The layers of history are one of the most fascinating aspects of destinations. And there are few places in the world like it Venice I am able to make tangible what was history and now lives another life, or a similar but evolved life.
It is the imaginative dimension that you experience upon entering Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a 7000 square meter space full of fashion and accessory boutiques, watches and jewellery, cosmetics and perfumes, quality craftsmanship, food excellence and home design. The first DFS flagship address in Europe it in fact allows a leap backwards and forwards, simultaneously, into history and modernity.
The building in its current dimensions dates back to 1508, but a smaller structure already called Fondaco dei Tedeschi and used for commercial exchanges had already existed since 1222/1225. Frescoed by Titian and Giorgione, in the 1930s the structure a few steps from the Rialto Bridge was used as a post office, enriched among other things by a fresco by Giuseppe Santomaso.
Then, in 2010, a visionary renovation project designed by the Dutch architect and urban planner Rem Koolhaas of the OMA studio has brought the Fondaco back to its original role, a place of exchange and commerce, opening the doors to an imaginative experience that goes beyond the pure commercial impact.
The Fondaco is ancient and modern, it is living history and a luxury experience, it is the discovery of unexpected art treasures and a terrace with few equals in Venice, it is the imaginative ability to create a world.
The restoration operation aimed to keep intact the main characteristics of the sixteenth-century Venetian architecture, the reinforced concrete of the 1930s and the exposed brick, on a space divided into 4 floors.
Among the highlights of the structure, a 24-hour clock with a diameter of two meters from 1571, various marble plaques, including the one placed and still visible on the facade depicting two cherubs, an eagle and the writing GERMANICIS D(icatum), a capital near the water gate indicating the ancient office of Venetian officials, over 183 signs distributed among columns, windows, walls and external facades, left by the merchants who operated at the Fondaco: games, symbols of identity, initials and monograms, a fireplace in marble.
And as new introductions, design pieces such as tables sculpted by a computerized arm and reproducing the shapes of Renaissance drapery, brass as a decorative element, furnishings by the French architect and designer Philippe Starck.
The structure also has an additional area dedicated to the city, the Fondaco Pavilion, where important contemporary art exhibitions and events are hosted in collaboration with some of the most representative realities of Venetian cultural life. Book presentations, concerts, performances and talks involve an increasingly numerous and passionate audience from all over the world, thus making the Fondaco dei Tedeschi an important cultural hub for the city of Venice.
From the Pavilion you move on to the terrace, accessible to all upon reservation, which allows a unique view of the Grand Canal and Rialto.
The experience
Customers can access a Prestige Lounge where they can enjoy a relaxing break while shopping, and which also becomes the scene of possible ultra-personalized shopping experiences.
Furthermore, thel Fondaco makes available its Client Advisors for an individual armochromy session, Fragrance Experts, who will lead the customer on a real emotional journey, personal shoppers for a styling consultancy, a make up service and a consultancy service personalized for the purchase of watches and jewellery.
The services are free, upon reservation with the Fondaco concierges.
Tags: Fondaco dei Tedeschi imaginative shopping Venice gallery
