Venice, the City of Water, is a city like no other. Its unique charm has captivated hearts for centuries, and it's no surprise that it was chosen as the backdrop for the iconic film, Casino Royale (2006). In this article, we'll take you on a journey to discover the "sinking house" in Venice, where Bond's heartbreak unfolded.
Why Bond Was Here
In the movie, James Bond (Daniel Craig) had just won a poker game in Montenegro and was enjoying Venice with his love interest, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green). But fate took a turn when Vesper betrayed him, stealing the poker money and running off to meet her contacts. Bond followed her into a crumbling Venetian house, saving her from her deal – but ultimately couldn't save her from her guilt.
Watery Grave: The Sinking House in Venice
The scene where Vesper locks herself up and meets her watery grave was filmed using a mix of Pinewood sets and clever CGI. However, the real "sinking house" is a narrow house with carmine red paint and white windows located in the Cannaregio area, next to Sotoportego del Remer at Canal Grande.
To get there, take vaporetto (water bus) line 1 or 2 from Mercato di Rialto, which stops at San Polo. Alternatively, walk north from Marcus Square to the Rialto Bridge and then continue along the canal's edge with the Grand Canal to your right. This route will also bring you to another iconic scene where Gettler watches Bond and Vesper sail through Venice.
Good to Know
Rialto is at the heart of Venice's main island, making it a perfect hub for navigating the city. With more than 100 islands combined through water canals and bridges, Venice wants you to get lost between its labyrinthine alleys and piazzas. So, don't glue your head to a smartphone looking for directions – simply wonder if the next turn will bring you to a new campo (town square), or a dead end in front of a water canal.
Exploring the City
The best way to explore Venice is on foot. Small "nizioletti" street signs help navigate the city, addressing landmarks, campos, and streets. The bigger lanes are called "calle," while the smaller ones underneath houses are called "sotoportego."
Rialto as Orientation Hub
If you ever get lost or lazy, Rialto is a good hub for orientation. Head to the south to find touristy San Marco with its famous landmarks and sights, many of which were featured in Bond's adventure. To the north lies quiet Cannaregio, while dynamic Castello awaits to the east, and trendy Dorsoduro to the west.
Vaporetto Lines
To navigate along Canal Grande, take vaporetto lines 1 or 2 and ask for directions when boarding: "Piazzale Roma" or "Ferrovia" will bring you north, while "San Marco" takes you south directly to San Marco Square.
Rialto Market
The Rialto Market is still a trading place, mostly for fresh fish, vegetables, and fruits. Get there early to dive into the atmosphere and grab a café at a nearby shop. Watch vendors battle seagulls over their freshly caught mackerels, scallops, and squids. Later, the morning sun will bathe the columns of the old market hall in golden light.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Staying in an alley right next to the mercato allows you to come by every morning and evening. Rialto is always full of life, and you can still feel its importance for daily life in Venice. Plus, fruits and vegetables are reasonably priced, making it a great option for a lunch or afternoon break at one of Venice's nice campos., the "sinking house" in Venice is just one of many iconic locations that make this city so unique. By following these tips, you'll be able to explore the city like Bond and experience its beauty for yourself.