Historic Bridge

The oldest of the four historic bridges spanning the Grand Canal is also one of the most famous bridges in the world. The stone bridge dates back to the mid-16th century (a wooden bridge stood in its place from the 13th century) and is unique in that it has a canopy with an arcade for shops. Ponte Rialto is one of Venice's main attractions, so be prepared for huge crowds of tourists. [btn "Choose a hotel with a view of the Rialto" https:/…

Basilica, Lookout

Venice is full of the best, as the Basilica of St. Mark in the square of the same name declares. It is the most famous example of sacred Byzantine architecture on the European continent. The basilica, completed in 1092, is nicknamed the "Temple of Gold" for its flamboyant façade of gold mosaics, which is further emphasised by the richly decorated interior. St Mark's Basilica is one of the most important monuments in Italy. [btn "The best…

Palace

The magnificent Palazzo Ducale is the dominant building on the banks of the Grand Canal, close to St Mark's Basilica. The 14th-century building beautifully combines elements of Byzantine architecture and European Gothic, making it a unique example of 'Venetian Gothic'. [btn "The best hotels in St. Mark's Square" https://booking.com/landmark/it/st-mark-s-square-piazza-san-marco.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-dozeci-palac] The seat of the…

Basilica, Tower, Lookout

The Renaissance Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore stands on a small island of the same name just south of the main part of Venice and is visible from afar, for example from St Mark's Square. Its tower is a more subtle copy of St Mark's bell tower and is often confused with it. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Venice" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-san-giorgio] Ancient-style basilica The church itself was…

Cemetery

The islet of San Michele is a bit out of the way for tourists, yet it is a stone's throw from Venice. The entire island serves as Venice's only cemetery. There's simply no room in the city, so all the dead go to their final resting place here. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Venice" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-hrbitov] The rectangular shaped island of about 400x500 metres is completely surrounded by a…

Basilica

One of Venice's largest churches, the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, stands somewhat drowned in the midst of the tangle of narrow canals of the central San Paolo district. Compared to the Byzantine St Mark's, the 1250 building is dark almost mystical, but different nonetheless and therefore definitely worth a visit. [btn "Cheapest accommodation in Venice (Booking.com)" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice.en.html?aid=2380460…

Palace

This beautiful palace on the banks of the Grand Canal is a prime example of the sumptuous Venetian Rococo. The museum inside is dedicated to the 18th century Renaissance period, and is a must-visit on a hot or cold day. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Venice" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-rezzonico] Beautiful exterior, stunning interior The Ca' Rezzonico Palace impresses with its front façade…

Historic Bridge

A covered covered bridge from 1574 connects the interrogation room of the Doge's Palace with the prison building on the other side of the canal. Ponte dei Sospiri translates as "Bridge of Sighs" and earned its name from the cries of the prisoners crossing it. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Venice" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-sospiri] The bridge is 11 metres long and made of white limestone. You can…

Basilica

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute stands on the banks of the Grand Canal in the Punta della Dogana district and is perfectly visible from the seafront of St Mark's Square. It is one of the landmarks of the Grand Canal and of Venice as a whole and appears in many of the city's promotional images. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Venice" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-maria-salute] The promenade…

Palace

One of Venice's oldest palaces, the Ca' d'Oro, or Golden House, stands right on the banks of the northern part of the Grand Canal. The facade of the Gothic building, dating from 1430, is richly decorated, while the interior serves as a gallery for the art collections of Giorgio Franchetti. [btn "Book a hotel in the centre of Venice" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-ca-doro] Among the most valuable…

Historic Bridge

The wooden bridge leading to the Galleria dell'Accademia is a popular spot for observing life on the Grand Canal. Built only in 1854, it is the only fixed link between the southern and central parts of Venice. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Venice" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice/.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-ponte-accademia] The original bridge was of metal construction, but due to disrepair it was demolished and a new wooden one…

Palace, Lookout

One of the smallest palaces in the centre of Venice attracts visitors thanks to its unusual outdoor spiral staircase. It has only been open since 2016 and is definitely worth a visit. The spiral staircase leads up to the arcade, which offers an interesting view of the whole of Venice from rooftop level. [imageFill 164837,164834,164835,164836] Admission and opening hours Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. The last entry is possible at 17:30. …

Tower, Lookout

St Mark's is the main landmark of Venice and one of the most iconic buildings in Italy. It belongs to the neighbouring St Mark's Basilica, although it is not directly connected to it, nor was it built together with the basilica. [btn "The best hotels in St. Mark's Square" https://booking.com/landmark/it/st-mark-s-square-piazza-san-marco.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-zvonice] St Mark's Campanile is an unmissable structure and, at 98.6…

Island, Cathedral

The somewhat forgotten islet of Torcello lies in the Venetian lagoon, about 40 minutes by boat from the historic centre of Venice, and offers divine tranquillity, the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and a peaceful rural setting. [btn "The cheapest accommodation in Venice" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice/.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-torcello] Although the island of Torcello is now inhabited by only something like 30…

Exhibition Centre, Historic building

On the eastern side of the historic centre is the large area of the former Venetian shipyards, in Italian Arsenale di Venezia. [btn "Cheapest accommodation in Venice (Booking.com)" https://www.booking.com/city/it/venice/.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-benatky-lodenice] These shipyards have served the Venetian navy since the 13th century and still harbour a strong genius of long-distance sailing and hard work on the docks. If you're a fan of…