What to see in Venice? Sights of Venice - what to see (with photos and descriptions) The most interesting things in Venice

This article will guide you through the most interesting attractions in Venice, listing some popular Venetian monuments. Each place is described in detail in a separate article and marked on the map. Venice is not called the most romantic city in the world for nothing, a city of bridges, canals and magnificent ancient architecture. It is also one of the most visited cities in the world by tourists. Unfortunately, due to too many tourists and frequent floods, many historical monuments are in danger of destruction, which is why recently the option of closing access to most tourists has even been discussed. So, perhaps you have a few more years to visit the city of love, but this selection will help you get your bearings and create a route.

When a city is so filled with interesting places and historical monuments, it is difficult to decide where to start exploring. Perhaps it's best to just get lost for a few hours, wandering its charming little streets and passages, strolling along its canals, and finding its secret nooks and crannies. At every step you will find something interesting. At the same time, you can always easily find your way back to St. Mark's Square and the Main Canal. Most of Venice's best attractions are centered around these two landmarks. In addition, you can always go on an excursion to the nearby islands: Murano, Burano and Torcello.

1. Piazza San Marco

Let's start with one of the most recognizable landmarks in Venice - San Marco. St. Mark's Square is probably the most famous place in the city. Since the medieval period, the piazza has always been considered the center of Venice and has been the location of all important offices of the Venetian state and the archbishop since the 19th century. Many Venetian festivals also take place here.

This is the place where the most outstanding sights of Venice are concentrated. The vast space of Venice's largest square is striking in the graceful uniformity of its architecture. But it is not only architectural elegance that makes Piazza San Marco so famous. This is a real living room of Venice - a place where all tourists gather, stroll, drink coffee, take photographs, meet friends and guides. The galleries on three sides of the square contain fashionable shops and even more fashionable cafes. And on its open side is the majestic Basilica of St. Mark, from the bell tower of which you can best view the entire square.

2. Academy Gallery

The Accademia Gallery is the most famous art museum in Venice. It houses one of the largest collections in the world, which includes works by Venetian artists painting before the 18th century. The collection is organized chronologically, but there are also thematic shows. The Academy was founded in 1784 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo. The Academy Museum is located on the Grand Canal of Venice. It contains the richest collection of Venetian art from the 15th to 18th centuries. Much of the collection was collected from monasteries and churches, as well as from the palaces of noble families, and is now presented to the public in the former Monastery of Santa Maria Della Carita. Some galleries feature Venetian Gothic art, including the famous 15th-century gilded ceilings. The works are arranged chronologically, so you can not only trace the development of styles, but also compare the works of contemporaries.

3. Correr Museum in Venice

This building was built between 1806-1814 during the Napoleonic era, when Venice was part of the Kingdom of Italy (1806-1814) and Napoleon's stepson, Eugene de Beauharnais, was viceroy. The Venetian painter Giuseppe Borsato worked on the decoration of the interiors, reproducing a very careful interpretation of the Empire style. The Correr Museum takes its name from Teodoro Correr (1750-1830), an art collector who was a member of an old family of the Venetian aristocracy.

4. Rialto Bridge

In the list of recognizable sights of Venice, the Rialto Bridge occupied one of the leading places. Ponte di Rialto is considered one of the most visited corners of the city on the water. This is the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal, the city's main transport artery. During the rapid development of Venice, there were no bridges between the two sides of the canal, which was a big problem. There are few of these bridges even now, Rialto is one of four of them. Once the only bridge over the Grand Canal, the Rialto was built in 1588, approximately 150 years after the collapse of the previous wooden bridge. Today it is a favorite vantage point for tourists to take photos in front of the canal and the hundreds of gondolas that ply along it. The Church of San Bartolomeo next to the bridge belonged to German traders who lived and worked on the German Commodity Exchange. It contains a superb altarpiece of the Martyr San Bartolomeo. The Rialto Bridge is one of the most recognizable not only in Venice, but throughout Italy.

