Domus Orsoni Rooms
Domus Orsoni has four large double rooms and one single. Each room has a mosaic work by an Italian artist. Bathrooms, all uniquely decorated with mosaics, have either a shower or bath and one room has both. I stayed in the Oro Ramino room with a stunning bathroom and shower done in gold mosaics (see bathroom photo) and a hydro-massage bathtub.
A basic buffet breakfast is served in a small breakfast room from 8:30 to 10:30. Valentina, the hostess, is available to answer your questions and help with information in the mornings but there's no staff in the evenings or at night. Guests are given a map annotated with useful information and restaurant recommendations.
Domus Orsoni Location
This neighborhood is one of my favorites in Venice. It's a place where you can get away from the tourist crowds and feel like you're in a real Venice neighborhood. There are small shops and inexpensive bars frequented by locals and a fresh fish vendor sets up shop in the morning by the canal. Take a seat outside next to the canal in the Bar Pontini, where you won't be overcharged for a drink, and enjoy the life passing by.
There are good restaurant options in the Domus Orsoni area. The map given to guests when they check in has several nearby suggestions. I had a good dinner at Ristorante i Quattro Rusteghi in Campo Ghetto Novo, the main square of the Jewish Ghetto.
Orsoni Mosaic Courses
Orsoni offers one and two week Master in Mosaic courses called Living the Venice Workshop. History, theory, and application of mosaic art. Thematic courses in micro-mosaics and portraiture and a 3-day workshop are also offered. Courses have a maximum of six students so there's lots of individual attention. Students have the opportunity to complete their own mosaic works under the tutelage of top mosaic artists from the Orsoni Mosaic Foundry. Those who stay in Domus Orsoni have 24-hour access to the mosaic studio.More about Orsoni Mosaic Courses and online application.
Orsoni Smalti Veneziana
All Orsoni employees, from the guys who blow glass in the furnace to the artists who make complete mosaic works are trained at Orsoni. It's a fascinating place and the perfect place to learn more about mosaics.
Here's an inside look at how the gold leaf smalti are made and a few of the mosaic works produced at Orsoni by James Martin, Europe Travel. Mosaics from the Source: Orsoni Smalti Veneziana
Domus Orsoni Information and Reservations
Domus Orsoni Bed and BreakfastCannaregio, 1045 (through Sottoportico dei Vedei from Fondamenta Cannaregio)
Reservations on their web site, phone (+39) 041 2759538, or email info@domusorsoni.it
Information about the studio, classes, and Domus Orsoni is available in the US from JoAnn Locktov, 415-383-1399 or joannlo@orsoni.com
Domus Orsoni web site
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. See our ethics policy.
