Hidden in Sestiere of Cannaregio, high walls conceal, as if to protect it, the charm of the 19th century Angelo Orsoni furnace, dedicated to the production of smalti and gold leaf mosaic.

The history of Orsoni is the unique story of an art craft that has handed down mysterious alchemies for four generations and it has revived the old crafts of Byzantine gold leaf mosaic and the pure smalti of Murano’s Renaissance.

It all started when Angelo Orsoni brought his multicolored panel to the Great Exhibition in Paris in 1889. Now the Orsoni name is linked to the realization of important works such as the Trocadéro and the Basilica of the Sacre Cœur in Paris, Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, San Marco in Venice and many other mosaic masterpieces in Arab and Oriental culture.

Since 2004, the old Orsoni furnace has opened its doors to the lovers of this unique art, with the institution of the Master course in Mosaic aiming to hand down and spread the culture and technique of mosaic. The Master in Mosaic course provides an immersion in the ancient craft of mosaics. Drawing from the precious legacy of the renown mosaic instructors, you will discover the secrets of mosaic, its history and its innumerable possibilities of expression.

The Master is offered in a 3-day or 5-day workshop with a set schedule but can also be reserved on a private basis for a 1 day course and tour of the furnace.  The courses are dedicated to artists, designers, architects and creative individuals interested in acquiring all the theoretical and practical foundations of the ancient art of mosaic.

Elegantly restructured, the private wing of the Orsoni villa in Cannaregio houses Domus Orsoni, a 5 room Bed & Breakfast, enhanced with mosaic works by various Italian artists and the perfect place to stay in Venice if you are looking for a really special accommodation off the beaten track.

For further information, please contact us: info@khospitality.it