We have visited Davide's apartment every year for five or six years. This must be one of the most elegant and well maintained in Venice. It is on the top floor of a centuries old Venetian building (94 steps) which provides a magnificent view across the rooftops of most of Venice. Although within a few minutes of St Marks Square the immediate area is clearly still mainly residential and certainly off the mass tourist track. The nearby Piazza S.Maria Di Formosa is a delight....try the delightful little bar immediately adjacent to the church.