5. Ca' d'Oro, or Santa Sofia Palace

Ca' d'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia) is one of the oldest and most beautiful palaces on the Grand Canal in Venice. It is known as the Golden House because of the gold and chrome exterior decoration that once adorned its walls. The palazzo was built between 1428 and 1430 for the Contarini family, from which came eight Venetian Doges between 1043 and 1676. The fine filigree work of Bartolomeo Bona is reminiscent of marble lace. It is very difficult to believe that all this beauty is carved from stone. Together with the Porta Della Carta in the Palazzo Ducale, also designed by Bartolomeo Bon, Ca' d'Oro is considered the most perfect example of the Venetian Gothic style. You can also admire the interior of the palace, as it now houses an art museum dedicated to the life of wealthy Venetians in the 15th and the 16th centuries. The palace's curator Baron Giorgio Franchetti donated his art collection to the museum in 1922, with works by Titian, Mantegna, Van Dyck, Tullio Lombardo and Bernini.

6. Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute

A very famous religious landmark in Venice, Santa Maria della Salute has a very interesting history. In the first half of the 17th century, a terrible plague broke out in Northern Italy. The Doge of Venice decided to take preventive measures to stop the infection. But all efforts were in vain, and the disease spread throughout the city. In a very short period of time, despite the restrictions imposed by the authorities, a significant part of the population was decimated. The Doge and most of his family were killed. The failure of medicine forced the government and people to turn to religion for salvation.

A procession was organized in which all 10,000 survivors participated. They walked constantly around St. Mark's Square for three days and nights, reciting prayers. It was decided that if the city escaped complete devastation, they would build a temple of such size and beauty that the world had never seen. The disease receded, and the residents decided to fulfill their promise - this is how the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute appeared.

7. Teatro la Fenice

Teatro La Fenice was planned from the very beginning as the official theater of the Venetian aristocracy. Its construction was entrusted to the architect Gianantonino Silva and it was completed with exemplary speed in April 1792.

8. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Contarini del Bovolo is a small palace in Venice. It is hidden in a small alley known as Calle della Vida and belongs to the Contarini family. The original structure was designed by Giovanni Candi in 1499. The main attraction of this palace is the graceful spiral staircase with many arches. The family hired a second architect, Giorgio Spavento, to add this staircase to the original structure.

9. Venetian Arsenal

The Venetian Arsenal (Arsenale di Venezia) is one of the most important places in Venice. This shipyard and naval depot played a leading role in the prosperous Venetian Empire. According to myth, since the 8th century Venice had shipyards that were scattered throughout the city. But at the beginning of the 12th century these shipyards were considered unsafe, and in 1104 construction began on a centralized Arsenal structure. The Old Arsenal was built between 1100 and 1300, and the new complex between 1300 and 1400, while the Newest Arsenal was built between 1473 and 1573. The Arsenal is a shipyard of the Venetian Republic, the largest and busiest in the world until the end of the 17th century. Since its founding in 1104 it has continually expanded, and at its height it employed 16,000 workers. The arsenal was carefully guarded to keep secret logistics and shipbuilding techniques secret. The impressive entrance to the shipyard is a triumphal arch of the Renaissance style with statues of lions from Greece. This is one of the main maritime attractions of Venice. Adjacent to the shipyard, the Museum of Naval History displays impressive spoils from the Republic's many naval wars, along with fascinating collections of paintings. These captivating images are interesting for their descriptions of marine life and their elegant style.

10. Fondaco dei Turchi

Let's finish our review of ten popular attractions in Venice with the Fondaco dei Turchi Palace. This is one of the oldest buildings in the city. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, Giacomo Palmieri, a wealthy nobleman of Pesaro sought refuge in Venice. In 1225 he built this palace for his personal use. In 1381 the Republic of Venice took over control and used the palace as the court of the Duke of Ferrara, Nicholas II.

11. Basilica of St. Brand

The most famous church in Venice and one of the most recognizable in the world is the Basilica of St. Brand. It is decorated with Byzantine masterpieces brought here as trophies after the fall of Constantinople. Gold-covered mosaic images above the doorways of the facade only hint at the mosaic artistry inside, where walls and domes are covered with 4,240 square meters of gold mosaics. The distinctly Byzantine tone of the interior mixes with treasures from other periods, including later mosaics by Titian and Tintoretto. You will meet these names all over the city. The magnificent golden altarpiece of the Pala D'Oro is one of the most beautiful in Europe. It was created in the early 12th century and several centuries later is decorated with almost 2,000 precious stones. If you can take your eyes off this magnificence, pay attention to the mosaic domes, many richly decorated altars and marble floors, as well as golden tombs in the Treasury.

