Hotel Indigo Venice is housed in an ancient convent on the island of Sant’Elena, at the eastern end of Venice in the Castello Sestiere. Far from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas, it boasts an amazing location, just a few steps from the Biennale’s Gardens.
The island of Sant’Elena owes its name to an ancient legend that tells how the saint’s remains were brought here from Constantinople and, subsequently, buried in the chapel built by the Augustinians in 1028. In 1400 the Augustinians were succeeded by the Benedictines, who in 1439 they built the convent and the church, still visible today.
The religious complex was deconsecrated in 1810 and used for military purposes for over a century. Returned to the Church in 1930, the convent was run by Mantellate Sisters and first used as a private educational institution and later as accommodation for pilgrims on their journey to Venice.
In 1999, when the nuns decided to leave the premises, the building underwent lengthy renovation that led to creating Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant’Elena. However, the distinctive historical features and character of the building were preserved, as well the external façade, the inner portico and the garden that was once the cloister.
