Episodes

n this enchanting episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with the incomparable Antonia Sautter, a Venetian icon and creative force. From her intricate fashion designs to her visionary events, Antonia has become a symbol of Venice’s artistic spirit. Join us as we uncover the magic behind her world-renowned creations and her role as the founder of Il Ballo del Doge. Key Highlights: The Origins of Il Ballo del Doge: How Antonia transformed Venetian tradition into one of the world’s most exclusi...

Get ready to celebrate the holidays Venetian-style in this festive episode of Venice Talks! Monica takes you on a delightful journey through the flavors, traditions, and stories of Christmas in Venice, presenting a complete menu that’s sure to inspire your holiday table. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: A Full Venetian Christmas Menu: Monica shares traditional recipes from savory starters like Sarde in Saor to comforting pasta dishes like Bigoli in Salsa and ending with sweet treat...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Emanuele Dal Carlo, co-founder of Fair B&B, to discuss sustainable travel and its impact on local communities. 🌟 Key Highlights: How Fair B&B was born and the inspiration behind the platform How it stands apart from Airbnb with a focus on sustainability and fairness The mission to promote responsible tourism and benefit local communities How Fair B&B supports Venice and other cities What the future of sustainable travel could look like...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica interviews Luca Zaggia, a first researcher and professor from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse (IGG-CNR) in Italy. They explore the urgent environmental issues threatening the lagoon of Venice and discuss the critical steps needed to protect this fragile ecosystem. Key topics include: Human impacts on the lagoon's delicate balance. Rising sea levels and their consequences for Venice. Loss of sediment and threa...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Pieralvise Zorzi, a renowned Venetian journalist, writer, and historian, whose lineage is rooted in one of Venice’s oldest families. Together, they explore the rich history of Venice, its transformation over the centuries, and what it means to belong to a legacy that stretches back through time. Tune in for a conversation that bridges Venice’s past with its present. Key Points Discussed: Venice’s historical evolution: from a maritime republ...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica chats with Romena Brugnerotto and Susan Schwartz from Venice Cocktail Tours about their innovative new tours dedicated to Venice's rich cocktail and mixology scene. Together, they explore: Venetian Mixology: Discover the city's avant-garde cocktail scene with visits to trendy lounges and hotel bars, where mixologists blend local ingredients with modern techniques. Venetian Classics: Step back in time as you visit elegant, historic bars, tasting iconic Ve...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with David Hewson, a renowned British author known for his gripping mystery novels, to discuss the upcoming literary event, Venice Noir. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Venice, this one-day festival will take place in October 2024, bringing together fans of noir fiction and literary enthusiasts. Key Notes: Introduction to Venice Noir, a new literary festival launching in October 2024. Discussion on the significance of Venice as a setting...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Matteo Silverio from Rehub Glass to explore how they are revolutionizing the upcycling of Murano's non-recyclable glass waste. Rehub's innovative approach transforms discarded materials into stylish, sustainable, and custom-made solutions. Here’s what you’ll learn: Sustainability in Action: How Rehub gives new life to non-recyclable glass waste, reducing raw material use and CO2 emissions. 🌍♻️ A Blend of Tradition and Innovation: Discover...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica chats with Francesco Pannoli, the visionary behind Deep Blue, a company dedicated to organizing boat tours in the Venetian lagoon. Key highlights from the conversation include: - Sustainable Tourism: How to explore Venice in a way that respects its fragile environment and cultural heritage. - Beyond the City: Discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots in the Venetian lagoon that offer a unique perspective on the region. - Eco-Friendly Practices: Deep B...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica interviews Michela Bortolozzi to explore the inspiring mission of Relight Venice. They discuss: The Lost Art of Souvenirs: How mass tourism has diluted the meaning of traditional souvenirs in Venice and other cultural cities. Reviving Tradition: Michela’s vision to restore the true value of souvenirs by creating design objects that celebrate Venice’s rich artisanal heritage. Responsible Travel: The importance of making conscious choices when traveling a...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with the accomplished dancer and educator, Isabella Moro. As a founding member of the Danzastorie Association in Venice, Isabella brings a wealth of experience and passion for dance, theater, and education. Here are the key notes from their conversation: Show Kew Notes: - Isabella's journey from studying Modern Literature at the University of Cà Foscari to becoming a professional dancer. The influence of her academic background on her dance and...

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Claudio Vernier, President of Associazione Piazza San Marco. In this episode, they delve into the significance of Piazza San Marco and its crucial role in Venice's identity. Key Notes - Join Monica in an insightful conversation with Claudio Vernier, president of Associazione Piazza San Marco. - Explore the association's mission to enhance and protect the cultural and historical heritage of the Marciana area. - Learn about the...

