Rooftop Altana Solana in Venice

Altana Solana: aperitivo above the rooftops of San Marco

An altana in the heart of the Mercerie

The Mercerie, the shopping lanes linking St Mark's Square to the Rialto Bridge, hide an altana that is also open to passing visitors. On the roof of the Splendid Venice, a Starhotels collection hotel, this typically Venetian platform has turned into a true terrace laid out on several levels: wooden pergola, large parasols, sofas and wicker armchairs, planters of white flowers and lanterns that light up at dusk.

The campanile as a neighbour

From up here, the eye ranges over a sea of tiled roofs, chimneys and bell towers, out of which rise, very close by, St Mark's Campanile and the domes of the basilica. At sunset, golden light glides over the ochre and pink façades, then candles take over on the tables. On the night of the Festa del Redentore, in July, the terrace also becomes a vantage point for the fireworks fired above St Mark's Basin.

Spritz, Bellini and classic cocktails

The menu stays faithful to the Venetian aperitivo: spritz made with Aperol, Campari, Select or Cynar, white peach Bellini and strawberry Rossini, all at €20. Classic cocktails, from the mojito to the mai tai, and martinis are €23, alcohol-free cocktails €16, wines by the glass from €15. For a bite, the hotel offers a small menu: club sandwich, burger, salads, lobster roll and tiramisu. Grand-hotel prices, in keeping with the address. The altana can also be hired for a birthday, a party or a wedding.

Practical information

The altana welcomes the public and hotel guests every day in the evening during the warmer months, with announced hours of 6pm to 9.30pm. It comes alive mostly in summer and the hours may change: it is best to check with the hotel before visiting, with reservations made by telephone or email. The Rialto vaporetto stop, served by lines 1 and 2, is a few minutes' walk away, and St Mark's Square is five minutes away through the Mercerie.