Venice, Italy
Venice has played a starring role in the James Bond franchise more so than most cities in the world. This floating city, with its labyrinth of turquoise canals, historic architecture, and romantic allure, has captured the hearts of many, including the world’s most famous secret agent.
Venice has featured in From Russia with Love, Moonraker, and Casino Royale, each showcasing different facets of the city’s charm. In this post, we’ll explore the iconic locations featured in three different Bond films, offering a unique perspective on the city’s most mesmerizing attractions.
As we embark on this cinematic journey, we’ll uncover the secrets of St. Mark’s Square, glide along the majestic Grand Canal, and marvel at the striking beauty of the Rialto Bridge. Along the way, we’ll also discover lesser-known gems like the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory of Music and the Rialto Fish Market, which have graced the silver screen alongside 007 himself.
So, whether you’re a die-hard Bond fan or simply an admirer of Venice’s irresistible beauty, join us as we explore the city through the eyes of Bond, James Bond. As you follow in the footsteps of 007, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of Venetian history and culture, giving you a deeper appreciation for this captivating city.
Famous Venice Landmarks Featured in Bond Films
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is omnipresent in Venice and can be seen in all three Bond films Venice has featured in. In a memorable scene in Casino Royale, James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) are sailing into Venice.
Vesper Lynd takes her position at the yacht’s helm, while Bond is composing a resignation letter on his laptop. As they navigate the majestic Grand Canal, Vesper spots Adolph Gettler, a nefarious Quantum agent, although watchers don’t realise the significance of this at the time. Once they moor they go and check into their hotel.
The Grand Canal boasts a rich history and is world-renowned for the centuries-old palaces that grace its banks. Most of these architectural marvels date back to the 13th through 18th centuries, reflecting the prosperity of Venetian families during the Venetian Republic’s heyday.
There are multiples of elegant bridges that span the Grand Canal’s depths such as the Rialto Bridge. And of course its role in connecting the city’s top attractions, and the quintessential gondola rides that offer visitors a unique vantage point to take in the captivating sights.
St. Marks Square
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the main public square in this majestical city and it featured heavily in Moonraker. James Bond is taking a relaxing gondola ride before he’s attacked, then all of sudden, his gondola converts into a power boat.
As he makes it to St. Mark’s Square, his gondola then converts into a land-capable hovercraft, and Bond enters St. Mark’s Square from the waterway via the adjacent Piazzetta di San Marco, scattering both people and pigeons as he speeds across the historic plaza with many of the onlookers looking perplexed at what’s going on.
The filming of the scene wasn’t easy. Gondolas aren’t designed to move through the water quickly, and getting from the canal to land, Roger Moore apparently fell into the water five times before capturing the scene.
The square couldn’t be fully closed either, so many tourists there are unassuming extras. This unexpected mix of real-life tourists and movie magic lent an authentic, lively atmosphere to the unforgettable, and let’s be honest: ridiculous scene.
St. Mark’s Square is a focal point of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. Flanked by the Piazzetta di San Marco and the waterway on one side, the square is anchored by the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and the adjacent St. Mark’s Campanile on the other. The bell tower, standing tall at nearly 100 meters (328 feet), offers breathtaking views of the city and lagoon below.
The square has long been a bustling hub of social, political, and religious life in Venice. Encompassing other notable landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum, and the National Library of St. Mark’s, the square is steeped in history and significance.
Follow James Bond’s Footsteps Around The World
Bridge of Sighs
In the last moments of From Russia With Love, James Bond and Tatiana Romanova navigate the picturesque canals of Venice in a taxi boat, having just seen off Rosa Klebb and her dagger shoe in their hotel room. Their journey takes them along the Rio di Palazzo canal, under the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
As they glide along the Rio di Palazzo, Bond takes out the reel of film of them two making love in their hotel room in Istanbul, and drops it into the canal. They pass beneath another bridge where two tourists happen to be capturing footage of their journey. This is a popular vantage point that offers a stunning view of the Bridge of Sighs.
The Bridge of Sighs is a historic and architecturally distinct structure. It connects the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) with the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). Constructed between 1600 and 1603, the bridge was designed by Antonio Contino, whose uncle, Antonio da Ponte, designed the renowned Rialto Bridge in Venice.
It gets its name as its the last glimpse of Venice’s beauty convicts would see on their way to incarceration. The view from the bridge was thought to elicit sighs from the prisoners, hence the name “Bridge of Sighs.”
Rialto Bridge and Fish Market
In Bond 21, Casino Royale, as Bond’s sailboat glides through Venice, it traverses the Grand Canal, journeying from the Accademia area under the famous Rialto Bridge and to the vibrant Rialto Fish Market.
A must-see destination for visitors, Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. Completed in 1591 and designed by Antonio da Ponte, this iconic stone bridge gracefully spans the Grand Canal, offering picturesque views of the bustling waterway and the city’s striking architecture.
As you stroll across the Rialto Bridge, take a moment to admire the intricate details of its design and the stunning panorama of Venice that unfolds before your eyes. On either side of the bridge, you’ll artisan shops, and quaint eateries, and of course the fish market, which also features in the film.
The Rialto Fish Market, known as Mercato del Pesce in Italian, has been a vital part of Venetian culture for centuries. Visitors to the Rialto Fish Market can expect to find an abundance of fresh, locally-sourced seafood, including fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
For the best experience, plan to arrive early in the morning when the market is at its liveliest. This will give you the opportunity to witness the energetic interactions between vendors and customers, as well as to admire the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings, which reflect Venice’s rich history and charm.
Benedetto Marcello Conservatory of Music
In Casino Royale, Vesper Lynd leaves Bond in the hotel to go and secretly meet Quantum agent Adolph Gettler. The meeting takes place in the courtyard of the stunning Benedetto Marcello Conservatory of Music.
The Benedetto Marcello Conservatory of Music in Venice is one of the most historically significant conservatories in Europe. It’s situated in the grand Palazzo Pisani, just a stone’s throw away from both Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge.
The palace boasts an array of frescoes, statues, stuccos, and friezes, lending an air of elegance and grandeur to the space. The conservatory features two internal courtyards, separated by varying levels of loggias and expansive halls, including the striking Concert Hall, which is surrounded by columns and crowned with a high balcony encircling its entire perimeter.
In the film, the palace appears to collapse into the water, but of course this is a cinematic illusion, as the building still stands proudly in Campo Santo Stefano, which isn’t actually near the Rialto Fish Market as depicted in the film.
The collapsing palazzo scene was actually a recreation of a building on Venice’s Grande Canal, opposite the Rialto vegetable market, and was constructed at the Pinewood studio for filming purposes.
Venice – A Truly Unique City
Venice’s allure lies in its unique combination of captivating charm, rich history, and architectural marvels. Built on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and connected by over 400 bridges, the city offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travellers from around the world.
Exploring Venice through the lens of iconic Bond films or immersing yourself in its vibrant markets and eateries, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the city’s distinct atmosphere and intricate layout.
Visiting Venice is a must for everyone. After visiting, you’ll carry with you the memories of its timeless beauty, and the enchanting allure of its winding canals and historic squares. Just watch out for Bond on his land-capable hovercraft gondola!
