Venetian Pool, Historical swimming center in Coral Gables, United States.
Venetian Pool is a public swimming pool in Coral Gables, Florida, built within a shallow limestone quarry. It holds about 820,000 US gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, making it the largest freshwater pool in the United States. A Venetian-style bridge with lamp posts crosses the water, and a grotto extends over twelve feet into the hillside. A walking path surrounds the complex.
Opened in 1924 as the Venetian Casino, the pool was carved from a four-acre limestone quarry abandoned in 1921. George Merrick founded it as part of Coral Gables' Mediterranean Revival development, with architect Phineas Paist reconfiguring the quarry and artist Denman Fink designing the layout. A 1989 renovation restored original features, and in 1981 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The pool has hosted concerts and performances, including shows by the Miami Symphony Orchestra at its floor. This use reveals how the space functioned as more than just a place to swim, becoming a gathering spot for the community.
The pool opens Tuesday through Sunday with hours that change by season. Check ahead if visiting with Coral Gables residents, as they receive different entry rates than outside visitors.
The entire water supply is replaced daily and filtered naturally back into the aquifer through the ground. This system keeps spring water fresh while supporting the local groundwater balance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,785 contributors worldwide.
