This long, scorching hot summer seems to know no compassion for us earth-dwellers. A way to find some solace amid the highest temperatures of the year? Gelato, it goes without saying. Crowds of fatigued tourists zombie-walking about ice cream parlours, cone in hand like a trophy midway between hope and consolation, are a common sight in Venice. We shall list a few pointers for good-quality ice, of the artisanal kind, to be found in town. The place of honour goes to a Venetian institution, Nico’s ice cream shop at Zattere. Whether in a cone or a cup, gelato always gives that illusion of refrigeration – and sometimes illusions are all it takes.