At the western edge of the bustling Piazza San Marco, adjacent to the Napoleonic Wing which now hosts the Museo Correr, stands a venerable establishment steeped in the annals of Venetian history – the Baglioni Luna Venice. Originally tracing its roots back to the twelfth century, when it operated as the humble Osteria della Luna, this erstwhile abode catered to the needs of knights embarking on the arduous journey to the Crusades, offering them respite and sustenance near the Grand Canal.
Over the centuries, the Luna underwent a series of transformations, witnessing the ebb and flow of Venetian fortunes. Seized from the Knights Templars and later serving as a residence for esteemed Venetian senators, the Luna emerged as a commercial hotel in 1574, its identity marked by the emblem of the moon. In an era where Venice served as a cosmopolitan hub for travelers of diverse origins and tongues, symbolic representations held paramount significance. Notably, the crescent moon became a beacon guiding wayfarers as they departed the bustling Piazza San Marco towards San Moise.
The winds of history swept across Venice with the advent of Napoleon's conquest in 1797, followed by the city's transfer to the Hapsburg Empire in 1815. Amidst these tumultuous times, the Luna Hotel's dining room morphed into a meeting ground for young imperial cadets, setting the stage for encounters reminiscent of those depicted in the film "Effie" (2014), where John Ruskin's spouse found solace in the company of Austrian officers during the 1840s.
In the twentieth century, the narrative of the Luna Hotel intertwined with the entrepreneurial spirit of Giuseppe Cipriani, whose adjacent venture, Harry's Bar, epitomized Venetian elegance and conviviality. However, it was in 1988 that the Luna embarked on a new chapter under the stewardship of Roberto Polito's Baglioni consortium, heralding a renaissance marked by opulence and celebrity patronage. Noteworthy luminaries, including the famed astronaut Neil Armstrong, graced its halls, immortalizing their presence alongside the hotel's storied legacy.
Fast forward to the contemporary era, where the Baglioni Luna stands as a discreet yet resplendent gem in Venice's tapestry. Concealed within the labyrinthine alleys of Calle Larga Ascensione, the hotel eschews ostentatious signage, inviting discerning guests to discover its allure nestled alongside the verdant expanse of Giardini Reale. Managed by Gianmatteo Zampieri, a custodian of history and hospitality, the Luna embodies a seamless fusion of tradition and innovation.
Zampieri's passion for the hotel's heritage is palpable as he extols the virtues of its sumptuous suites, each paying homage to Venetian luminaries such as Bellini and Titian. The Marco Polo Ballroom, adorned with eighteenth-century frescoes, serves as a testament to the city's artistic legacy, inviting guests to indulge in epicurean delights beneath Tiepolo's celestial brushstrokes.
Embracing Venetian lore with a contemporary twist, the Baglioni Luna introduces the "Codega Experience," a curated journey through the city's enigmatic alleyways guided by modern-day torchbearers. Guests are transported back in time, regaled with tales of Venetian intrigue and splendor, before culminating their odyssey with a gastronomic feast at the neo-classical Canova Restaurant.
Led by the effervescent Giovanna, our nocturnal escapade through San Marco unveiled hidden treasures and whispered secrets, evoking the spirit of Casanova's Venice. From clandestine gambling dens to the majestic spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, each encounter served as a testament to the city's enduring mystique.
As we reconvened for dinner at Canova, enveloped in the warmth of Antonella's expertise, the Baglioni Luna revealed itself not just as a hotel but as a custodian of Venetian heritage and hospitality. With each passing moment, it became abundantly clear – within the hallowed halls of the Luna, history and innovation converge to create an unforgettable tapestry of luxury and enchantment.
