Fondaco dei Tedeschi Terrace

In the San Marco sestiere, Fondaco dei Tedeschi Terrace overlooks the Canal Grande and stands as one of the landmark buildings of Venice. Fondaco derives from Arabic, and Venetian ‘fonteghi‘ were a hallmark of the golden age of the Serenissima, when this was one of the Mediterranean’s leading trading hubs. These buildings served as warehouses for foodstuffs brought by foreign merchants to be traded.

Today, Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a luxury department store attracting shoppers from around the world, showcasing the best local and regional craft through its striking architecture and refined interiors. The magnificent inner courtyard houses a cafe surrounded by polished marble, with design-led tables and chairs.

The building’s real crowning glory, however, is the panoramic terrace, offering an extraordinary perspective over Venice. Thanks to its prime location, Fondaco dei Tedeschi Terrace provides sweeping views across the city’s rooftops, and on clear days you can even make out the Lagoon islands. You can also spot the lighthouse on the island of Murano, the domes of the basilica di San Marco and its Campanile, and the Ponte di Rialto.

The panoramic views over the palazzi and canals from here are rare and unmissable, with many considering the panorama from the top the finest in the city. Despite the compact size of the terrace, its height and photogenic angles have made Fondaco dei Tedeschi Terrace a must for anyone eager to admire the Serenissima from above, perched atop one of the most spectacular buildings in the city.

If you are in Venice, Fondaco dei Tedeschi Terrace is an essential stop to take in the beautiful shops, the dining spaces and, above all, the wonderful terrace.

Photo credit @Matteo de Fina – Delfino Sisto Legnani – Marco Cappelletti