The city is famous for its ruin pubs with their arty, underground atmosphere in hidden courtyards.

This is an Eastern village seen from within a hidden courtyard.

By contrast, the land entrance is a tiny, hidden courtyard about 10 minutes' walk from St Mark's Square - quiet, discreet and peaceful.

And this time of year, its hidden courtyard, away from the noises of the streets, is especially inviting.

It's great fun diving through the tunnelled passageways into hidden courtyards.

And those little windowpanes in the shop fronts along the hidden courtyard, which is bordered with coral azaleas just bursting their buds.

Or wander on your own to discover the hidden courtyards, multiple levels and light-filled spaces.

See the Jordaan area with its hidden courtyards and lovely restored houses.

A few steps west, tucked into a hidden courtyard away from the street, is the Koyasan Buddhist Temple .

Yet there was nothing in their facades that hinted at the hidden courtyards within.