12. Palazzo Ducale and Bridge of Sighs

All tourists arriving in Venice walk along the shore under the façade of this extraordinary palace, impressed by its size and grace of architecture. This impression is even stronger when you find yourself inside the palace, passing through the massive Porta della Carta with its majestic Gothic architecture. Even jaded 21st century travelers are delighted by the magnificence of the palace and its artistic decoration. Here you can see the works of all the Venetian greats, including Tintoretto and his Paradise - the largest painting in the world. A private tour across the Bridge of Sighs will take you to the dark cells of Piombi, the prison from which Casanova made his famous escape.

13. Grand Canal

The Grand Canal runs through Venice in the shape of a giant S. It is the city's main transport artery, connecting St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge and the train station where trains from the mainland arrive. Only four bridges cross the 3.8 kilometer long canal, and numerous traghetti gondolas carry numerous tourists. The Grand Canal was the preferred residence for all influential residents of Venice. The palaces of all the leading families were built overlooking the canal - their spectacular Venetian Gothic and early Renaissance facades face the water. These palaces are very well preserved to this day, and during a tour along the canal you will have a great view of all the sights of Venice.

14. Scuola San Rocco

Scuola San Rocco is not often included in lists of popular attractions in Venice, but it is definitely worth a look. This impressive white marble building was created between 1515 and 1560 to house the San Rocco Benevolent Society. Shortly after its completion, the great 16th-century Venetian artist Tintoretto won a competition to decorate the building's interiors. He decorated the walls and ceilings of the Scuola San Rocco with a cycle of paintings that were recognized as the artist's most outstanding masterpieces. The earliest works are in the Albergo Sala and date from 1564. The most prominent of them is the Crucifixion. The Upper Hall depicts New Testament scenes painted between 1575 and 1581. The lighting here is not ideal, but you can still appreciate Tintoretto's innovation in the use of light and color. More works by Tintoretto are in the altar of the adjacent church of San Rocco.

15. Murano Island

No Venice sightseeing trip would be complete without a vaporetto ride across the lagoon to Murano, home of Venice's legendary glassblowers. They were sent here in the 13th century to reduce the risk of fire in the densely populated center of Venice caused by glass furnaces. The move to Murano was also intended to help preserve the secrets of glassblowing in the Venetian monopoly. A decree of 1454 stated: “If a glassblower goes with his skill to another country to the detriment of the republic, then he will have to return; his closest relatives should be thrown into prison to force him to return; if he refuses to obey, he will be overtaken at any time.” country and punished." It was much easier to track glassblowers if they were confined to an island. Today, on both sides of the canal there are showrooms and glassblowing studios. Here you can find absolutely everything - from cheap imported trinkets to exquisite works of art. The 17th-century Palazzo Giustinian houses the Glass Museum, with one of the largest and most valuable collections of Venetian glass from the time of the Romans to the 20th century. If you are thinking about how to spend time in Venice, without any doubt, include the island of Murano on your list.

16. Palazzo Rezzonico

Just as the Ca'd'Oro allows you to experience life in the late Middle Ages, Palazzo Rezzonico gives a vivid insight into life in the Baroque and Rococo periods of the 18th century. Designed by Venice's leading authority on Baroque architecture Baldassare Longhena, the palace took almost 100 years to complete later, in 1750. Particularly noteworthy is its interior decoration, with silk wallpaper, fine details and Flemish tapestries. The set of costumes highlights the importance of silk production in Venice, which rivaled Lyon in France. The museum demonstrates the importance of luxury goods to the 18th-century Venetian economy. when brocade decorated with gold and silver was produced here, distributed throughout Europe and the New World.

17. Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

This Gothic church was founded by the Franciscans around 1340 and completed in the mid-15th century. Its impressive 14th-century bell tower is the second tallest in Venice. Although the interior has the characteristic simplicity of Franciscan churches, Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari contains many artistic treasures. In the right transept stands an important wooden statue of St John the Baptist, created by the Florentine sculptor Donatello in 1451. The Choir of Monks is an outstanding example of Marco Cozzi's wood carvings, with reliefs of saints and Venetian scenes. Titian's mausoleum in the south aisle was a gift from Ferdinand I of Austria when he was King of the Lombardy Veneto. The pyramidal mausoleum in the north aisle was made by students of the sculptor Antonio Canova, as was the large monument to Titian opposite. This is one of the underrated attractions of Venice, which many undeservedly deprive of attention.

