There is a Venice still capable of telling unusual and very “secret” stories. Like the neighborhood of Sant’Elena, the name refers to the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine, the place where she found her “eternal home” at the time when it was still an uninhabited island. It is here, a few steps from the Parco delle Rimembranze, that Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena stands, a charming boutique hotel part of the HNH Hospitality Group, born from the restoration of an ancient convent.

Built in the 15th century by the Benedictines, it was only in the 1920s that the urban reclamation of Sant’Elena began, a period in which the order of the Mantellate nuns bought the complex to use it as a private educational institution. The Hotel retains all the charm of its history, visible above all in the internal portico and in the garden of the former cloister, which have remained unchanged over the years.

Hotel Indigo® interprets, with great personality and respect, the soul of the cities in which it is present, in this case that of the most authentic Sant’Elena.

The restyling, unveiled in 2019 with the opening to the public of the new Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena, was followed by the THDP studio of the architect Manuela Mannino who wanted to emphasize the suggestions that surround the island of Sant’Elena, and in particular its bond with Byzantium, giving life to a contemporary interior that tells of travels between East and West and high Venetian artistic manufacturing.

First of all the Murano glass, present in the chandeliers that illuminate the spectacular lobby and in the handmade brooches worn by the staff that depict the legendary Rosette pearls, designed by Marietta Barovier who, for the first time, associated the glass tube with the design of a twelve-pointed rose. Or, also, unique pieces such as the print by Alberto Valese, the Venetian craftsman who imported the Ebru technique from Istanbul into the city.

The heart of the Hotel is the magnificent “secret” garden, a real rarity in Venice, where breakfast is also served among palm trees, a solarium and deck chairs in the summer. A setting of peace and beauty, to start the day immersed in the calm of the lagoon.

Open all day from 11am, Savor Restaurant Bar & Garden, perfect for an aperitif served with local “cicchetti” (tapas), is immersed in a lovely light that filters through the windows facing 360° on all 4 sides, offering the feeling of being enveloped in a green oasis.

There are 75 rooms on 5 floors, including the splendid suites with garden view, equipped with all comforts and great attention to detail such as vintage-style telephones, king-size beds, many amenities and a well-stocked minibar.

Surely a stay at the Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena will make you fall in love with this “secret” corner of Venice, a very convenient location as a base in the Lagoon as it is located just a few minutes away from the Biennale and its Gardens, a 10-minute walk (wonderful at sunset) from Piazza San Marco and it is also well connected to the islands: Murano, Burano, Torcello and the Lido of Venice; just contact the Front Office Team, which offers a concierge service, to organize fabulous experiences.

The Secret

The island where the Hotel stands takes its name from an ancient legend linked to Saint Helena, the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine, whose remains are still kept in the church of the same name. It is said that, during the transport of the urn containing the relics of the Saint, the ship ran aground as soon as it entered the lagoon, in the area of San Pietro di Castello. The attempts of the sailors to free it were in vain: only once the urn was brought to the island, the ship began to float again. The sailors interpreted the incident as the desire of the Saint to remain on that island, uninhabited at the time. From that legacy the Church of Sant’Elena was erected, which we can still admire today a few meters away from the Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena.

Useful Info

Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena
Calle Buccari 10
30132 Sant’Elena, Venezia
Tel. +39 041 2717811

Rooms from 220 euro, breakfast included