Saturday, July 19th: the return of Venice’s “Notte famosissima”
The Festa del Redentore is one of Venice’s most cherished traditions—a celebration where solemn devotion meets collective joy. On Saturday night, St. Mark’s Basin turns into a stage on water: thousands gather to watch fireworks explode above the lagoon, reflected in its dark surface in a spectacle that’s truly one of a kind.
The origins of the festival date back to one of the most dramatic chapters in Venetian history. Between 1575 and 1577, a devastating outbreak of plague swept through the city, claiming tens of thousands of lives, over a third of the population, according to some accounts. In the face of such tragedy, the Venetian Senate turned to faith and vowed to build a church dedicated to the Redeemer, as a sign of gratitude once the epidemic had passed.
In 1577, with the danger finally over, the first stone of the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer was laid on the island of Giudecca. The design was entrusted to Andrea Palladio. From the very beginning, it was decided that every year, on the third Sunday of July, the Doge and city officials would cross a temporary bridge built over the water to reach the church in a solemn procession, renewing the vow made during one of the darkest moments in the city’s history.
Over the centuries, that religious procession has evolved into a beloved popular celebration—treasured by Venetians and now known around the world. The tradition of the votive bridge remains unchanged, as does the custom of gathering by boat or along the waterfront to watch the fireworks light up the night sky. Yet at the heart of it all lies something deeper: a shared sense of belonging, gratitude, and remembrance that makes Redentore one of the most meaningful and enduring traditions in Venetian culture.
Experiencing the Festival Today
From Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere in the city begins to shift. Boats start to fill St. Mark’s Basin, decked out with candles, string lights and elegantly set tables. On land, the waterfronts gradually come alive with families, groups of friends and curious onlookers, all waiting for the brightest night of the Venetian summer.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, there are several options. You can book a dinner at one of the palaces overlooking the lagoon, often with rooftop terraces offering a front-row seat to the fireworks. Some historic hotels and private venues host elegant soirées with dinner and entertainment. Another popular choice is to join one of the boat parties cruising the lagoon, or rent a private water taxi to watch the show directly from the heart of the basin, surrounded by the reflections of light and water.
For those who prefer to stay on land, some of the best viewing spots include the Zattere, Riva degli Schiavoni, and the Giudecca. And for guests staying in an apartment with a rooftop terrace (altana), watching the fireworks from the privacy of your own rooftop can be a truly special experience.
In the afternoon, the traditional votive bridge opens, a floating walkway that connects the Zattere to the island of Giudecca, allowing visitors to reach the Church of the Redeemer on foot. Walking across it before sunset has become something of a ritual, a symbolic gesture that many choose to experience at least once.
At exactly 11:30 p.m., the fireworks begin. The display lasts around 40 minutes and lights up the sky above San Giorgio, Punta della Dogana, the Giudecca, and the entire basin. It’s one of those rare moments when Venice seems to pause, and offer the very best of itself.
Reserve Your Lagoon-Front Spot
To watch the fireworks from the waterfront, with access to reserved areas and an unobstructed view, you can book a spot on land (in the Giudecca, Zattere, or San Marco sectors) through the official Venezia Unica website:
We recommend our guests make a reservation as soon as bookings open for non-residents (starting July 10th), to secure the best possible viewing spot.
Experience Redentore with The Red House Company
Staying in Venice during Redentore night is something you won’t soon forget. The city fills with lights, music, voices, every corner seems to buzz with anticipation. But there’s an even more special way to experience the celebration: from home. From your own Venetian home, with the freedom to choose where to go, when to step out, or simply where to watch it all unfold.
Some of our apartments are perfectly located for enjoying the evening without any stress. Casa Golena, for example, is just steps away from the votive bridge that connects the Zattere to the Giudecca. Step outside, and you’re immediately immersed in the atmosphere of the celebration. The Church of the Redentore is just a short walk away, making it easy to join the procession and take part in the tradition as the locals do.
For those looking for a quieter experience, one of the Ca’ Barbarina apartments, near the Biennale Gardens might be the perfect choice. From the nearby Sant’Elena gardens, you can enjoy a wide, open view of the lagoon and watch the fireworks without the need for a reservation. There’s space to breathe, a calm atmosphere, and a unique, beautiful perspective on the Redentore that feels truly local.
For those dreaming of a more elevated and private view, Lion 4 features a traditional altana, a rooftop terrace from which you can see the highest bursts of the fireworks. Climbing up at night, opening a bottle of wine, and watching the show unfold with the city glowing all around you is the kind of experience that stays with you.
Finally, The Arsenal Large, is located just a short walk from Riva degli Schiavoni, one of the most scenic spots to watch the fireworks reflected on the water. After the show, there’s no need to navigate crowds or travel far. You’re already home.
If you’re planning to be in Venice for Redentore, feel free to get in touch. We’ll be happy to help you choose the right apartment and, if you like, share a few tips on how to make the most of this truly “famous” night.
And the Day After…
The Redentore festivities don’t end with the fireworks. Sunday brings a slower pace and a chance to experience a different side of the city. One of the most unique opportunities is the votive bridge, which remains open until midnight. It’s the only time of year you can walk to the island of Giudecca without boarding a vaporetto, a peaceful and unusual stroll across the water, ideal for discovering a quieter, more authentic corner of Venice.
On Sunday, July 20, the Giudecca Canal hosts the traditional Redentore regattas, a highlight of the weekend:
- • 4:00 p.m. – Junior regatta on two-oared pupparini
- • 4:45 p.m. – Regatta on two-oared pupparini
- • 5:30 p.m. – Regatta on two-oared gondolas
It’s a wonderful chance to watch Venetian rowers in action and take in the energy of a tradition that’s been alive for centuries.
At 7:00 p.m., a solemn votive Mass is celebrated at the Church of the Redentore by the Patriarch of Venice, Francesco Moraglia. It’s a moment of quiet reflection that brings the celebration full circle, reconnecting with the event’s original meaning.
For those who choose to stay in the city on Sunday, it’s the perfect time to slow down. The early morning brings a quiet, almost suspended atmosphere—an unhurried awakening after a night of lights and celebration. With fewer crowds in the calli and a sense of calm returning to the lagoon, it’s a beautiful way to experience Venice at her most intimate.
