Giardini della Biennale (Biennale Gardens), Venice

The inception of the Biennale Gardens dates back to the early 19th century when Napoleon Bonaparte orchestrated the reclamation of a marshy area in the eastern part of the city, transforming it into a public park. Today, outside of the bustling exhibition months, the gardens lie in a state of slumber, offering a serene respite.

These gardens house permanent pavilions representing various countries, showcasing the works of esteemed architects. Among these architectural marvels, the Austrian pavilion, a creation of Josef Hoffmann from the 1930s, stands tall, while the Finnish pavilion, designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s, exudes its own unique charm. The Netherlands pavilion, crafted by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld during the same era, adds to the eclectic mix, and the Venezuelan pavilion, completed in 1954, bears the mark of Carlo Scarpa. Dominating the landscape is the grand structure that once housed the Italian pavilion, now known as the Palace of Exhibitions ("Palazzo delle Esposizioni"), serving as a venue for international exhibitions. Preserving the legacy of the Biennale, the Greenhouse ("Serra dei Giardini"), standing alongside the Garibaldi Gardens, remains the oldest surviving building, having evolved into a delightful blend of a garden center and café.

For those unenthused by art but seeking solace in nature's embrace, the Biennale Gardens offer a rare opportunity in Venice to indulge in leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery. Moreover, feline enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the enchanting presence of cats that roam the vast expanse.