18. Torcello Island

The history of Venice began on the island of Torcello as early as the seventh century, and by the 12th century it was a thriving commercial city. You can get an idea of ​​the importance of Torcello by visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 639. It is considered the best surviving example of Venetian-Byzantine architecture. The cathedral was restored in 834 and 1008, and the portico and two side apses were added in the ninth century. Many outstanding mosaics remain inside. The oldest of them are in the chapel to the right of the high altar. The western wall is covered with Byzantine mosaics depicting the Last Judgment, created in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Adjacent to the cathedral is the small church of Santa Fosca, a pure Byzantine plan with a characteristic portico. Your entry ticket includes entry to a small, interesting history museum with artifacts from antiquity to the 16th century.

19. Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

It is not surprising that among the attractions of Venice there are most churches and cathedrals. After the vast splendor of St. Marka, the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli gives a real breath of freshness. This is a true masterpiece of Early Renaissance architecture created by Pietro Lombardo. Unlike other churches in Venice, whose facades are decorated with frescoes and statues, Lombardo used painstakingly painted marble with subtle patterns of circles, octagons and crosses on the façade. This technique continues inside, enhancing the effect of the golden domed ceiling above the gray and coral marble walls. The nave is separated from the altar by an elegant early Renaissance balustrade decorated with figures. It is not surprising that this is a favorite place for wedding ceremonies among Venetians, as the interior of the church is one of the most beautiful in the city.

20. Lido Island

A long 12-kilometer strip of sand separates the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. It is considered Europe's first real seaside resort from its heyday to the end of the 20th century. This place was very popular among European nobility and celebrities. Today, anyone can enjoy sandy beaches and luxury hotels. Public beaches are located at the northern end of the Lido island, near the Church of San Nicolo. You can explore the Lido on foot, or rent a bike near the pier. The island is filled with Art Nouveau villas and hotels, which can be explored while walking along the many alleys. The Palazzo del Cinema hosts the International Film Festival in August and September.

September 29, 2016 | Categories: Places , Travel , Topper , Architecture

Rating: +7 Author of the article: Kenji Views: 60720

Thousands of tourists flock to this romantic city every year. And this is not surprising, because it is impossible to take a step here without stumbling upon something interesting. The rich history, unique location, southern hospitality, and attractions of Venice make it a truly desirable holiday destination. Walking the streets, riding a vaporetto, going up to the observation deck, visiting palazzos and churches, you will gain amazing impressions and new knowledge. The entire old part of the city and the Venetian Lagoon rightfully occupy a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We'll tell you where to go and what to see first, and our guide will help you plan the optimal route.

Italy has long been considered the birthplace of excellent schools of fine art, where famous artists from other countries, including Russia, went to study brushwork. The Florentine, Milanese, and Roman schools gave brilliant painters a start in life. The Venetians, not wanting to lag behind other cities in this area, opened the Academy of Fine Arts (1750) on the initiative of the famous artist G. Piazzetta.

After the occupation of the city by Napoleonic troops in 1807, the word “Royal” was added to its name, and it was moved to the buildings that now house the Academy Art Gallery, as the richest museum collection of the best works of artists and sculptors of Venice of the past. The buildings of the former monastery and the church of Santa Maria themselves are masterpieces of architecture, so they are worthy of representing the famous paintings of Bellini, Titian, Veneziano and other brilliant masters. Address: Campo della Carita, 1050. Entry price: 9 euros, children under 18 years old - free.

Grand Canal

It just so happened in the fate of the city that instead of streets it has canals along which graceful water vaporetto buses, famous gondolas and other vessels scurry back and forth, delivering tourists and residents to different points of the city. The Grand Canal is the main water street running through the whole of Venice (from the station to the confluence with the Giudecca and San Marco canals). The width of the main canal (from 30 to 70 m) allows you to move along it in different directions, and the length (3.8 km) can satisfy a wide range of tourist needs.

Sailing along the Grand Canal, you can see the most luxurious palaces, medieval churches and ancient mansions. They lined up a multi-colored wall of facades on both sides of the canal, evoking a feeling of a wonderful fairy tale, magical unreality and charm. 4 bridges, each of which is very beautiful, cross the canal: the Accademia, Scalzi and Rialto bridges. They provide passage from one bank of the canal to the other, where the berth stops are located. You can wait for the next vaporetto or gondola there, or purchase a ticket at the ticket booth. A trip along the Grand Canal is an unforgettable journey into the world of beauty.

