“Torcello is the cradle of the Venetian civilization, yet all that remains are two serenely beautiful religious buildings. When the tourists drift home its magic takes hold, and the handful of guests at the Locanda Cipriani are there to share the privilege. The inn, opened in 1934 by Giuseppe Cipriani and still in the family, has six rooms: homely yet sophisticated. Dine in the garden or in the rustic dining room. Romance guaranteed.”

Written by  Fiona Duncan

They say

“Locanda Cipriani was created by Giuseppe Cipriani and is still ownd by the Cipriani family. Giuseppe CiprianI - the world famous founder of Harry's Bar in Venice, Hotel Cipriani (also in Venice) and that other 'pearl' of the hotel business, Villa Cipriani in Asolo - fell in love with enchanting corner of the lagoon known as Torcello in the late 1920s. In 1934 Giuseppe bought a modest wine and oil shop. He transformed the shop into an inn (locanda) featuring just a few, beautifully appointed guestrooms and a pleasant restaurant surrounded by a garden of flowers and vegetables and boasting an unparalleled view of the churches of Torcello. The Locanda became a literary legend after Ernest Hemingway wrote 'Acrosss the River and Through the Trees' during his stay there. He devoted whole pages of his novel to Torcello and kept a special place in his heart for the island. As a result, the Locanda became a destination of choice for the exclusive world of stars and celebrities who often visited Venice in the post-War era. Right from the start Giuseppe had his wife's sister Gabriella at his side to help him run the Locanda. For more than 30 years, Gabriella's sweet disposition infused the inn with a character all its own. In the early 1980s Giuseppe's daughter Carla took over the business, involving her son Bonifacio Brass in the venture too. Bonifacio Brass now owns and manages Locanda Cipriani, with the help of his wife Daniela.”