Visit Fondaco-dei-Tedeschi, Venice
The Fondaco-dei-Tedeschi is situated next to the Rialto bridge on the Grand Canal. It is housed in one of Venice's historic buildings.
Explore the Fondaco-dei-Tedeschi
Italy This Way review: The Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a historic building converted into a luxury store and worth a visit both to see the stylish interior and its rooftop terrace with views over the Grand Canal.
The Fondaco-dei-Tedeschi in Venice is an upmarket store and part of the DFS group. It is housed in a historic Venetian building and is decorated in a very stylish and contemporary manor.
The DFS group are luxury retailers and their collection includes over 750 brands and you can find high-end fashion and accessories, beauty products and gifts and food.
However even if you are not planning on shopping it is worth visiting the Fondaco-dei-Tedeschi to admire the stylish decor. The Fondaco also has another important reason to visit- it has a roof terrace on the fourth floor.
The roof terrace has great views over the Grand Canal and the Rialto bridge and is a great spot to enjoy views of the canal and the beautiful Venetian buildings from a higher viewpoint and to take some great photos.
Spaces on the terrace are limited and if you want to visit you must book a ticket online. Visits are limited to 15 minutes and you must book a precise time slot. The visits are totally free of charge.
Tickets can be booked online from 21 days before your visit. Access to the terrace is via stairs or a lift.
The Fondaco-dei-Tadeschi translates to "warehouse of the Germans" and was once the warehouse and headquarters of the German merchants in the city. It also included some accommodation.
It was built in 1228 but had to be rebuilt in the begining of the 16th century following a fire. It was built in Italian Renaissance style and has four floors surrounding an inner courtyard.
Boats could access the ground floor which was used for storage. The first floor contained offices and some living accommodation was at the top. The German merchants were a wealthy group and the Fondaco dei Tadeschi was an important trading centre.
In the 20th century the building became the Venice headquarters of the postal service and in 2008 it was sold to the Benetton group who with the help of Rem Koolhaas turned it into a shopping centre. This work was begun in 2013.
Rem added a lot of brass features to the stone and cement building. Brass is used in the windows and the decorative elements as well as the parapet of the roof terrace.
In 2016 the Fondaco dei Tadeschi opened to the public and became the first DFS store in Europe.
Attractions nearby
Where to begin? The whole of Venice is sublime and wandering the canals and alleys is a huge pleasure. Particularly noteworthy are the Grand Canal, Saint Mark's Square, Saint Mark's Basilica, the Doge's palace, the Rialto Bridge.
If you have time visit the Scala Contarini del Bovolo spiral staircase, the Academy of Art, the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum Correr. Venice Lido is not amazing but if you want some beach time it is easy to get to.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Venice guide and the Venice-Veneto guide.
Photos of Fondaco-dei-Tedeschi, Venice
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Map of Fondaco-dei-Tedeschi, Venice and places to visit
Fondaco-dei-Tedeschi, Venice places to visit
The Rialto Bridge, Venice
The Rialto bridge is one of the iconic sights of Venice
The Rialto Bridge, Venice guide
Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Venice
Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a 15th century palace in the renaissance style and with a spiral staircase, in the San Marco district of Venice
Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Venice guide
Museo Correr, Venice
The Museo Correr has a collection of sculptures and items related to Venice housed in the sumptuous rooms of the Napoleonic wing on Saint Mark's Square.
Museo Correr, Venice guide
Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice
Saint Mark's Basilica is the stunning cathedral church of Venice which sits on Saint Mark's Square and inside houses magnificent Byzantine mosaics.
Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice guide
Saint Mark's Campanile, Venice
Saint Mark's Campanile is one of the iconic buildings of Saint Mark's Square and a visit to the top offers great views over Venice.
Saint Mark's Campanile, Venice guide
The Doge's Palace, Venice
The Doge's Palace on Saint Mark's Square in Venice is a beautiful Gothic and Renaissance building with lavishly painted rooms inside.
The Doge's Palace, Venice guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Venice-Veneto