Doge's Palace

This monumental, majestic building is not only an undoubted architectural masterpiece, but also a historical monument. Conceived as the residence of the doges (supreme rulers of a mini-state), the palace was first built on the remains of ancient Roman walls. After the fire at the end of the 14th and beginning of the 15th century. a new U-shaped building was erected, preserving its original appearance, but more luxurious and rich, made of white, gray and pink marble. A quick glance at all 3 facades is enough to determine that the palace is a real architectural masterpiece, the embodiment of the boundless labor and talent of master stonemasons and architects. Arched vaults, figured spiers, sculptures, balcony railings - everything is done with filigree grace.

Above the front gate (Porta della Carta - Paper Gate) rises a sculptural image of a winged lion and a kneeling Doge Foscari. The interiors amaze with majestic statues, massive marble staircases, and luxurious decoration of walls and ceilings. It is worth visiting here to appreciate the greatness of the past. Address: pl. St. Mark, 1.

How to get there: Vaporetto “S Zaccaria”

Open to the public: every day in summer, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; in winter: from 09.00 to 17.00. The ticket office closes 1 hour earlier.

Ca'd'Oro Palace

The name of this palace - the height of grace and beauty - is translated as “golden house” for the use of gold leaf in its decoration. Although it has not survived, the name is firmly established as a symbol of the unusually beautiful appearance of the Gothic building. It’s as if white openwork lace covers the central part of the facade: it is created by graceful columns with diamond-shaped weaves at the top, cross-shaped spiers on the roof attic, and stucco patterns.

The palace, officially named after St. Sophia, has a rich history associated with many noble families of Venice and the wonderful architects Bona brothers. The owners of the palace changed periodically, and in 1894 it became Baron Franchetti, a fine connoisseur of art, who collected a large collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, porcelain and antique furniture. He put a lot of effort into recreating the former appearance of the Golden House. Now it houses the Franchetti Art Gallery, eagerly visited by tourists who are attracted by the irresistibly beautiful view of the palace. Address: Cannaregio, 3932, opposite the Rialto fish market.

Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs has brothers by name in other cities of the world, but only here it initially had a not very pleasant purpose. It connected the Doge's Palace, where justice was administered, with the prison building located on the opposite side. Those going to the prison cells sighed painfully, imagining their sad fate - hence the name. The building was made covered to prevent the possibility of prisoners escaping.

Externally, the bridge, made in the Baroque style of white marble, is very beautiful and elegant; the luxurious stucco ornament gives it a poetically sublime appearance. The Bridge of Sighs is associated with legends about Casanova, who also walked across the bridge and became the only one who managed to escape from prison. It was Byron who was rumored to have expressed his opinion on the name. But the residents themselves are opponents of this interpretation, so they came up with their own legend: in order to cement the feelings of lovers forever, they need to sail under the bridge at sunset in a gondola and kiss. People always want to believe in good things - whole lines of gondolas with couples line up near the bridge at sunset.

Rialto Bridge

Venice is called not only the “city of canals”, but also “bridges”, because it has almost 400 such structures. The most ancient history of them is the Rialto Bridge, which was built back in 1281 from wood instead of a pontoon crossing. However, the first structure did not last long, like the other wooden bridges that replaced it, until the decision was made to build a stone bridge in the mid-16th century.

The magnificent project presented by the architect de Ponte was approved, and in 1591 a grandiose structure stood on 12 thousand piles. The newly built bridge outwardly resembled the very first one - Ponta della Moneta, but they called it “Rialto” by analogy with the nearest market. The stone “Rialto” became a super-reliable crossing across the canal and a place of brisk trade, where many merchant shops were located along its 48 m length. Nowadays there are still shops and souvenir shops here, tourists love to visit. Residents honor the unique calling card of the city and the ancient monument that is the Rialto Bridge.

St. Mark's Square

The main square includes 3 parts: the square itself and 2 platforms - Piazzetta San Marco (from the Grand Canal to the Bell Tower) and Piazzetta Leoncini (from the side of the church of the same name and the Patriarchal Palace). This favorite place for residents, surrounded by buildings of stunning beauty, filled with pigeons, has repeatedly served as an arena for filming feature films and documentaries. The history of the ancient square, like the Cathedral of San Marco, is associated with the legends of St. Mark.

