The blacksmith’s craft – private tour with cocktail
A detailed tour in a historical forge of Venice, led by the members of a family of blacksmiths who are handing down their fascinating trade since two hundred years. Afterwards, meet for a “fair trade” cocktail in Campo Santa Margherita.
WHY DID WE LIKE THIS EXPERIENCE SO MUCH?
Because your visit to Venice will be much more special if you experience its craftsmanship
Because the blacksmith’s art is one of the oldest and most laborious art in Venice
Following the workshop’s visit, you will enjoy a fair trade aperitif in Campo Santa Margherita

Price
€ 23.00 / per person (min 10 – max 20) ** Prices include an aperitif
Availability
From Monday to Saturday at 5.30 pm
Duration
1 hour
Features
They used to call it the Devil’s trade…
Cross the doorstep of an old forge and you might feel somewhat uneasy. The smell of melted metal in the large furnace will let you know that you have entered an unknown world. Then, seeing the blacksmiths in action while they shape and hammer the red-hot glowing iron will remind you of old customs. Here is where one of the most important part of the Venetian gondola, the gondola prow, comes to life!
The last blacksmiths
Discover this ancient and fascinating craft by exploring the oldest forge of Dorsoduro, a place of tradition, expertise and passion. Existing since 1682, it is one of the latest forges left that are still operating in Venice.
Fire and water… the true soul of Venice, which would not exist without the blacksmiths who forged its metal tools and structures, reinforcing and embellishing its buildings as well as its boats. The blacksmiths’ guild used to be one of the oldest guilds in the city where there has been up to two hundreds forges. Thus, Calle dei fabbri indicates that many blacksmith shops were located in that area.
This family business has kept on passing down the trade to its family members, and they invite you to their shop to tell you about the old blacksmith tradition, showing you their techniques and providing explanations along as well as demonstrations of how to forge metal and old tools still in use nowadays. Blacksmith’s craft has flourished in Venice for centuries. What remains is a complex, yet fascinating story.
Do you need more information? We are here to help! Contact us and we will do our best to assist you!
If you would like to discover more about another ancient form of art in Venice, you can read:
- Battiloro – Goldsmith’s workshop Where gold come to life through different applications!

