After a two-year restoration, the nearly century-old Locanda Cipriani on the Venetian Lagoon's Torcello island has added new suites and refreshed its grounds.
Locanda Cipriani, a property on the Venetian island of Torcello, has reopened after a two-year restoration. The hotel, part of the Cipriani hospitality family, is located about 25 minutes by boat from Venice. It is a nearly century-old establishment, originally acquired by Giuseppe Cipriani Sr. in 1936 as a wine shop, then transformed into an inn after World War II.
While most visitors focused on Venice proper, Cipriani Sr. recognised the appeal of Torcello, a sparsely populated island known for its medieval buildings and Byzantine cathedral. The inn gained a reputation for privacy, attracting guests such as Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, Nicole Kidman, and Elton John. Ernest Hemingway reportedly stayed for months while writing a novel.
Giuseppe Cipriani, founder and CEO of the Cipriani Group and grandson of Giuseppe Sr., stated the restoration aimed to preserve the property's “soul.” The project, undertaken with Fabrizio Cocchi Studio, focused on restoration rather than modernisation. Cipriani indicated a desire for the interior design to connect with the landscape, allowing the lagoon, gardens, and changing light to remain central.
The property expanded from six rooms to 10, including four new suites. These accommodations feature dedicated living areas and terraces that overlook the gardens and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Interior changes include historic ceiling beams painted white and high-gloss wood paneling paired with handblown glass light fixtures from Vetreria Venier in Murano. A new bar counter has been added, and the restaurant and shared spaces are designed to encourage “simple conviviality.”
The gardens have been refreshed with roses, flowering plants, vegetable plots, and a vine-covered pergola supported by pink marble columns. The hotel's restaurant serves Cipriani signature dishes and classic Venetian cuisine. According to Cipriani, the Torcello location offers a break from the city's activity, inviting visitors to slow down.
For travelers and owners, this means a historic Venetian property offers an expanded room count and updated facilities while aiming to maintain its original character and secluded appeal.
Source
Robb Report — reported 25 July 2026. Read by the Amorielli news desk.
