Venice is a city that never ceases to enchant. With its quiet streets where the water gently flows, its canals reflecting the golden light of sunset, and its atmosphere suspended between dream and reality, it has been a source of inspiration for artists throughout the ages and remains a marvelous city to visit in any season. Among those who have captured it in extraordinary ways is Hugo Pratt , master of comics and creator of Corto Maltese, the free-spirited, melancholic sailor and adventurer.
The work “ A Tale of Venice ” (1977) is Pratt's tribute to his hometown, a dreamlike journey that blends history, mystery, and esotericism. The story tells of a hidden treasure, Solomon's Clavicle, an emerald of inestimable value and possessing strange powers: a talisman capable of opening the doors of the occult.
Between history and legend, the sailor Corto Maltese travels through the city of Venice chasing this fable amidst Greek lions, esoteric symbols, and mysteries from the Bible... an adventure and a quest that opens hidden doors and is fueled by the dream that only a location like Venice can offer.
If you want to experience Venice through the eyes of Corto Maltese on your next vacation or city break, here's a special itinerary of the places that marked his adventure, allowing you to discover a secret and fascinating city. And as Hugo Pratt said:
“There are three magical and hidden places in Venice: one in Calle dell'Amor degli Amici, a second near the Ponte delle Meraviglie, and the third in Calle dei Marrani, near San Geremia in the Ghetto .”
We just have to go and discover them!
The Rialto Bridge and the Market
The journey through Corto Maltese's Venice can only begin at the Rialto Bridge, the city's symbol and a crossroads for merchants, artists, and adventurers throughout the ages. In the comics, it is here that Corto Maltese wanders among the market stalls, surrounded by spicy aromas and multilingual voices. Today, strolling among the stalls of the Rialto Market immerses you in an authentic atmosphere, amidst fresh fish, colorful fruit, and reminders of Venice's mercantile past—a true Venice, a secret and extraordinary one.
Street of the Love of Friends
One of the most enigmatic places in the " Fairytale of Venice " is Calle dell'Amor degli Amici, one of the city's narrowest streets, shrouded in mystery. Hugo Pratt chose it as the setting for enigmatic encounters, and it's the ideal place for those who want to discover the lesser-known side of Venice. Losing yourself among the surrounding streets, you'll stumble upon tiny squares, hidden bridges, and evocative views straight out of a fairytale. You'll feel like you're walking alongside Corto Maltese like old friends.
The Botera Court and its secrets
In the heart of the San Polo district lies Corte Botera, a small, quiet space that, in its comic strip, conceals intrigue and mystery related to Freemasonry and Venetian alchemists. Today, this hidden corner retains its charm: a perfect place for those who love to discover a Venice off the beaten track, where time seems to have stood still. This is none other than the famous Corte sconta, meaning "hidden" in Venetian, which takes its name from the workshop of the botteri, the fireworks makers.
Here's an anecdote from Pratt himself: " I was four or five years old when my grandmother had me accompany her to the Old Ghetto in Venice. We were going to visit a friend of hers, Mrs. Bora Levi, who lived in a very old house. This house was accessed by climbing an old external wooden staircase called the " scala matta" or " scala delle pantegane" or even " scala turco"... I went to the kitchen window and looked down onto a grassy square with an ivy-covered wellhead. That square has a name: Corte Sconta detto Arcana. To enter it, you had to open seven doors, each of which was engraved with the name of a shed, that is, a demon, and each door opened with a magic word."
Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio
Another unmissable stop is Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio, one of Venice's most authentic squares, frequented by locals and still largely untouched by mass tourism. Hugo Pratt chose it as the meeting place between Corto Maltese and some mysterious characters. The church overlooking the square houses ancient Roman columns, which seem to tell stories of distant travels and adventures.
The Great School of St. John the Evangelist
In the comic, Corto Maltese enters the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, a place steeped in history and legend, known for housing sacred relics and for its connection to the city's esoteric tradition. The school, founded in the 14th century, can still be visited today and amazes with its extraordinary Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
The Jewish Ghetto and its esoteric charm
In " The Tale of Venice ," Corto Maltese also ventures into the Jewish Ghetto, the oldest in Europe. Between hidden synagogues and narrow streets, the neighborhood retains a timeless atmosphere, where culture, art, and spirituality blend. Strolling here means discovering a lesser-known side of Venice, made up of centuries-old stories and still-living traditions.
Venice, a fairytale to be experienced
Following in Corto Maltese's footsteps in Venice means seeing the city with new eyes, allowing yourself to be swept away by its timeless charm. Beyond its iconic landmarks, Venice hides a secret soul, made of quiet streets, hidden courtyards, and forgotten legends.
And what better way to live this experience than by staying in the heart of the city, in an authentic apartment that allows you to savor every detail?
Book accommodation in Venice's historic center now, allowing you to lose yourself in the wonders of Hugo Pratt's Venice, savoring the silence of the lagoon at dawn and the magic of Venetian nights. Get inspired and live your own Venetian fairytale!