There is a majestic bell tower built in the 9th century. It is visible from all sides because its height is more than 98 m (the highest among the bell towers in Italy). A visit to the square is a fascinating excursion into the past, contemplating the beauty and grace of unique architectural monuments, the main one of which is the amazing Doge's Palace. The square is always full of people walking along it, looking at the facades of buildings, feeding pigeons.

Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute

The appearance of this beautiful church was preceded by a tragic page in the history of Venice - the severe plague epidemic of 1631-32, when thousands of residents died. The city authorities, calling on the Holy Mother of God in their prayers for the salvation of the townspeople, promised to erect a church if the plague went away. By a happy coincidence, the epidemic soon stopped, and the city Senate allocated funds for the construction of a cathedral in honor of the savior of the people - the Virgin Mary. The church was founded in 1631 according to the design of the young extraordinary architect Longen, and almost 50 years later a temple of divine beauty arose on the islet of Dorsoduro, near the main canal.

The masterpiece of architecture is a round octagon of the Baroque style, lavishly decorated with elegant sculptures, openwork stucco patterns and many other decorative elements. The hemispherical central dome with a columnar spire crowning it rests on a drum with large arched windows. The smaller dome is installed a little further, next to the bell towers. The luxurious interior decoration can compete in beauty and wealth with the most famous temples in the world.

Address: Dorsoduro, 30123. Open: every day, 09.00 - 12.00, 15.00 - 17.00; 12.00 – 15.00 – break. Entry is free.

St. Mark's Cathedral

The majestic temple is a place of tourist pilgrimage, famous not only for its magnificent architectural appearance, but also as the location of the ashes of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. According to legend, an angel appeared to the saint in a dream and prophesied that it was near Rialto Island that his ashes would rest. The relics of the saint, stolen in Alexandria, were taken to Venice and buried in the chapel, on the site of which the Doge's court cathedral later rose, which later became the Cathedral (1807).

The current cathedral building was completed on the site of the previous one in 1063, taking the Constantinople Church of the 12 Apostles as a basis. But after that, it was completed many times, and as a result, the appearance of the cathedral reflected a mixture of architectural styles from Gothic to Oriental. The five-domed roof is made in the form of a Greek cross, five entrances with high arches are decorated with openwork columns in the Byzantine spirit. There are sculptures of saints in the arches, and beautiful mosaic panels are placed on the facade. The interior dazzling with gold and bright colors.

Address: pl. St. Mark. Cathedral opened: Apr. – November – daily, 09.45 – 17.00; Sun and holidays – from 14.00 to 16.00. Entry is free.

The museum is open: every day, 09.45 – 16.45.

Bell tower: November – Apr. – 09.30 – 15.45; May – June, October: from 09.00 to 19.00; July – September, from 09.00 to 21.00.

Burano Island

Burano is a fishing island located 7 km from the center, famous for its colorful house facades. Coming here, you find yourself in a colorful fairy tale, like in a children's cartoon, where each house is painted in its own, non-repeating color. Reflected in the water of the canal, the houses create a truly fantastic kaleidoscope picture. Blue, orange, hot pink, turquoise, brown tones paint a joyful landscape. Opposite almost every house there is the same “cheerful” boat - the individual transport of the residents of this amazing microdistrict.

The famous craft here was once the masterly weaving of openwork lace, the beauty and grace of which allowed it to be called Venetian lace, known throughout the world. But now authentic products can only be seen in the Lace Museum: over time, the skill of lacemakers has sunk into oblivion. When tourists are on the island, they go to the local pasticheria (bakery), where they buy delicious shortcrust pastry cookies - buranelli. Vaporetto lines N 41, N 42 and 52 leave for Burano every 2 hours.

Address: Calle Capele, 30142.

Museum open: daily except Tuesday: Apr. – Sep. – from 10.00 to 17.00; Oct. – March: 10.00 – 16.00.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

The basilica is an unusual Franciscan religious complex. Over the centuries, the Basilica has collected important and very valuable works, thanks to which you can take a journey through the history of art in Venice from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Among the many masterpieces preserved here, the Assunta, a famous work by Titian, stands out, as well as the famous Madonna of Pesaro, located in the family chapel of Pesaro.

In the sacristy is Bellini's Madonna and Child Triptych. Magnificent wooden choirs, numerous grave monuments of famous figures of the city, an extraordinary collection of sculptures are the absolute masterpieces of the Church of the Frari. It also houses the only Venetian wooden statue of St. John the Baptist by Donatello.

