Visit to the Garden of the Redentore

Next to the majestic Church of the Redentore on the island of Giudecca lies a remarkable and long-hidden place: the great monastic garden once tended by the Capuchin friars. For centuries, this vast green space, enclosed by high walls and silence, remained inaccessible to the public, preserving within it a precious balance of nature, spirituality, and humble labor.

The Capuchin friars, who have always inhabited the convent adjoining the church, cared for this garden with devotion and simplicity. Among the beds of aromatic herbs, fruit trees, and seasonal vegetables, they found a space for meditation and prayer, but also for service and charity. The harvest from the garden was often shared with the city’s poor, in keeping with the spirit of humility and generosity that has always characterized the Capuchin order.

Over the centuries, however, the garden suffered periods of neglect and decay. High tides and flooding — especially the exceptional acqua alta of 2019 — caused serious damage, submerging the entire area and destroying much of the soil and vegetation. Extensive restoration work was required, lasting several years, to bring the garden back to its former beauty and vitality.

Today, thanks to the dedication of the friars and the support of local institutions and volunteers, the Garden of the Redentore has come back to life. Visitors can finally enter and discover a corner of Venice where time seems to stand still — a place of peace and quiet, where nature, art, and faith exist in perfect harmony. Walking among the rows of plants and herbs, one can still sense the silent presence of the friars, who for centuries have cultivated not only the land, but also the spirit.

Venice and High Water During the Marathon

Yesterday marked the 39th edition of the Venice Marathon, one of the city’s most beloved and widely followed sporting events. As often happens in late October, the weather played a starring role. Forecasts predicted a tide peak of around 100 centimeters around noon, just as the marathon runners were crossing the finish line. Naturally, many wondered: “Will they be able to run dry, or will they face the high water?”

In the end, the Mose system — the mobile barrier network designed to protect the lagoon from exceptional tides — was not activated. The Municipality of Venice decided not to raise the barriers, since the expected tide level was below the threshold considered critical for activation.

As a result, some areas of the city, including Piazza San Marco, were partially flooded. The square was covered by a few centimeters of water, creating some inconvenience for tourists and residents, while much of the marathon route remained practicable.

The decision not to activate the Mose sparked discussion among city authorities. Some criticized the choice, arguing that the operation could have ensured completely dry conditions for the event, while others supported it, emphasizing the need to reserve activations for genuinely exceptional high tides given the system’s high operational costs — around 300,000 euros each time.

Despite the flooding in certain spots, the marathon concluded successfully, and the athletes managed to finish the race amid the unique and evocative scenery of Venice under high water.

The episode once again highlights the delicate balance between daily life, sporting events, and tide management in Venice. Nearly four years after its first use, the Mose remains a powerful but complex and costly tool, raising questions about how and when it should be deployed to best protect the city.

The Venice Marathon 2025 will thus be remembered not only for the athletes’ performance but also as a reminder of Venice’s ongoing challenge: living with the tides in a city that is both fragile and extraordinary.

The Venice Marathon

Today marks the start of the 39th edition of the Venice Marathon, a long-established event that brings together more than 20,000 athletes from all over the world. Around 40% of the participants come from abroad, confirming the international appeal of this race that combines sport, culture, and scenic beauty.

The Venice Marathon offers two participation options: the competitive race, reserved for professional athletes and experienced runners, and the recreational version, open to anyone who wishes to enjoy a sporting experience at a more relaxed pace, immersed in the unique atmosphere of the lagoon city.

Both formats allow participants to experience Venice in an authentic and sustainable way, running or walking through narrow alleys, bridges, and breathtaking views. The course passes through iconic landmarks such as the Riviera del Brenta, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Grand Canal, offering a rare opportunity to discover the city from a new perspective — one of effort, joy, and shared passion.

Created with the aim of showcasing Venice and symbolically overcoming its architectural barriers, the Venice Marathon has become much more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of slow movement, respect for the city, and inclusiveness — a demonstration that, with good organization and care, even a fragile city like Venice can host major events while preserving its delicate balance.

Year after year, the marathon has evolved into a true festival of sport and community, engaging residents, tourists, and enthusiasts along the entire route. Beyond the main race, many side events enliven the weekend: family-friendly activities, charity initiatives, and meetings focused on wellness and sustainability.

The Venice Marathon is not just a race, but an emotional journey through the history, culture, and magic of Venice — a city that never ceases to amaze, even when experienced at running pace.

A high tide is also expected during the day, with an estimated

level of around +90 cm above the tide gauge zero in Piazza San Marco — according to the official forecast of the Centro Previsioni e Segnalazioni Maree of the Municipality of Venice. For safety reasons, the pedestrian boardwalks have been temporarily removed; it remains to be confirmed whether the pumps and other drainage systems will be fully operational.