How to see Venice’s Regata Storica

If you’re heading to Venice in early September, there’s an exciting event you won’t want to miss. The Regata Storica, or Historical Regatta, is held on Sunday 1 September and is an awesome spectacle that your whole family will enjoy. Here’s what you need to know about visiting this unique event.

Regata Storica: Venice at its most spectacular

The Regata Storica is a true highlight of the Venetian rowing calendar, and it’s been happening on the lagoon for centuries, drawing huge crowds of people. Before the races start, the colourful procession of 16th century-style boats recreates the pageantry of Venice’s heyday, when it was a supreme naval power.

During the regatta, gondoliers dressed in authentic costumes transport the ‘Doge’ and his wife along the Grand Canal, along with other important Venetians. This grand regatta of boats precedes the races, of which there are four, each for a different kind of boat. The most thrilling of the races is known as the ‘Campioni su Gondolini’, which is for the smaller, sportier gondolas. You’ll find the finish line outside the stunning Ca’ Foscari palace, where there’s a special floating stage set up for the event.

Visiting the Regata Storica, Venice

If you want to watch these spectacular proceedings in comfort, and get the best views, you can apply for tickets to the seating area on the floating platform, near Campo San Polo. For people who don’t live in Venice, full-price tickets for the seating area are priced at €60, while children aged 6 to 18 years get in for €30. Children under the age of six get in free, but they must be with an adult and they won’t have a seat assigned to them, so they can sit on your lap. Click here to buy tickets or call +39 041 2424.

You can buy your tickets online until 2pm on the day, or you can turn up on the day at the information desk in San Silvestro (it’s popular, so advance booking is recommended). You’ll be able to get to your seats from 3.45pm – go to the San Silvestro waterbus stop – and the event itself gets underway at 4pm.
Enjoy!