Harry Potter: Venice Becomes Hogwarts—"Back to Hogwarts" Arrives by Boat


In early September, Venice hosted “Back to Hogwarts,” an event celebrating the return to school in the Harry Potter universe, which evoked one of the scenes from the first film in the series.

Over the years, September 1 has become a global event for Harry Potter fans: it is the day when, in the saga, the young wizards arrive at Platform 9¾ at London’s King’s Cross Station to board the Hogwarts Express and begin a new school year. The event, known as “Back to Hogwarts,” was also celebrated this year in Venice, chosen to coincide with the Venice Film Festival. Photos posted on the official social media channels show the boats arriving in the lagoon and heading toward St. Mark’s Square, marking the culmination of the celebration in one of the city’s most recognizable settings.

The boats in front of St. Mark's Square. Photo: Official Facebook profile - Harry Potter
The boats in front of St. Mark’s Square. Photo: Official Facebook page – Harry Potter
The boats in front of St. Mark's Square. Photo: Official Facebook profile - Harry Potter
The boats in front of St. Mark’s Square. Photo: Official Facebook page – Harry Potter
The boats in front of St. Mark's Square. Photo: Official Facebook profile - Harry Potter
The boats in front of St. Mark’s Square. Photo: Official Facebook page – Harry Potter
The boats in front of St. Mark's Square. Photo: Official Facebook profile - Harry Potter
The boats in front of St. Mark’s Square. Photo: Official Facebook page – Harry Potter

As reported by *Corriere del Veneto* – *Corriere della Sera*, for one evening, Isola delle Rose—located south of the city and home to a resort—was transformed into the fictional Hogwarts. Artificial fog, spells from the movies, and a path lined with original props recreated the saga’s universe: from the Sorting Hat to Harry’s glasses, including wands, philosopher’s stones, Chocolate Frogs, and caramel popcorn. Also on display were 1:1-scale replicas of Harry and his owl Hedwig, made from nearly 17,000 Lego bricks.

The island’s church, decorated with other elements related to the saga, hosted the Italian Film Orchestra, which performed music from *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone* (2001). The film was then screened outdoors, preceded by 12 minutes of previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage showing the young cast members during production, including lead actor Daniel Radcliffe.

The event marks the 25th anniversary of the franchise’s cinematic debut. In addition, the new HBO original series will premiere at Christmas 2026, adapting the books starting with the first volume and featuring a new cast. The first trailer was released on the afternoon of September 2.

Harry Potter: Venice Becomes Hogwarts—
Harry Potter: Venice Becomes Hogwarts—"Back to Hogwarts" Arrives by Boat



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