit the 30 national pavilions in the Giardini, each hosting a wide range of exhibitions.
Early-bird tickets are usually available until the end of March at a discounted price.
A little bit further
Since you've made it this far, just cross the Rio dei Giardini and you'll find another tranquil waterfront park.
Parco delle Rimembranze offers a taste of authentic Venetian life, along with plenty of greenery and shade.
And if you're traveling with younger kids, they'll enjoy the larger playground - it's one of the best-equipped in the city.
Your questions, answered
We've answered some of the most common questions about Biennale Gardens to help you plan your visit:
Are the gardens worth visiting outside of the Biennale?
Yes. Many visitors don't realize that trees are actually quite rare in Venice. Visiting a park like the Giardini, or the nearby Parco delle Rimembranze, is a great way to reconnect with nature. In summer, the shade is especially welcome, and the sunsets truly fabulous.
Can I visit the Giardini for free?
Yes. The public gardens along the waterfront are free to visit year-round. However, the fenced Biennale area and access to the pavilions require a ticket during the Biennale period (usually from late April to November). Some pavilion exteriors can still be seen from outside the ticketed area, for example the Russian pavilion with its interesting architecture.
What to see nearby
These top spots are just a short walk from Biennale Gardens:
tops 5 mins
Parco delle Rimembranze
15-25 min away
Naval History Museum
15-25 min away
Venetian Arsenal
20-30 min away
San Giorgio Maggiore
20-30 min away
Vivaldi Church
20-30 min away
Riva degli Schiavoni
20-30 min away
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