Patricia Urquiola has designed the Ca’ di Dio hotel in Venice, in the ancient hospice of Riva degli Schiavoni
The new project, which has given a new life to the ancient hospice, expresses the essence of Venice, as suggested by Patricia Urquiola, in charge of the interior design project and the artistic direction of the renovation. This ancient refuge for pilgrims and women in a hard situation, dating back to 1200, was already reborn in the 16th century thanks to Jacopo Sansovino.
The edifice was taken over by Alpitour World in 2019 and it currently hosts the fourth hotel in the Vretreats collection, a VOIhotels brand.
The Ca’ di Dio hotel in Venice is a luxury hotel with an international mood, offering 66 rooms, including 57 suites and 9 deluxe suites; most of them overlook the lagoon, with a view of the island of San Giorgio and Rio Ca’ di Dio.
Discover Palazzo Experimental, a hotel in Dorsoduro, Venice
Materials and colors pay homage to the Venetian tradition
The project pays tribute to Venice and its past: environments and details, materials, soft and light colors recall the reflections of the lagoon.
All of the materials – fabrics, glass, stones and marbles – are processed in compliance with the traditions of local workers. The spaces are cozy and each design element is connected with the pre-existing lines, enhancing them without revolutionizing them.
Discover Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice
Charming communal areas at the Ca’ di Dio hotel in Venice
Particular attention was paid to the communal areas, starting from the lobby with a double-height ceiling. There, where there used to be a church, the ceiling acquires a special relevance thanks to a precious chandelier with three rib vaults and 14,000 Murano glass crystals.
The poetic taste of Ca’ di Dio can also be found in the reading room, in the Alchemia bar and in the two restaurants Essentia and Vero, the latter also open to external guests.
To complete the narrative of a real Venetian house with a cozy hospitality, there are two roof terraces overlooking Venice and three gardens obtained from the courtyards.
Local workers were of great support, enhancing the historical heritage and such a unique natural context. Customized items were provided by companies such as Molteni & C, Esagono, A Project, Vetreria LP Glass. There were also commercial partnerships with brands such as Fantini, Flos, Jannelli & Volpi, Olivari, Oluce, Venini, Salviati, Varaschin, Acerbis, Agape Casa, Cassina, Glas Italia, Kartell, Kettal, Kvadrat, Moroso, Rubelli, Verywood and many others.
The renovation project pays also great attention to sustainability, with investments to equip the facility with plants and infrastructures capable of reducing its environmental impact. A value that is combined with the many details that make Ca’ di Dio a unique hotel in Venice. [Txt Laura Galimberti]
