Fable of Venice: Hugo Pratt & Corto Maltese Tour
Follow Corto Maltese through the “Fable of Venice” by Hugo Pratt. A private tour blending comics, secrets, and the city’s most evocative corners.
Fable of Venice: Hugo Pratt & Corto Maltese Highlights
- Discover Venice through the eyes of Corto Maltese
- Visit hidden spots from the comic Fable of Venice
- Learn about Hugo Pratt’s life and inspirations
- Walk off the beaten path in a mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere
- A unique mix of history, fiction, and graphic art
Meeting Point
Personalized pick-up is available : feel free to request pick-up at your hotel or any location within the historic center of Venice.
Otherwise the general meeting point is:
Campo dei Gesuiti, at COMBO, in the internal courtyard near the well.
Description
Wander through the dreamlike world of Hugo Pratt’s Venice, where fantasy meets reality and every alley holds a story. On this private tour, we’ll follow the adventures of Corto Maltese, the mysterious sailor and reluctant hero, through the very streets and courtyards that inspired Pratt’s masterpiece Favola di Venezia.
This experience is more than a tribute—it’s a journey into hidden Venice, led by a guide passionate about comics, history, and storytelling. You’ll discover real places drawn in the panels of Pratt’s work, walk past secretive corti, encounter the Bridge of Nostalgia, and hear tales that blur the lines between fiction and history.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious explorer, this tour is a magical portal into the city’s esoteric soul and the visual poetry of one of Italy’s most iconic graphic novelists.
Itinerary
A curated itinerary
This curated itinerary takes you through lesser-known corners of Venice tied to Hugo Pratt’s life and imagination. The route is primarily in the Castello and Cannaregio districts, the heart of Pratt’s childhood, and the stage for Favola di Venezia. Our meeting point will be Combo a former jesuit monastery, a place of memory and reflection—just like the opening of a graphic novel.
Calle Tiziano – Corto Maltese’s House
In this quiet corte, Pratt imagined Corto’s Venetian residence. It’s a hidden gem for fans, tucked away in Cannaregio’s maze of alleys.
Ponte della Nostalgia
Pratt renamed this ordinary bridge as the “Bridge of Nostalgia”—a poetic reinterpretation of the everyday. A perfect metaphor for his Venice.
Palazzo Soranzo Van Axel
A Gothic dream. This palace appears as one of Corto’s homes in the comics. It also reflects the aristocratic and mysterious mood of Pratt’s visual style.
Calle del Forno – Pratt’s Childhood Home
Here lived young Hugo before the war. His memories of this area permeate his stories with deep emotional resonance.
Corte Botera – Corte Sconta detta Arcana
A legendary courtyard blocked by a gate. Pratt gave it an aura of magical realism. This is where Favola di Venezia truly begins—a gateway to another dimension.
San Pietro di Castello
Once the city’s cathedral, this ancient island holds deep symbolic and narrative meaning in Fable of Venice. It’s where Corto confronts Venice’s Masonic mysteries, and a powerful closing chapter for our walk.
The tour is customizable and may include additional stops such as the Arsenal lion, Campiello dell’Arabo d’Oro, Calle dei Marrani, and more, depending on interest and time.
What is included
Top-rated local guide
What’s not included
Gratuities at your discretion
Please Note
The tour is offered in English, Italian, Spanish and German.
It is a private tour: it will be a customized private experience with your group only.
Please be sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before the starting time of the tour. This is the key to ensure the high-quality of your experience.
We also recommend you wear comfortable shoes.
Accessibility
The experience is meant to be inclusive and accessible: if you are a traveller with motor, sensorial or cognitive disabilities, please let us know in advance and we will make our best to meet your needs. The tour can be arranged as wheelchair accessible on request.
FAQs
What languages is the tour available in?
The tour is available in English, Italian, German, and Spanish.
Is this tour private?
Yes, this is a fully private tour tailored to your pace and interests.
Do I need to be familiar with Hugo Pratt or Corto Maltese to enjoy it?
Not necessarily — your guide will introduce you to both the artist and the character. However, this tour is especially designed for those who love Hugo Pratt’s work or are curious to explore it.
Will we visit indoor sites?
The tour mainly takes place outdoors. Entry to any indoor site can be arranged upon request.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the storytelling and visuals make it enjoyable for all ages.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, with some route adjustments. Please inform us in advance.
Can we combine this tour with other experiences?
Absolutely! It can be combined with other walking tours, museum visits, or food experiences.
Where does the tour start and end?
We usually start at Campo dei Gesuiti and end at San Pietro di Castello, but the itinerary can be customised.
Can I buy a Hugo Pratt comic book?
If you own Fable of Venice, bring it along! If not, we can stop at a local bookstore during the tour, and I can also suggest a shop dedicated to Hugo Pratt fans.
How can I contact you for more information?
📧 Email: valerio@detourist.it
📱 WhatsApp: +39 340 671 1267
Booking Experience
No availability? Fully booked? Custom request? Contact me via WhatsApp or email — I might still make it happen!
