This never-before-seen Venice landmark has just opened to the public

It’s no secret that Venice is seriously busy. In fact, so many people flock to the city that it is introducing an entrance fee (and quite possibly turnstiles) to combat overtourism. But if even if you’ve visited Venice before – and think you’ve seen everything the city has to offer – you’re wrong. 

The Procuratie Vecchie, one of the oldest buildings on St Mark’s Square, is opening to the public for the first time ever. You’ll no doubt have clocked its striking 500ft-long Neoclassical façade on your way to the basilica, but until now travellers have never actually been able to get inside the sixteenth-century building. As of this month, that will all change. Now visitors can wander up to the third floor and explore a permanent exhibit.

To be honest, the show itself sounds kind of silly. ‘The World of Potential’ aims to help people develop their social skills via technology and includes hands-on exhibits and games, including an exercise that involves raising a ball into the air via the power of concentration. But even if you’re not sold on the idea, finally being able to go inside this majestic building makes it worth stumping up the entry fee.

The rest of the building has been divided between the Italian insurance company Generali, who have had their head offices there since 1831, and The Human Safety Net, a charity that helps vulnerable families. Half of the proceeds from ticket sales go to the charity, which also has a café with unbeatable views across the square. Want to take a look around? Find out more on the Procuratie Vecchie website. 

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