Bevilacqua

There are quiet corners of Venice where time seems to stop — and you find yourself surrounded by velvet, brocade, and the unmistakable scent of silk.

One of them is Mario Bevilacqua, a pair of shops near San Marco that offer fabrics from the historic Luigi Bevilacqua weaving workshop.

The manufactory dates back to the late 15th century. After a decline in the 18th, it was revived in the 19th — and today, Bevilacqua continues to produce velvet on original 18th-century looms. Local weavers lead small-group tours, sharing the story of the workshop and their work.
Tours must be booked in advance and are not cheap, but worth it.

For ready-made cushions, table linens, or wall hangings — or for a length of handmade velvet to take home — head to one of the Mario Bevilacqua shops. You’ll find addresses and the website below.