Open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. Sunday and holidays from 1 pm to 6 pm.

Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore

It stands on its own island and is a wonderful example of Renaissance architecture. It is one of the largest churches in the city with an impressive view of St. Mark's Square. The facade is made in a classical style with marble columns on a high pedestal. On the dome is a 3.85 meter high statue of St. George, which is covered with about 560 copper plates. This is the first time in Venice that a sculpture has been installed on top of a dome instead of the traditional cross.

The interior conveys a sense of spatial grandeur. This Benedictine church has a wonderful collection of paintings. Among them are such valuable works as Tintoretto: “The Last Supper” and “Manna from Heaven” and “The Adoration of the Shepherds” by Bassano. Currently, Benedictine monks live in the Basilica. To enjoy the panoramic view, you need to take the elevator up to the bell tower.

Open: from April to October every day from 9-00 to 19-00.

From November to March every day from 8-30 to 18-00.

Palace Ca' Rezzonico

Located on the Grand Canal. It is a typical Venetian aristocratic building from the eighteenth century. It houses a precious collection of Venetian furniture and paintings from the 18th century. Of particular interest are the rooms with luxurious frescoes by Tiepolo, Guarana and Guardi. The Egidio Martini Picture Gallery, with almost 300 works, includes paintings from the Venetian school.

Opening hours: from November 1 to March 31, 10.00-17.00; from April 1 to October 31 10.00-18.00. The ticket office closes one hour before the visit. Closed on Tuesdays, December 25, January 1, May 1.

Teatro La Fenice

The Grand Teatro La Fenice, located in the San Marco district of San Fantine, is today the main opera house. Twice destroyed and rebuilt, it was home to important opera seasons, symphony seasons and the International Festival of Contemporary Music. In the nineteenth century it was the site of numerous premieres of works by Rossini, Bellini, and Verdi. In the twentieth century, much attention was paid to modern art. World premieres by Igor Stravinsky, Benjamin Britten, Sergei Prokofiev, and Bruno Maderna took place here.

After several fires, in 2001 the craftsmen managed to recreate the atmosphere of the old theater. La Fenice was rebuilt in 19th century style. Decorations made of gold and plush, exquisite plaster and stucco make the interior of the theater irresistible. It has been equipped with additional rehearsal areas with modern technology, the number of seats has been increased from 840 to 1000. Excellent acoustics, orchestra and choir. And now the theater is a center of paramount importance, with more than a hundred opera performances a year, ballet performances and chamber music concerts.

Open to the public every day from 9:30 to 18:00.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is the most important collection in Italy dedicated to American and European art from the first half of 1900. It consists of works by the greatest artists of that time: Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, Duchamp, Brancusi. Of great interest is the collection of Gianni Mattioli, which includes works by Italian Futurist artists.

The museum continues to expand its collections by showcasing masterpieces from private collections. In 2012, eighty works of Italian, European and American post-war art from the Hannelore and Schulhof collection became part of the Guggenheim Collection. You can see temporary exhibitions, as well as beautiful sculptural compositions by Nasher. The museum is located in the Venier dei Leoni Palace, purchased by Guggenheim.

Open from 10:00 - 18:00 every day.

Venetian Arsenal

Venetian sea power was once widely known. The ships were built at the famous shipyard located on the island of Castello. The first building was built in the 12th century, and later it was rebuilt and expanded several times. The main entrance is located on the mainland side and is decorated with menacing figures of lions. Outwardly, it resembles a triumphal arch, and it is not surprising, because it was a strong fleet that provided Venice with influence on the seas. The arsenal provided work to 16 thousand people.

Now it is not operational and is in disrepair. You can only see the part of the Arsenal where the Biennale of Arts is held. Some workshops and warehouses are closed to the public because they are used as a naval base. Nevertheless, the Arsenal invites tourists to visit the Naval Museum, which is located very close by. It is open every day from 8.45 to 17.00. You can get to this amazing medieval architectural monument by vaporetto No. 1, 4.1, 4.2.

Constitution Bridge

This is one of the most controversial attractions of the ancient city. The bridge spans the Grand Canal and connects the Santa Lucia train station with the bus station. It was built in 2008 according to the design of the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Most city residents were hostile to this idea. People believed that a glass bridge would disrupt the harmony of the ancient city and would be a clear dissonance in it. And indeed, this building does not fit in with the surrounding landscape.

