Venice is more than just the allure of its canals or the mystique of its masks. Behind the postcard-perfect façades lies a living heritage, one built by hands, shaped by passion, and rooted in memory. Here, time has rendered certain crafts rare, fragile, nearly invisible. And yet they endure, thanks to a few determined artisans who keep their flame alive, day after day, resisting the tide of uniformity. In this article, we sought them out, listened to their stories, and shared their voices. Because to understand these trades is to discover a more intimate, more authentic, and sadly endangered, Venice.
The Remèri: Guardians of the Venetian Rowing Tradition
In the lagoon, one rows standing up, alla veneta.
It’s an ancient, graceful movement that relies on two essential tools: the oar (remo) and the rowlock (forcola). But these are no mere instruments, they’re sculpted, functional artworks, carved entirely by hand with millimetric precision. Every curve of the forcola serves a purpose. Each one must strike a perfect balance, tailored to both the boat and the rower.
The craft of the remèr is among the oldest in Venice. Passed down through generations, unchanged in both gesture and material. And yet today, only four remain.
Saverio Pastor – Le Forcole
Voted “Venetian of the Year” in 2023, Saverio is the doyen of the remèri. Since 1975, he has pursued the art of oar and forcola making with quiet humility and deep devotion. He founded the association El Felze to preserve and promote lagoon craftsmanship. A living symbol of Venetian tradition.
Piero Dri – Il Forcolaio Matto
Once an astronomer, now a craftsman, Piero is the youngest remèr in Venice. At his workshop Il Forcolaio Matto, he blends technical skill, creativity and a sustainable approach. He represents the bold, new face of Venetian artisanry.
Paolo Brandolisio
A direct pupil of master Giuseppe Carli, Paolo has continued the legacy of this historic workshop since 1987. Stepping into his space feels like a journey back in time, where tradition meets modernity to tell the story of the real Venice.
Franco Furlanetto
Once a rower, now a craftsman, Franco works in the San Polo district. Taught by Pastor, he now carves forcole with the same love he once gave to rowing.
The work of the remèri is slow, meticulous, and deeply intertwined with the soul of the lagoon. Visiting one of their workshops feels less like entering a tourist site, more like stepping into a cathedral of silence. Not a performance, but a living tradition renewed each day.
The Real Masks of Venice: Faces Made of Leather
In a city overflowing with masks, it’s hard to know which are real.
Genuine masks, those crafted by hand by Venetian maschereri, are rare. Among them, one name stands out: Carlo Setti, in his workshop La Pietra Filosofale.
He’s the only artisan working exclusively with leather, creating expressive, almost speaking, faces. Each mask is the result of technique, artistry, and ritual. No shows, no touristy gimmicks, just wood, horn, water, and hands.
Carlo makes masks for actors and lovers of Commedia dell’Arte. Because here, the mask isn’t a costume piece, it’s a symbol of freedom and transformation.
Other authentic ateliers (featured on the Unexpected Italy app) include: Ca’ Macana, Tragicomica, Ca’ del Sol, La Bottega dei Mascareri, Mistero Buffo, Atelier Marega, and Casin dei Nobili.
The Impiraresse: Venice’s Forgotten Bead Artists
There was a time when you could walk the narrow streets and see women sitting outside their homes, focused over bowls filled with tiny glass beads.
They were the Impiraresse, masters of speed and precision, threading minuscule Murano beads to create intricate necklaces, sacred ornaments and decorations exported worldwide.
It was a craft passed down from mother to daughter, requiring patience, artistry, and astonishing dexterity.
Today, one of the last remaining traces of this tradition can be found in the Corte delle Impiraresse, tucked away in Cannaregio. A quiet, hidden courtyard, heavy with memory.
These endangered crafts are the beating heart of a city at risk of losing its soul. But as long as there are those willing to seek them out, to listen, to show respect, these traditions will endure.
And if you want to know where to find them, when to visit, and how to truly connect with this hidden Venice, download our app Unexpected Italy: your passport to the side of the city no one tells you about.