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, host Monica engages in an enlightening conversation with the singer Sara Longo, as she shares her inspiring journey into becoming a singer and her artistic evolution over the years, offering listeners an intimate look into her artistic process and the passion driving her latest project. Key Notes: - Explore Sara Longo's journey into becoming a singer and her evolution as an artist. - Discover insights into her upcoming concert for Women for Freedom...

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, host Monica engages in an enlightening conversation with Elisabetta Barisoni, the distinguished director of Museo Ca' Pesaro in Venice. Together, they uncover the rich tapestry of history that has shaped the museum, explore the breadth and depth of its remarkable collection, discuss its pivotal role in the cultural landscape of Venice, and look ahead to its exciting future. Key Notes: The Fascinating History of Museo Ca' Pesaro: Discover the origins...

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Lorenzo di Castro, the esteemed director of the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica in Venice. Join us as we delve into the unique features and rich history of this prestigious institution, which has been a cornerstone of artistic expression and education since its founding in 1969. Key Points: Introduction to Lorenzo di Castro Background and role as the director of Scuola Internazionale di Grafica. History of the Scuola Establ...

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Luca Carnevali, the Wine Hospitality Manager at Venissa, the renowned wine resort in Venice. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Venissa, exploring its rich history, the unique Dorona grape, and the challenges of cultivating wine in the Venetian landscape. Key Notes: History of Venissa: Discover the origins and evolution of this iconic wine resort. Dorona Grape: Learn about the significance and role of the native...

In this enlightening episode of Venice Talks, Monica sits down with Warren Cairns, a distinguished research scientist from the Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP) of the Italian National Research Council. Together, they delve into the pressing issues of pollution and climate change affecting the iconic Venetian lagoon. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by this unique ecosystem and discover actionable steps we can take to mitigate these impacts. Key Notes: Introduction t...

Join Monica in a captivating conversation with Anna Campagnari, the talented artisan behind the vibrant Venetian flags adorning rowing clubs and historic events. In this episode of Venice Talks, we delve into the intricate process of flag creation, the significance of the iconic Regattas, and Anna's remarkable journey from rowing champion to flag painter. Discover the challenges faced in preserving tradition amidst modernity in Venice. Key Points: Anna Campagnari's role in preserving Venetian ...

Join me on this episode of Venice Talks as I delve into the hot topic of Venice's new entry tax. I uncover the objectives behind its implementation, exploring how it aims to manage tourism flow and preserve the city's delicate ecosystem. From discussing the costs involved to who is obligated to pay and who is exempt, I break down the nitty-gritty details. Additionally, I provide insights on the payment process, offering tips on how visitors can navigate this new fee seamlessly. Keynotes: Unvei...

Join Monica in a captivating conversation with Allison Zurfluh, co-founder of The Barena Association, as they delve into the mission and initiatives aimed at safeguarding the Northern Venetian Lagoon's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. In this episode of Venice Talks, discover the passion and dedication driving The Barena Association's commitment to long-term environmental and community wellbeing. Key Show Notes: Preservation Efforts: Explore the innovative sustainability projects imple...

Join host Monica as she engages in a dynamic conversation with Marco Contessa, a renowned Venetian photographer, as they unravel the intricacies of capturing Venice's essence through photography and literature. In this enlightening episode, they explore the challenges, inspirations, and revelations behind Marco's latest book, "I Love Venice," and their collaborative endeavor, "Andar per Isole," shedding light on the hidden narratives and visual splendors of Venice's diverse islands. Key Notes: ...

Join us on this captivating episode of Venice Talks as we delve into the rich history and cultural significance of Caffè Florian, nestled in the heart of Venice. Our special guest, Anna Rita Panebianco, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the storied past and evolving landscape of this iconic café. Key highlights from our conversation include: Uncovering the fascinating history of Caffè Florian, dating back to its founding in 1720. Exploring the integral role that the café has played in th...

In this episode of Venice Talks, Monica engages in a dynamic dialogue with Antonella Magaraggia, President of Ateneo Veneto, Venice's oldest cultural institute. Established in 1812, Ateneo Veneto has upheld its mission of social solidarity and cultural enrichment for over two centuries. Here are the key highlights: Historical Insights: Explore the fascinating history of Ateneo Veneto, tracing its origins and evolution as a hub for intellectual exchange and cultural exploration. Notable Figures...

Step into the enchanting world of Venetian tradition as Monica, your host on Venice Talks, sits down with Tobia Dall'Osto, a distinguished artisan from Tragicomica, a bastion of Venetian mask making heritage. Together, they embark on a journey through time, unraveling the captivating history of masks and the Venice Carnival. Delve deep into the significance of masks throughout the ages, from their humble beginnings to their prominent role in Venetian culture and society. Discover the secrets of...