Ca’ Nigra, originally a textile dyehouse, in the early 1900s became the Venetian home of the ambassador, poet and latin lover Costantino Nigra, a great friend of Cavour, who made him his trusted emissary in France at the court of Napoleon III. The original garden overlooking the Grand Canal, unique for its beauty and position in Venice, was given to him by his then-partner, Countess Albrizzi so that it could become their love nest away from everything and everyone.

The palace was given to him by his then-partner, Countess Albrizzi, to become their romantic retreat, far from everything and everyone. Today, after a meticulous restoration, it has become a boutique hotel with just 22 rooms, managed by the Stea family. The stunning garden, preserved intact as it was when it was first built, is also open to external guests for a relaxing break on the Grand Canal.

Romantic white wrought-iron tables are set along the waterfront, perfect for forgetting the outside world and letting yourself be carried away by the lapping of the gondolas slowly passing by, enjoying moments of peace and beauty.

The Ca’ Nigra Lagoon Resort, located in a secret courtyard, is just a few minutes’ walk from the Santa Lucia train station or by boat. Its convenient location makes it the perfect break before starting a day in Venice.

One of the best times to book the hotel is between April and May, when the rose bushes in the garden are in full bloom—a marvel we weren’t able to capture during our visit, but it’s definitely worth a “secret breakfast.”

The Secret

The Ca’ Nigra project was entrusted by Count Costantino to Professor Giovanni Sardi, a famous architect of the time who also created the Hotel Excelsior on the Lido of Venice, while the garden design was personally followed by Countess Albrizzi.

Useful Info

Hotel Ca’ Nigra
Cagnoletto 4084, Calle de l’Ogio
30122 Venezia
Tel. +39 041 2750047