My recent trip to Venice, invited as a VIC (Very Important Client) by Bottega Veneta and NET-A-PORTER, is simply impossible to put into words. Three unforgettable days of Italian craftsmanship, extraordinary restaurants, beautiful encounters and unforgettable moments, shared with a wonderful, intimate group of people.
From discovering the fascinating world of Bottega Veneta’s ateliers to enjoying the very best of Venetian hospitality, every detail was thoughtfully curated. But one experience truly took my breath away.
Imagine having St. Mark’s Basilica entirely to yourself.
No tourists. No crowds. Just us, surrounded by centuries of history, breathtaking mosaics and an almost surreal silence.
Dating back to the 9th century, the Basilica di San Marco is one of the greatest treasures of Byzantine architecture. Originally built to house the relics of Saint Mark, it became a symbol of Venice’s extraordinary wealth and power. Its five magnificent domes, intricate marble floors and thousands of square metres of golden mosaics have earned it the nickname Chiesa d’Oro, the Church of Gold.
And our visit began with a moment I will never forget.
We were invited to sit quietly inside the almost dark Basilica. Then, slowly, one by one, the lights began to illuminate the magnificent golden mosaics. What had been a mysterious, shadowy interior gradually transformed into a sea of shimmering gold. The silence, the beauty, the sheer grandeur of it all… it felt almost otherworldly. A truly magical moment that gave me goosebumps.
After this breathtaking introduction, we were treated to a fascinating private guided tour, including a visit to the ancient crypt beneath the Basilica, a place steeped in history where the relics of Saint Mark were once kept. Being able to explore these extraordinary spaces in complete privacy was an incredible privilege. We were even allowed to take photographs and videos, normally restricted inside the Basilica.
I have visited Venice many times, but never experienced it quite like this. There is something incredibly moving about seeing a place of such historical and spiritual significance without the usual crowds, being able to absorb every detail and simply enjoy the beauty of the moment.
This was luxury in its most extraordinary form: not something you can buy, but an experience you will remember forever.
My heartfelt thanks to Bottega Veneta and NET-A-PORTER for three exceptional days and for opening doors to a Venice I never imagined I would experience.
La Serenissima, you have my heart. ❤️
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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