As summer fades into autumn and the buzzing tourist season in Venice lulls, a peaceful ambiance washes over the floating city. The air is crisp and skies an expansive blue, the perfect climate to appreciate the magnificence of Venice’s churches, museums, and markets.
Dressed in museum-quality treasures and located within a 16th-century palazzo, one of the city’s most significant buildings, in the heart of the San Polo district, Aman Venice is a fitting and ideally located destination for guests wanting to discover Venice’s many cultural attractions and celebrations this autumn.
Venice flourishes through the seasons with art exhibitions, stunning architecture and religious rituals, but on 21 November, one of the city’s most magical but under-the-radar Venetian festivals takes place – the Festa della Salute. The festival coaxes the city’s inhabitants across a specifically constructed bridge to the main alter of the Santa Maria della Salute basilica to give thanks to the Virgin Mary. Guests visiting Venice during this time can experience the sincere and heartfelt atmosphere of this symbolic event, which demonstrates the history and tradition behind the city’s continued strong ties with the Madonna even to this day.
Art aficionados have visited Venice for centuries to immerse themselves in the unique beauty of the city and its appreciation of culture and art. This year, for the first time in its history, the acclaimed Pinault Museum will remain open in December, continuing the collective exhibition ‘Dancing with Myself’ curated by Martin Bethenod and Florian Ebner. Held at Punta Della Dogana, the exhibition is dedicated to the importance of self- representation in art, from the 1970’s to today, and runs until the 16 December. The Pinault Collection is also showcasing a monographic exhibition, dedicated to German artist Albert Oehlen, entitled ‘Cows by the Water’, running until the beginning of June 2019 at Palazzo Grassi.
Continuing the city’s love affair with architecture, it is currently host to its 16th International Architectural Biennale, curated this year to showcase a sense of humanity and focusing on the quality of space at the heart of architecture, entitled ‘Freespace’ visitors can view stunning architectural installations until 25 November. For the first time, the Vatican City is represented at the Biennale, with the ‘Vatican Pavilion Chapel’, in the form of ten temporary chapels, each uniquely designed by different architects including Sir Norman Foster’s practice.
Aman Venice has 24 rooms, all unique in layout and designed to tell their own individual story. The architectural features and décor inside the rooms include frescoes by the great 18th century painter Tiepolo who once lived in the palazzo, reliefs and chandeliers, reflecting the rich history behind Venice’s evolving artwork and architecture. After a day exploring, guests of Aman Venice can immerse themselves in the classical beauty of the palazzo whether they choose to retreat to their rooms, the discreet spa, the library, the waterside garden – one of the very few private gardens on the canal in Venice, the bar or dining rooms.
After a day spent exploring the Grand Canal, guests can retreat and enjoy a blend of signature Venetian and Eastern influenced therapies.
This autumn gourmands visiting Aman Venice can discover the local Venetian cuisine with an outing to the local Rialto market to learn about signature Venetian ingredients and how to use them, or join a special evening with Michelin starred chef Davide Oldani, consultant chef at Aman Venice’s Arva restaurant. Held once a quarter and previously held on October 15th, Davide mingles amongst diners, explaining the inspiration behind his signature dishes. Food is always a communal celebration at Aman Venice, with live music accompanying dinner every Friday and Sunday brunches, which are legendary. Signature brunch dishes include Lobster Benedict and Scrambled Eggs with Crab are served until 4pm.
The spa, hidden away on the mezzanine, is a sanctuary for relaxation and revival. After a day spent exploring the Grand Canal, guests can retreat and enjoy a blend of signature Venetian and Eastern influenced therapies.
Taking a sojourn in Venice during autumn and winter allows for a slower pace, an intimate experience with a city where priceless art and iconic landmarks reveal themselves at every turn. Enjoy a private visit to the Doge’s Palace, wander through quiet, winding canals and return to the warm welcome of Aman Venice.
