Francesca Bortolotto Possati on the magic of Venice
The hotelier and designer shares the unique perspective that comes from growing up in Italy's city-on-the-water




I was born and grew up in Venice, in a home along the Grand Canal surrounded by the Lagoon, a place that was exotically stunning. I drove a boat before I could ride a bike. I learned to swim in the lido, with the Adriatic lapping at my toes. I was taken to school, to dance class, to the market and to visit friends via the waterways that traverse our city. For as long as I can remember, those aquatic passages presented us with an entirely different perspective on city life. Quite apart from the relationship to our urban surroundings afforded by the streets, we had – and still have – a world of hidden entrances, chance encounters and new opportunities, underscored by a wonderful sense of blurred boundaries as architecture literally gives way to the sea.
The water's spiritual symbolism is constantly fluctuating and deeply nourishing, yet should never be taken for granted. As a result, this force has always been at the heart of my understanding of the world, as well as my very intuitive personal aesthetic. I tend to turn very definitely to either the sun or the shade whenever I'm designing for the hotels and residences – Il Palazzo, Il Palladio, Villa F – or for gardens, or even simply planning a dinner party. But it's always with an appreciation of the fleeting moment, as well as a need to create a sense of harmony.
There is a depth of feeling attached to that pursuit of harmony and appreciation of spontaneity, which I've always believed to be born directly of my Venetian heritage. In many ways, Venice was founded on the magic of transience – a fragile, beautiful jewel. It's important to remember that this city is in constant peril from the threat of erosion, a fact that generates an immaterial sense of intensity.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Immersed in the wonders of a city on the edge, it's impossible not to live in the moment, to embrace the thrill of precariousness, and to be charmed by the idea – indeed, almost the promise – that anything can happen.
FRANCESCA BORTOLOTTO POSSATI is an art connoisseur, interior designer and the owner of the Bauer Hotel in Venice. Her latest book Venetian Chic provides an insider's guide to the Italian city, tracing her journey through its secret gardens, restaurants and artisan shops. Venetian Chic is published by Assouline and available from February, £55; assouline.com
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The bougie foods causing international shortages
In the Spotlight Pistachios join avocados and matcha on list of social media-driven crazes that put strain on supply chains and environment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Strep infections are rising in the US
Under the radar The cases have more than doubled in 10 years
By Devika Rao, The Week US
-
Crossword: April 22, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff
-
7 tranquil hotels worth the (sometimes extreme) trek
The Week Recommends Find serenity off the beaten path
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
6 stellar noctourism adventures
The Week Recommends After the sun sets, the fun begins
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 – an 'intense and betwitching' show
The Week Recommends 'Blockbuster' National Gallery exhibition explores whether Siena was truly 'the birthplace of the Renaissance'
By The Week UK
-
Rome: historic haunts – and one new hotel – to explore
The Blend From the Garden of Ninfa to the Hendrik Christian Andersen Museum, here are some top places to visit in and around Italy's Eternal City
By Flora Vesterberg
-
Clink glasses and gawk at gorgeous views at these 7 rooftop bars
The Week Recommends Elevate your typical night out
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
5 trips where the journey is the best part
The Week Recommends Slow down and enjoy the ride
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
Bucatini alla zozzona recipe
The Week Recommends Classic Roman dish is 'slurpy, fun and absolutely heavenly'
By The Week UK
-
The 8 best items to buy from beloved museum gift shops
The Week Recommends Enjoy these artsy products from the comfort of home
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US