Scala Mata: Unique and Homely 17th Century Biennale Apartment
This newly renovated, elegant and unique first-floor apartment is located in Seco Marina, a characteristic district of Venice where the washing is hung on the street and Venetian is spoken more than Italian. A stone's throw from the Giardini and a short walk to the Arsenale, Scala Mata is the ideal apartment for visitors to the Venice Biennale. With 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, separate kitchen and bathroom, the apartment has a very 'homely' feel. The space
Scala Mata means 'mad staircase' in Venetian and visitors to the apartment will easily see why: the winding staircase connects the entrance to the main living spaces on the first floor, which are built around the stairwell. The mad staircase then continues to the third floor attic space. The second floor remains a mystery!
Traditional, curated single pieces of décor such as: marble tables, 17th Century Venetian doors and Murano glass lights, contrast with modern kitchen, bathroom and modern appliances. This is Venice recomposed: history recalled within a contemporary context.
Naturally lit interiors are hard to come by in Venice, but Scala Mata boasts nine windows on three sides of the apartment. It's perfect at all times of day and, due to the attention given to the lamps and lighting inside, you can set whatever mood suits you in the evenings too.
The flat is ideal for families, friends and couples visiting Venice, or for longer stays by researchers, academics and professionals. The space is designed to be flexible and can accommodate many different needs. Children are welcome, dogs are allowed, but the flat is definitely no smoking / no candles.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Address: Calle de le Ancore, 1044 - Castello BiennaleGoogle maps ' position: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZF2iGXAu1hQr4UdG7The apartment is located on the third floor, consisting of a bedroom, bathroom with tub, living room with sofa bed for 2 people, kitchen
Castello
Address: Calle de le Ancore, 1044 - Castello BiennaleGoogle maps ' position: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZF2iGXAu1hQr4UdG7The apartment is located on the third floor, consisting of a bedroom, bathroom with tub, living room with sofa bed for 2 people, kitchen
Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 10 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number IT027042C23VT8BRGW
About the area
Venice
Located by the ocean, this holiday home is in Castello, a neighbourhood in Venice. Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Port of Venice and Tronchetto Waterbus Stop. Marina di Venezia and San Teodoro are also worth visiting. With sailing and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Arsenale della Biennale di Venezia - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
Riva degli Schiavoni - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Restaurants
Vecia Gina - 11 min walk
Nevodi - 5 min walk
Trattoria Ai Tosi Grandi Venezia - 1 min walk
Bar MIO - 3 min walk
Da Paolo - 12 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Scala Mata: Unique and Homely 17th Century Biennale Apartment pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 10 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Scala Mata: Unique and Homely 17th Century Biennale Apartment?
As of 16 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Scala Mata: Unique and Homely 17th Century Biennale Apartment on 13 June 2026 start from NZ$459, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Scala Mata: Unique and Homely 17th Century Biennale Apartment?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Scala Mata: Unique and Homely 17th Century Biennale Apartment?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Scala Mata: Unique and Homely 17th Century Biennale Apartment located?
Located in Castello, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Via Garibaldi, St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace. St. Mark's Basilica and Rialto Bridge are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This home is so lovely. A quiet, authentic Venetian neighborhood ( only 15 minute walk to San Marco square). So much flexibility re sleeping arrangements and privacy. Just so charming.
We loved our stay at Marika's flat. Cosy and artfully decorated, we felt right at home there. Marika was delightful to communicate with, and her mum, who met us, was very kind. We also loved all the restaurants that were recommended. Thanks so much!
Scale Mata is located in a quiet Venetian neighborhood that is a few minutes walk away from the Giardini Biennale as well as the Giardini water taxi stop. It is also very close to several grocery stores, cafes and restaurants. We were able to drop off our bags and explore the city a bit before check-in which was great. Overall a very comfortable stay that gave us a taste of Venetian life . ( There are quite a few steps which can be tricky with big luggages though, hence the name).
Marika was amazing. Everything you could possibly need and more in a place to stay. She made an intro booklet to help with current events water taxi schedule, current practices in Venice and even a map. She was always available for questions and was an absolute delight. The apartment was a bit farther from main city but we booked it on purpose. For the quiet and the ability to come and go from the square as we wanted. The apartment was full of charm and art. Would definitely return and TY again and bring the rest of my kids. Thanks Marika !
Brandelle D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 September 2024
Thank you for your glowing review :-)
Looking forward to hosting you again
Abseits des Trubels gelegen, dort wo die Venezianer wohnen. Bootshaltestelle, Via Garibaldi mit Supermarkt, Geschäften ca. 5 Minuten entfernt. Restaurant um die Ecke. Marika ist eine wunderbare Gastgeberin. Schnelle Antworten, Tipps für Venedig, freundlich und professionell. Das Apartment ist großartig, Über 2 Stockwerke verteilt, so dass bei mehr als 2 Gästen jeder seine Privatsphäre hat. Komplett ausgestattet. Das Haus ist komplett renoviert und liebevoll eingerichtet. Zum Wohlfühlen!
Thomas F.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2024
Grazie Thomas! È stato un piacere ospitarvi :-)
Marika
Die Wohnung ist liebevoll und kunstvoll eingerichtet und genauso wird man von Marika empfangen. Alles ist gut durchdacht und komfortabel für uns Gäste vorbereitet. Die Wohnung hat Charme, da sie rund um die Treppe gebaut ist. Im Obergeschoss sind zwei weitere Einzelbetten, die gut nutzbar sind, wenn auch etwas mühsamer zu erreichen und in einem recht niedrigen Dachgeschoss gelegen.
Beate W.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 28 November 2020
Thank you Beate. Looking forward to hosting you all again.
Wir fanden Venedig at its best. Ein wundervoll geschmackvoll künstlerisch-venezianisch hergerichtetes Haus, nicht überdesigned sondern sehr authentisch. Die Lage ist direkt an den Giardini, somit 15 Gehminuten vom Zentrum entfernt in einem Viertel, das von Venezianern bewohnt wird. Marika holte uns sogar vom Vaporetto ab, als wir die ihrerseits sehr genaue Beschreibung von Haus und Weg nicht sofort in unserem Gepäck finden konnten. Wir reisten mit Hündin, was für Marika sowieso kein Problem war und für die Hündin selbst die größte Freude: eine Stadt ohne Autos mit Parks zum freien Laufen und Menschen, die Tiere mögen, auch solche, die gerne Tauben spielerisch verjagen. Wir mussten leider unseren eigentlich als Kurzurlaub geplanten Aufenthalt zum Arbeiten verwenden, aber ein Blick in die Umgebung genügte immer wieder, um zu wissen, es ist dennoch ein großes Vergnügen, da zu sein und das überwiegte eindeutig. Immer wieder werden wir herzlich gerne zu Marika, ihrer Familie und in dieses Haus zurückkehren.
Gudrun B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 October 2020
Thank you Gudrun. I’m overwhelmed by your reviews :)
You are welcome back anytime.
A presto !
Marika
Bellissimo soggiorno!
Appartamento incantevole e silenzioso e padroni di casa estremamente disponibili!
antonella p.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Grazie mille Antonella, è stato un piacere avervi come ospiti e che abbiate avuto un soggiorno bellissimo. Alla prossima!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sophie D.
11 August 2018
Magnifique
Si vous aimez les endroits atypiques, vous allez adorer l'appartement de Marika. La touche artistique se retrouve dans chaque pièce, c'est juste superbe. Côté confort, rien ne manque et Marika est très sympathique.
Merci encore pour les vins et pour les fruits et légumes du jardin 😉.
Nous reviendrons, c'est certain.
Grazie Mille Marika
Sophie Desplat