Commissario Brunetti in Venice: Following in the Footsteps of Donna Leon's Bestsellers

Perhaps you feel the same way as so many visitors: You read one of Donna Leon’s thrilling novels or watch the atmospheric film adaptations on ARD, and you’d love to wander through the alleys of Venice yourself right away. For over 30 years, Inspector Guido Brunetti has become a familiar companion for many of us.

I invite you to join me in discovering the real-life settings of these stories and to experience a bit of that Venetian way of life that Brunetti loves so much.

Who exactly is this Commissario Brunetti?

Guido Brunetti is much more than just a police officer. He is a family man, a bon vivant, and a keen observer of his hometown. Together with his wife Paola and their children Raffi and Chiara, he lives in an apartment whose rooftop terrace has become legendary. His daily life, spent between the police headquarters and the city’s small bars, reveals a Venice that lies off the beaten path of the large tourist crowds.

The Highlights of Your Brunetti Tour

To help you feel like you're right in the middle of a crime scene on your next visit, I've put together a list of the most important locations for you:

1. The Questura (Police Headquarters)

When you stand in front of the impressive facade at the Campo San Francesco della Vigna If you're in the Castello neighborhood, you'll recognize the Questura right away. In the movies, the police boats dock right in front of the entrance here. It's a wonderfully peaceful spot that invites you to linger.

2. The Brunetti Family's Apartment

The famous terrace, where the family often eats together, is part of the Palazzo Barbarigo della Terrazza. From the opposite side of the Grand Canal (near the San Tomà stop), you can enjoy a wonderful view of the palace and imagine Paola up there reading her literary classics.

3. Cuisine: Eating Like a Commissario

Brunetti is a connoisseur. You often see him in typical bars (Bacari) or restaurants:

• Trattoria Antiche Carampane: A favorite for fish dishes.
• Pasticceria Tonolo: This is where the Commissario likes to pick up some sweet pastries.
• Cantina Do Mori: Perfect for a quick Ombra (a glass of wine) and cicchetti.

My tip for you:
Would you like to explore the filming locations at a leisurely pace on a guided walking tour?

Overview of All Cases (Books & Movies)

There are now over 33 books by Donna Leon. If you'd like to complete your collection or are looking for a nice gift, here's an overview for you:

The latest case: „Trial by Fire“ (Volume 33)

The first case: „Venetian Finale“ (A must-see for every fan!)

Classics: „Acqua Alta“ or „Final Stop: Venice“

Reading Recommendation & Gift Idea: „Bring that Venice vibe home. [You can find all the Brunetti novels and the complete DVD box set here on Amazon]“

Brunetti for Seniors: Tips for Investigating a Case

Since many Brunetti fans—just like the Commissario himself—prefer to take life a little slower, we've put together some special tips:

• Accessibility: The Questura at Campo San Francesco della Vigna is easy to reach.
• Take the vaporetto instead of walking: Many attractions are located right next to the stops on Lines 1 and 2. A ride along the Grand Canal saves you a lot of walking.
• Rest breaks: Take advantage of the squares (campi) that Brunetti visits in the books (e.g., Campo Santa Maria Formosa) to enjoy a relaxing break at a café.

Dr. Susanne Kunz-Saponaro, an officially certified tour guide for Venice, offers a guided tour titled „In the Footsteps of Commissario Brunetti“:

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