Building Restoration in Venice

Building restoration can be complex and expensive but if you thought it was problematic on dry land, spare a thought for builders and architects in Venice.

Scaffolding and getting materials to the job site are especially challenging without roads or motor vehicles but being in the constant gaze of millions of tourists adds a little more tension to the work.

We took the opportunity to explore some of the many restoration projects on our recent discovery tour of Venice and what an amazing experience it was.

 

After centuries of decay, Italy’s famous city is still going strong, thanks to thousands of dedicated builders and craftsmen – all travelling by boat ! Whilst gondoliers, carrying newlyweds and the world’s romantics is the norm on the canals, look carefully and travelling amongst them, are the heroes of the city – Venetos labourers with wheelbarrows and sacks of sand and lime.

Thankfully, the default for buildings here is “shabby” and spalled brickwork is generally regarded as a photogenic asset. It’s just as well, as replacing or turning these to look neat would be a never ending task.

Sadly quite a number of ventilation grilles and drain outlets look in very poor condition and they aren’t at all “photogenic” .

   

The arrival at many destinations by boat allows for the occupants to get a direct view straight into many of the cities drain pipes. It’s not the sort of view that would be too noticeable to the general public on the way to work or a tourist heading off to discover the cities alleyways, but it’s not a first impression guests would appreciate arriving at more salubrious venues.

There are so few, “as new” repairs on show. Venetian restorers take a repair rather than replace attitude towards restoration and it’s admirable. Tourists and visitors alike have the benefit of walking and leaning on steps and balustrades that have served their purpose for centuries and will, hopefully, continue to do so for centuries more. The views that enthralled the grand tour visitors in the 17th and 18th century are still very much enjoyed and unchanged for the visitors in this century. Its a wonderful thing to see and inspirational for all of us in the business and care of building restoration today.