We are scheduled to be in Venice in mid-August, including the 15th. I just read about this holiday. I've found mixed reports on various forums about whether this will be a problem. Has anyone been in Venice over Ferragosto? Are too many restaurants and shops closed? What about the main tourist attractions, gondolas/other water transport? I was also hoping to take a day trip to Murano -- will shops there be closed too? It's too late to rearrange our itinerary. I'd like to find out just so we know what to expect. Thank you.
Posted by
Asnieres sur Vegre, France
127 posts
We were in Italy at one time over ferragosto and just about everything was closed. We finally found one restaurant in our area that was open, but that was after looking for a long time. I am sure that you should be able to find restaurants in the middle of Venice that will be open however. If this isn't your only day there, which it appears not to be, just wander around the city and enjoy its beauty. Go to some of the nearby islands and visit them. Relax and enjoy.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Churches will be open, but visiting hours may be curtailed if masses are added for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary (August 15).
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
906 posts
Here is a quick read: http://goitaly.about.com/od/festivalsandevents/qt/august-italian-holiday-ferragosto.htm
It is a major national holiday in Italy and starts the Italians off on their summer vacations. Services will be decreased during the last half of the month of August.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Thank you to everyone who replied. I think it will be ok. I already found out that a restaurant I wanted to try will be closed the week we are there, but we'll find another place! Just need to be flexible. Grazie!