Venice Talks

In this special episode of Venice Talks , Monica sits down with journalist and CNN anchor Erica Hill, who recently hosted the powerful documentary Saving Venice as part of The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper . Together, they explore what it means to tell the story of a fragile, beloved city through an international lens. What happens when a global media giant turns its cameras on Venice? How does...

In this new episode of Venice Talks , Monica Cesarato steps aboard Il Nuovo Trionfo and speaks with Martino Rizzi , one of the founding members of the Compagnia della Marineria Tradizionale Il Nuovo Trionfo . Together, they recount the extraordinary story of Venice’s last great trabaccolo — a sturdy cargo boat of the Adriatic, lovingly restored to sail once more thanks to passion, perseverance, an...

In this episode of Venice Talks , Monica Cesarato sits down with Valeria Boncompagni , the creative force behind one of Venice’s most intimate and soulful jewelry ateliers. Nestled under the arcades of Piazza San Marco, Valeria's workshop is a sanctuary of emotion, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. A master of the ancient lost-wax casting technique , Valeria doesn't just design jewelry—she sculp...

In this captivating episode of Venice Talks , Monica sits down with internationally renowned artist Judi Harvest to explore the luminous, layered world she has built between Murano’s glass furnaces and Venice’s buzzing garden beehives. Judi shares how a brief trip to Venice decades ago became a lifelong journey — one that has shaped her art, her activism, and her sense of belonging. From collabora...

In this evocative episode of Venice Talks , Monica speaks to Laura Pritchard , a British-born artisan who swapped the foggy landscapes of the UK for the light and tides of Venice. Today, Laura is one of the few women working as a maestra d’ascia , a traditional boatbuilder shaping the iconic vessels of the lagoon with age-old tools and timeless care. Together, they talk about what it means to embr...

In this episode of Venice Talks , we sit down with Cesare Peris , president of the historic Società di Mutuo Soccorso fra Carpentieri e Calafati , a unique Venetian institution rooted in solidarity, shipbuilding, and memory. 🔑 In this episode, we explore: The fascinating origins and mission of one of Venice’s oldest mutual aid societies Who the carpentieri e calafati were, and their essential rol...

Join us on Venice Talks as we dive deep into the story behind NoCDA (No Contributo D’Accesso a Venezia) , the grassroots movement formed by Venetians standing against the controversial tourist access fee. In this episode, Monica interviews Alessandro Tonin , the creator of the NoCDA website and the visionary mind rallying locals to protect Venice’s accessibility and spirit. Key topics covered in t...

In this fascinating new episode of Venice Talks , we dive deep into the rich history and artistry of Murano glass with Michele Zampedri, a renowned historian and expert on the subject from Vivarini srl , a amous furnace in Murano. Michele shares insights into the centuries-old traditions, unique techniques, and the evolution of Murano glass , a symbol of Venetian craftsmanship. Whether you’re a lo...

In this exciting new episode of Venice Talks , I had the pleasure of sitting down with Leontine Hamer , the creative mind behind the Venice Dress Up Experience . This incredible experience allows you to step into the world of Venetian history by dressing up in stunning, meticulously crafted costumes that transport you to a different time. I had the chance to take part in the experience myself, and...

In this episode of Venice Talks , Monica sits down with Samantha Wilson, the founder of Smart Move Italy, to discuss the realities of moving and living in Italy. With years of experience helping expats transition smoothly, Samantha shares her expertise on navigating bureaucracy, finding a home, and embracing Italian culture. Whether you're dreaming of relocating or already making Italy your home,...

In this episode of Venice Talks , Monica explores Mano a Mano , an inspiring initiative that bridges tradition and innovation in Venetian craftsmanship. Joining us are Michela Canzi Babini , Director of The Place of Wonders Foundation , and Alain Bullo , Maitre de Maison & General Manager of Londra Palace Venezia , to discuss how this project supports artisans, preserves heritage, and enhances...

In this special episode of Venice Talks , Monica sits down with Fabrizio d'Oria, Chief Operating Officer of Vela Spa , the organization behind the Venice Carnival. Discover what goes into planning one of the world’s most iconic festivals and what’s in store for the 2025 edition ! 🔹 Who organizes the Venice Carnival , and how is it brought to life? 🔹 This year’s theme – the inspiration behind it...

In this episode of Venice Talks , Monica sits down with Stefania Giannici, founder of Paperoowl, to explore the world of eco-friendly paper products. We dive into how Stefania ensures her creations respect both the environment and Venice's rich printing legacy. From sustainability in paper production to the art of bespoke, customized designs, Stefania shares the unique processes behind her busines...

In this exciting episode of Venice Talks , Monica sits down with Romena Brugnerotto, the brilliant mind behind RominVenice . Together, they explore some of the most talked-about topics in Venice today. Key Highlights: 🎭 Venice Carnival 2025 : Discover what makes this year's Carnival unique, with insights into new events, traditions, and must-see spectacles. 💶 The New Venice Entry Tax : We discus...

Join Monica for an insightful episode of Venice Talks as she sits down with Simone Venturini, Councillor for Social Cohesion, Residence Policies, Economic Development, Work, and Tourism. In this engaging discussion, they explore the delicate balance of preserving Venice’s rich cultural heritage while addressing modern challenges. Key Topics Covered: Social Cohesion: How Venice fosters a sense of c...

On 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...

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 star...

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 commun...

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...

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’...

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 tech...

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 n...

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 was...

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 th...

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...