Venice Talks

Venice Talks is your go-to resource whether you're planning a vacation or simply captivated by its mystery and history. Expect insider tips, weekly insights, and engaging conversations that bring the Venetian people, their lives, and their struggles to the forefront.

Recent Episodes

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Oct. 29, 2026

S4 Ep.20 - A Caccia con Filippo: The Ultimate Venice Treasure Hunt

What if the best way to experience Venice was to turn the entire city into a treasure hunt, while also making a difference for a good cause? In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato welcomes Simone Pavlovich, the creative mind behind A Caccia con Filippo, a project that transforms Venice's streets, bridges and hidden corners into an exciting adventure filled with clues, discoveries and unexpected stories. Venice is a city where every detail has a story to tell, but how often do we actu

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Oct. 22, 2026

S4 Ep.19 - How to Explore Art in Venice with Venice Art In

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Regina Maksimova and Alexandra Zagrebelnaia, the team behind Venice Art Insider, a platform created to help people discover and understand the extraordinary art world of Venice. From historic masterpieces and museums to foundations, galleries, independent spaces and the Biennale, Venice Art Insider looks at the city as one vast cultural landscape. Regina and Alexandra explain how they select what to feature, how they build curated routes an

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Oct. 15, 2026

S4 Ep.18 - Inside Venice Noir: Crime Writing Comes to Venice

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Gregory Dowling, Philip Gwynne Jones and David Hewson, the three writers behind Venice Noir, Venice’s international festival dedicated to crime writing, noir and the darker side of storytelling. What began as an ambitious literary idea has grown into a distinctive festival bringing together Italian and international authors, historians, journalists and readers in the heart of Venice. We talk about how Venice Noir has evolved, how the progr

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Oct. 8, 2026

S4 Ep.17 - The Forgotten Women of Venice with History of Venice Podcast

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica speaks with Simon and Jess from The History of Venice Podcast about the women who lived, worked and helped shape Venice across the centuries. Moving beyond the better-known stories of noblewomen and courtesans, the conversation explores what everyday life was really like for Venetian women from different levels of society. From work and family life to money, independence, marriage and social expectations, Simon and Jess bring to light the stories of women

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Aug. 20, 2026

S4 Ep.16 - The Drinking Culture of Venice - A chat with Susan L. Schwartz

n this episode of Venice Talks, Monica speaks with drinks writer, podcaster and author Susan L. Schwartz about her new book, A Guide to Drinking in Venice. Venice is a city where drinking is never just about what is in the glass. It is about ritual, place, history and the people behind the bar. Susan takes us through the research and stories behind the book, from traditional bacari and Venetian drinking habits to cocktails, wine, coffee and the changing bar scene of the city. We also talk abou

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Aug. 13, 2026

S4 Ep.15 - Uncovering the Real History of Venice with Simon & Jess from History of Venice Podcast

What happens when two history lovers decide to tell the story of Venice from the very beginning? In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica Cesarato is joined by Simon and Jess, the creators and hosts of The History of Venice Podcast, a chronological journey through the people, politics, conflicts and extraordinary events that shaped the Venetian Republic. Simon and Jess share how their mutual fascination with Venice inspired them to begin the podcast, and what it is like to research, write and p

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About the Host

Monica Cesarato

Host

Hello, I'm Monica Cesarato, a proud native of Venice, Italy, deeply rooted in the vibrant culinary and cultural tapestry of my homeland.

As a Food and Travel blogger, I embark on a journey through the alleys of Venice, the countryside of Veneto, and the expansive landscapes of Italy, sharing the stories of flavors, traditions, and hidden gems that define each region.

Since 2008, my blog has been a cherished platform where I delve into the intricacies of Venetian life, uncovering cultural nuances, and spotlighting craftsmen, and artisans. In addition, my podcast, Venice Talks, serves as an auditory voyage through the soul of Venice.

In the bustling culinary scene of Venice, I'm an active participant, collaborating with esteemed personalities such as Alex Polizzi and Eugene Levy, sharing insights and experiences that enrich the narrative of Italian cuisine.

Beyond blogging and podcasting, I wear many hats - from conducting cooking classes to leading food and wine tours, critiquing restaurants, and now, proudly, as an author. My latest work, "Andar per Bacari," now available in English, offers a glimpse into the unique concepts, flavors, and traditions of Venice.

Join me in exploring the energetic world of Venetian cuisine, where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a journey through time and tradition. Buon Appetito