When travelers think of Venice, images of gondolas gliding under the Rialto Bridge or crowds in St. Mark’s Square usually come to mind. Few imagine Giudecca, the long island that stretches gracefully across the southern edge of the Venetian lagoon. Yet, this island—just one vaporetto stop away from the bustle of San Marco—holds within its shores some of the most surprising stories of Venice’s past and present.
From the monumental Mulino Stucky flour mill, now a luxury Hilton hotel, to the legendary Fortuny textile workshops, from Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s whimsical architectural experiment to the transformation of the Junghans watch factory into contemporary housing and art spaces—Giudecca is a place where Venice’s layered history collides with modern reinvention.
This article will take you on a deep dive into Giudecca—its landmarks, personalities, and secrets—revealing why this island, often skipped by hurried visitors, deserves a full chapter in any story of Venice.
1. A First Glance at Giudecca
Giudecca is Venice’s largest island (excluding the Lido). Shaped like a crescent moon, it faces the historic center across the Giudecca Canal, one of the widest waterways in Venice. Its position means it offers breathtaking panoramas of the Doge’s Palace, the domes of San Marco, and the sweeping curve of the Zattere.
Historically, Giudecca was a place of gardens, monasteries, and palaces. In later centuries, it became more industrial, hosting factories, mills, and worker housing. Today, it’s a fascinating blend: quiet residential streets, luxury hotels, art spaces, and industrial ruins reborn as cultural hubs.
But to understand why Fortuny, Mulino Stucky, Hundertwasser, and Junghans matter here, we need to see how Giudecca evolved over time.
2. Giudecca Through the Ages
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Medieval and Renaissance times: Known as Zudega (origin debated—possibly from “Jews” or “judged”), Giudecca hosted noble villas and gardens. It was considered a prestigious retreat from the dense center of Venice.
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16th century: The majestic Church of the Redentore was built here by Andrea Palladio as a votive offering after the plague of 1575–77. To this day, the Festa del Redentore remains one of Venice’s most beloved traditions.
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19th century: Venice, struggling with industrial modernity, saw Giudecca transformed into an industrial hub, with factories, shipyards, and the colossal Mulino Stucky.
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20th century: The decline of industry left behind abandoned warehouses, but also opened space for artists, alternative communities, and new visions like those of Hundertwasser.
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21st century: Giudecca is once again reinventing itself—part residential, part cultural, part touristy, but still retaining its uniquely Venetian soul.
3. Mulino Stucky: From Flour to Five Stars
The Mulino Stucky dominates Giudecca’s skyline. Built in the late 19th century by Swiss entrepreneur Giovanni Stucky, it was one of the largest flour mills in Europe.
History of Mulino Stucky
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1895: Construction begins, designed by architect Ernst Wullekopf. Its red-brick Gothic Revival style makes it look almost like a medieval castle rather than a factory.
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At its peak, the mill employed 1,500 workers and was a powerhouse of Venice’s industrial economy.
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But after Stucky’s murder in 1910 and decades of decline, the mill closed in 1955, becoming a haunting industrial ruin.
Rebirth as Hilton Molino Stucky
In 2007, after massive restoration, the mill reopened as the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. Today, it’s a symbol of Venice’s ability to repurpose its past into luxury tourism.
Highlights today:
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Skyline Rooftop Bar: one of the best views in Venice.
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Luxury suites inside the old mill’s walls.
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A story of transformation: from feeding Venetians to hosting them in style.
The Mulino Stucky embodies Giudecca’s industrial soul reborn as luxury.
4. Fortuny: The Magic of Textiles and Light
Few names are as magical in Venetian art as Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo (1871–1949). Painter, photographer, stage designer, inventor—but above all, textile wizard—Fortuny transformed fabric into art.
Fortuny on Giudecca
In 1919, Fortuny established his factory on Giudecca, in a former convent. Here, he produced his legendary printed velvets, silks, and cottons, inspired by Renaissance, Oriental, and natural motifs.
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His Delphos gown, pleated silk inspired by ancient Greece, became iconic among early 20th-century women of style.
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Fortuny lamps and stage designs revolutionized theater lighting.
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The workshop still exists today, carrying on his legacy with handcrafted textiles sold worldwide.
Visiting Fortuny’s workshop (by appointment) is like stepping into a time capsule of Venetian artistry, where tradition meets timeless elegance.
5. Hundertwasser House: A Colorful Contrast
Venice is known for its harmony of Renaissance architecture. But in the 1990s, Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser brought something very different to Giudecca.
The Hundertwasser Building
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Built as social housing, the complex stands out with bright colors, irregular shapes, curved lines, and lush greenery.
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For Hundertwasser, architecture had to be in dialogue with nature. Straight lines were “the devil’s tools.”
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His vision turned what could have been plain worker housing into a playful, human-centered space.
Though controversial at the time, the Hundertwasser building is now a symbol of Giudecca’s openness to creative reinvention.
6. Junghans: From German Watches to Venetian Housing
Another industrial chapter of Giudecca’s story is the Junghans watch factory. In the early 20th century, Junghans, a German company, opened a factory here, employing Venetian workers in precision mechanics.
When production ceased, the site fell into disuse—until recently.
The Junghans Area Today
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The old industrial site has been transformed into modern housing and cultural spaces.
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The IUAV University of Venice (architecture faculty) uses some of the spaces, bringing students and creative energy.
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The area also hosts exhibitions during the Venice Biennale, giving it an international cultural role.
Junghans reflects how Giudecca absorbs global influences—German watches in Venice!—and reimagines them for modern life.
7. Life on Giudecca: Beyond the Icons
While Mulino Stucky, Fortuny, Hundertwasser, and Junghans are major landmarks, Giudecca has so much more.
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Church of the Redentore: masterpiece by Palladio, central to Venice’s identity.
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Local gardens and allotments: rare in Venice, giving Giudecca a greener feel.
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Artisan studios: glass, textiles, ceramics.
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Quiet walks: far from the tourist crush, Giudecca lets you breathe.
And of course, the views across the water—from here, Venice looks like a painting.
8. Why Visit Giudecca Today?
For visitors, Giudecca offers:
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Peace: less crowded than central Venice.
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Art & architecture: from Palladio to Fortuny to Hundertwasser.
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Industrial heritage: Mulino Stucky, Junghans.
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Luxury & local life: five-star hotels and everyday Venetians side by side.
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The Redentore Festival: July fireworks that light up the lagoon, best seen from Giudecca.
With Tour Leader Venice, visitors can enjoy private walking tours of Giudecca, combined with boat rides, artisan visits, and food experiences.
9. Conclusion: Giudecca as Venice in Microcosm
Giudecca tells the whole story of Venice in one island:
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From gardens and churches to factories and luxury hotels.
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From international artists like Fortuny and Hundertwasser to local workers and residents.
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From decline to reinvention.
It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a living island, where past and present meet.
And with a private guide, Giudecca reveals its hidden courtyards, secret gardens, and living workshops that most visitors miss.
👉 If you want to experience the Venice beyond postcards, Giudecca is waiting.
