Called I Granai della Repubblica or the Granaries of the Republic, the buildings are located across the lagoon opposite the Salute Church and St.  Mark�s Square, next to Hotel Cipriani�s two annex buildings, the Palazzo Vendramin and the Palazzetto.  Constructed of solid brick in the early 19th century, the granaries are built over the ruins of Palazzo Dandolo and, at the height of its might as a republic, were possibly the largest storage spaces in the whole of Venice.
 

Subject to obtaining permits, work will be carried out over the winter months to convert the granary buildings into a unique historical meeting venue, while simultaneously extending the terrace along the front of Cip�s.  Favored by the world�s most discerning travelers for the view of St. Mark�s Square, the Campanile and the Doge�s Palace, this terrace provides what is arguably one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world. Centuries ago when Venice was a bustling port and the center of all commercial sea trade, it teemed with sailing boats, galleons and trading vessels returning home from the Mediterranean and China laden with riches and merchandise to trade within Europe.  The ground floor of every Palazzo on the Grand Canal was built to store these goods and the Basin of St. Mark�s which the Hotel Cipriani now overlooks, was the central area of the port.  Dotted around Venice at that time were large storage spaces such as I Granai della Repubblica, where rice and grain were kept, and the Saloni behind the Salute Church at the entrance of the Grand Canal, which offered arriving and departing vessels dry storage of a very

The Hotel Cipriani, created to provide the very best of Venetian hospitality, incorporates the most luxurious accommodation, the most attentive service and the finest cuisine in an atmosphere of calm and seclusion. The Hotel Cipriani commands a position of strategic importance at the tip of Giudecca Island in Venice and affords dominating views of both the lagoon and St Mark�s Basin - the hotel is only five minutes from St Mark�s Square by private launch. Its three main buildings, swimming pool and tennis court are situated on a fertile piece of land, overflowing with flowers and vines. The original main building is located on the most sheltered side of the island, which offers a splendid panorama of the lagoon. Located on the other side of the island, yet just a few minutes� walk away, are Palazzo Vendramin and Palazzetto Nani Barbaro, which both benefit from a front-row view of St Mark�s Square and Basin.

The world famous Hotel Cipriani currently featuring four smaller meeting rooms in the main hotel building, is under the watchful eye of fabled hotelier, Dr. Natale Rusconi.  Celebrities, high-profile business executives and world leaders frequent the hotel during both leisure and business visits to Venice.