Pillow Talk from Venice
The canals, gondolas, splendid palazzi and, of course, the fine food – there are many reasons for visiting the “Serenissima” more than once. Indeed, the “City of Bridges” is considered one of the most exciting destinations in Europe, e.g. to spend an unforgettable weekend. In addition to its sights, the city is well known for numerous events, most notably the famous carnival in winter and the Festa del Redentore (feast of the redeemer) in summer (this year on 16 and 17 July), celebrating the end of the plague in 1576.
Light effects on a stage on St. Mark's Square are projected against the towers, domes, and campaniles, casting a mystical light over the silhouettes of the historic buildings. At sunset, boats festooned with fresh bows, brightly coloured balloons and lanterns traditionally gather in the basin and the canals in front of St. Mark's Square for the spectacle of the grand fireworks.
But Venice has so much more to offer! We talked to the two brothers Alessio and Nicola Campa – Venetians by birth and interior designers and hotel owners by trade – about hospitality and their favourite places to be in Venice.
Joanna Peyer for Pillow & Pepper: How long have you owned the Hotel Ca Maria Adele?
Alessio Campa: We opened the Ca Maria Adele exactly 12 years ago, in April 2004. It used to be a private residence. The previous owner used the lounge where we are sitting now as shelter for his boats.
This place makes you instantly feel at home. All of the rooms radiate a warm atmosphere. Which one of you is responsible for the interior design?
Nicola Campa: Me and my brother jointly designed the hotel. Being brothers and best friends, we have always travelled together a lot, sharing many good and less brilliant experiences, and we found it important to keep our travelling impressions in mind as point of reference so as to create the same kind of place we would like to stay at when travelling.
How would you describe your interior design style?
Alessio Campa: We consider ourselves eclectic, mixing different objects and styles into a smooth but unedited scheme, the premise being that our guests need to find links to Venice in the overall scheme. The fact that the Venetian style is so full of influences and inspirations makes the challenge a bit easier, but then again you must not let it get too easy if you don't wish to create something expected and stereotypical.
What does hospitality mean to you?
Nicola Campa: Hospitality is constantly changing, and behind a great stay at a hotel there is a careful and constant effort. To me, hospitality is a word that associates another term, which is “passion,” and “passion” here means a unique way of providing that extra bit of care that can turn hospitality into a genuine experience; this is how we define it when we become travellers in our own right. The seamless blending of comfort, style, lighting, music and service can turn hospitality into a remarkable experience.
What do you like most about your hometown?
Alessio Campa: Venice is an incredible city. The spirit of the “Serenissima Republicca” is still hovering over everything. Venice can be so intimate and romantic, but at the same time it is a great place where you meet incredible people from all over the world. Here, everyone gets around either on foot or by boat, so it is easy to make contact with locals and visitors. While there are many tourist attractions in Venice, you will also find quiet spots that have retained their authentic charm. If you want a personal tip: I think that the view from the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore on a sunny day will simply leave you speechless. It overlooks the entire city, and right below you is the Bacino San Marco with the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square.
Your hotel is located in the Dorsoduro quarter, near the famous Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Punta della Dogana and numerous galleries. Which gallery would you say is a must-do?
Alessio Campa: To lovers of contemporary art, I recommend visiting the gallery Marignana Arte. This beautiful gallery, which is 30 seconds away from Ca Maria Adele, is owned and operated by two women, mother and daughter, both of them stylish and very passionate about modern and contemporary art.
What are your favourite restaurants?
Nicola Campa: I'm particularly fond of the traditional restaurant Quadri, which has been in the care of the Alajmo Brothers since 2011. Max Alajmo counts among the best chefs anywhere in Italy, and was previously awarded three Michelin stars when working at his own restaurant “Le Calandre” in Rubano (just outside Padova). His second restaurant on Saint Mark's Square in Venice includes two opulently furnished dining rooms up on the first floor, lit by large Murano glass chandeliers. The menu lists Italian and Venetian classics in modern interpretations, straight-forward, and with distinct flavours.
Alessio Campa: To friends, we always recommend the wine bar Vini da Gigio with its fine cuisine and the small-but-beautiful Osteria Alle Testiere. We also recommend spending some time and taking a cooking lesson with Enrica Rocca, a real Venetian lady who knows how to cook and how to share her knowledge of local and Italian food in a beautiful environment, meaning her own house!
On pillowandpepper.com we will share the numbers of the best rooms at the Ca Maria Adele, the hotel operated by the Campa Brothers, along with another six unique places in Venice. Let yourself be inspired, because the city is a rewarding destination not just during the Festa del Redentore, but any other time of year as well.