Fondaco dei Tedeschi stands out as a unique blend of history, luxury shopping, and stunning views.
Located by the Grand Canal near the famous Rialto Bridge, this iconic building has evolved from a medieval trading post to a modern shopping paradise.
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| Fondaco dei Tedeschi DFS store seen from the Rialto Bridge |
A Brief History
Fondaco dei Tedeschi, meaning "Warehouse of the Germans," was originally built in 1228 as a residence and trading hub for German merchants.
Over the centuries, it served various purposes, including a customs house under Austrian rule and later as the headquarters of the Italian postal service.
In 2016, it was transformed into a luxury department store by DFS Group, part of LVMH, while preserving its historical charm.
Architectural Beauty
The building's exterior retains its Venetian-Byzantine style, while the interior boasts a contemporary design.
The central courtyard is a stunning architectural feature, seamlessly blending the past with modern elegance.
Visitors can admire the fusion of historic frescoes and state-of-the-art renovations.
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| entrance to Fondaco dei Tedeschi DFS store |
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| easy to miss the entrance because there's no prominent signage |
Fusion of History and Modern Elegance
Fondaco dei Tedeschi’s interior is a masterful blend of historical charm and contemporary sophistication.
The design, led by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA, respects the building’s original structure while infusing it with modern aesthetics.
The grand red escalators, reminiscent of a red carpet, create a striking contrast against the warm wood paneling and exposed stone columns.
The open layout and high ceilings enhance the sense of space, allowing natural light to highlight the detailed craftsmanship.
The fusion of luxurious materials, such as polished marble, brass accents, and Venetian-inspired textures, ensures a refined shopping experience that pays homage to the city's artistic heritage.
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| DFS lounge on the ground floor |
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| huge open space where history and present coexist |
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| step onto luxury, red-carpet-like escalator |
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| pier that leads directly to the Grand Canal |
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| luxury lounge cafe on the ground floor |
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| unique small items are displayed along the arches and columns |
Luxury Shopping Experience
Fondaco dei Tedeschi offers a high-end shopping experience with a selection of luxury brands, including:
- Fashion: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, and more.
- Jewelry & Watches: Bulgari, Cartier, Rolex.
- Beauty & Fragrances: Chanel, La Mer, Tom Ford.
Aside from international brands, visitors can also explore Venetian craftsmanship, such as Murano glass and handmade masks.
The ground floor features a curated selection of high-quality Venetian souvenirs, including artisan leather goods, exquisite lace, and delicately crafted ceramics—perfect for those seeking an authentic memento from Venice.
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| variety of high-quality Venetian souvenirs |
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| some souvenirs from Paris (since the department store is owned by French LVMH) |
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| gift wrapping is also luxurious |
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| Italian sauces are quite reasonably priced |
AMO – A Luxury Dessert Experience
One of the standout features of Fondaco dei Tedeschi is AMO, a luxurious dessert boutique offering an exquisite selection of pastries, artisanal chocolates, and gourmet treats.
Designed by renowned architect Philippe Starck, AMO provides visitors with a refined and elegant atmosphere to indulge in high-quality Italian desserts and specialty coffee.
Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly crafted tiramisu or a rich espresso, this stylish café is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy a sweet break during their shopping experience.
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| luxury dessert store 'AMO' |
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| sunglasses store on the ground floor |
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| view from the second floor |
Rather ordinary 2nd to 4th floor store
Compared to the main hall on the ground floor, which was quite impressive, the other floors are somewhat like an ordinary DFS stores.
Somehow, the assortment is organized to suit the Italian market.
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| artistic lighting that preserves the structure and texture of the centuries-old building |
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| unique Fondaco collection exclusive to Italian market |
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| overall assortment of luxury brands are similar to other DFS stores |
Toilette is hard to find
The restroom is located in the customer center in the middle of the stairs on the second floor. It is not easy to find.
When asking Italians where the restroom is, it is better to say 'bagno' or 'toilette'. They often misunderstand American words like 'rest room'.
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| toilette is next to customer service desk |
Rooftop Terrace: The Best View in Venice
One of the main highlights of Fondaco dei Tedeschi is its rooftop terrace, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Venice.
From here, visitors can take in sights of the Grand Canal, San Marco square, and the red-tiled rooftops of the city.
Beyond shopping, Fondaco dei Tedeschi regularly hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and performances.
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| rooftop terrace view, source: dfs.com |
Access to the terrace is free but online reservation is mandatory. The terrace is closed for rainy days.
Opening hours is from 10:15 to 18:00 and vistors can stay in the terrace up to 15 minutes. The best time frame is late afternoon to enjoy fantastic sunset in Venice.
One Last Thing
The area around the Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store and the Rialto Bridge is the most tourist-dense area in Venice, along with San Marco Square, so you have to be VERY careful of pickpockets!
My colleague had his wallet and cash stolen by a pickpocket who followed him from the entrance of this department store near San Marco Square, and he had to spend the rest of his time at the Venice police station.
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| Police station near the statue of Vittorio Emmanuelle II |