Casino di Venezia — casino in Venice

Casino di Venezia lays claim to being the oldest casino in the world: the Ridotto gaming house opened here back in 1638 during the days of the Venetian Republic. Today it occupies the majestic Renaissance Ca' Vendramin Calergi palace right on the Grand Canal — within these very walls Richard Wagner died in 1883, and his apartments are preserved as a museum. Playing in the gilded halls overlooking the water, where guests arrive by gondola and water taxi, is an experience available nowhere else. The atmosphere of Venetian masquerade balls, Murano crystal chandeliers and frescoes creates the feeling of a journey through time. It was here that scenes for the James Bond film "Casino Royale" were shot. In addition to the historic palace, the casino has a more modern venue, Ca' Noghera, near the airport, focused on slot machines.