If you are strolling through the sestiere of Santa Croce in the summertime, make sure to visit these charming secluded corners. Here is our selection of the best hidden gardens of the district:

1) Giardino d’Inverno at the Papadopoli Hotel

The Porcinai Winter Garden, designed by architect and garden designer Pietro Porcinai, is located inside the Papadopoli Hotel. This tranquil space is a natural extension of the Papadopoli park located outside the hotel. The garden is adorned with thick vines and lush plant species. A beautiful Murano glass chandelier, hanging from its ceiling, reminds us that this paradise of plants is actually located in Venice.
The venue also is also home to a gourmet restaurant. Guests can access the Winter Garden from the hotel.

2) Ca’ Nigra Italian Garden

The garden of the Hotel Ca’ Nigra faces directly over the Grand Canal. Thanks to its rose bowers that create geometric patterns amidst lush vines of wisteria and box hedges, it is also known as the Roses’ Garden. Visitors can enjoy a romantic view over the water while sitting on a half-moon shaped bench made from Istrian stone. The garden is a favourite location for wedding photographers.

The garden serves also as a spectacular backdrop for the ritual of the aperitivo, which can be enjoyed both at the Rose and Jasmin garden.