Ca’ Foscari: a digital detox whilst exploring St Mark’s Square

St Mark’s Square is one of the most famous and most visited places in the world, but there are many ways to experience it. These days, many tourists visit it with their smartphones in hand, searching for the perfect selfie without taking the time to appreciate the uniqueness of the place. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice offers students the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful squares in the world, whilst honing their powers of observation and concentration, taking the time to discover something new about the city, but above all, consciously spending a couple of hours disconnected from their devices. On 10 November, the Venetian square will launch the ‘Digital Detox Themed Walks’, the university’s new initiative designed to help participants discover Venice by training their eyes and rediscovering the pleasure of being together.

An expert guide will lead the group in exploring the connections between the buildings, such as the ‘common thread’ intended by the Republic of Venice to present the St Mark’s area as a space symbolising the government. At the start of the session, you will be asked to switch your mobile phone to silent mode and put it away for the duration of the session. This will not be a typical guided tour: students will participate actively, being encouraged to examine, observe and identify architectural and decorative features through questions and interaction.

Marco Sgarbi, Rector of Ca’ Foscari: ‘We’re always connected, and yet sometimes we feel lonely. With these walks, we want to give our students something precious: the time to look up. Two hours away from screens to notice the light reflecting off the water, a detail carved into a façade, or the voice of the person walking beside us.”