Another disadvantage of the bridge is that it turned out to be unsafe in rainy weather. Glass panels become very slippery when wet. The protests of the townspeople resulted in public demonstrations, and the city authorities made symbolic concessions - they canceled the grand opening of the bridge. Construction was also accompanied by failures.

Calatrava was able to deliver the bridge four years later than he promised, and spent twice as much money as was originally announced. Less than five years later, the bridge required repairs. The length of the bridge is slightly less than 80 m, and the width ranges from 10 to 15 meters. You can get to it in a couple of minutes on foot from both stations. It is worth visiting this scandalous attraction to form your own opinion about it.

National Library of St. Brand

Walking through the San Marco quarter, it is impossible not to notice the magnificent Renaissance building. Two rows of arcades, pilasters, and white marble statues make the National Library a true masterpiece of the Renaissance. This largest collection of books dates back to 1469. Then Cardinal Vissarion presented the republic with a precious gift - a collection of books, including early printed books, and manuscripts, including those in ancient Greek and Latin.

Further, many aristocratic families contributed to the expansion of the library. In 1603, a special law was passed according to which a copy of any book printed in Venice had to be sent to this library. This was the first such law in the world. Subsequently, this experience was adopted by the British Library and the US Library of Congress. In the 19th century, Napoleon began to dissolve the monasteries, and the monastery's extensive collections of books entered the National Library.

Now this collection of books boasts real treasures, which have no analogues anywhere in the world. Tourists can not only admire the building from the outside, but also examine the magnificent interior decoration. The National Library is open on weekdays from 8.00 to 19.00, on Saturdays from 8.00 to 13.30. It is worth noting that the operating hours of different departments may vary.

Academy Bridge

This small bridge, 48 meters long, connects the areas of Dorsoduro and San Marco. It received its name in honor of the Italian art museum Galleria dell'Accademia. The city authorities thought about building a bridge in this place back in 1488, but the construction was difficult and there was not enough money. Therefore, construction was completed only after 66 years. The basis was laid on steel parts. The bridge existed until 1933. It was then completely demolished.

The next option was wooden and did not last long. In 1985, a new structure was built over the Grand Canal, which is still in use today. The bridge has already gone through several reconstructions, and its demolition and the construction of another version are currently being discussed. The Academy Bridge may be considered unsafe due to heavy loads on the supporting structures. Metal clasps, which Venetian lovers hang in abundance on the railings, also add weight.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

This is one of the most unusual and amazing palaces. It is very compact and occupies a small area, but is elongated in height. The palazzo was built in the 15th century by the architect Giovanni Candi. Many arches with graceful columns make the façade of the palace slender and light. But the real highlight is the external spiral staircase, located in the corner round tower. It looks like a beautiful white spiral, thanks to which the word “bovolo”, which translates as “snail,” appeared in the name of the palace.

Previously, this building was one of the city residences of the Contarini family, which had a significant influence on the life of Venice. Suffice it to say that at different times, 8 members of the family became doges. The spiral staircase recently underwent restoration, and in 2014 it was reopened to the public. The palazzo is located in the San Marco area. From the Rialto Bridge you need to walk to Campo Manin, and there is already a sign on which the name of the palace is written.

Municipal Museum of Correr

This gallery was founded in 1830 by the passionate collector Teodoro Correra. He was the owner of a unique collection of works of art. He bequeathed the entire collection to the city. The museum is located in the heart of the city, on St. Mark's Square. The exhibition is divided into three parts.

  • Historical Museum
  • Risorgimento Museum
  • Art Gallery

All these collections are located in 33 exhibition halls. In the museum you can see historical documents, coins, weapons and festive clothing. The ancient objects stored there have witnessed significant events. There are many items on display that belonged to great people. For example, Admiral Morosini's pistol. He was very afraid for his life and saw intruders everywhere. This anxiety did not leave him even in church, so the pistol was made in the form of a prayer book. The treasures of the art gallery include paintings by Bellini, Lo Schiavone, Lorenzo Veneziano, Antonello da Messina.

Open from November 1 to March 31 from 10.30 to 17.00. From April 1 to October 31, the schedule changes - from 10.00 to 19.00.

Cathedral of Santi Giovanni e Paolo

This church is one of the largest and most famous in the city. What makes it famous is the large collection of sculptures, the Gothic style, and the tombstones of the doges, of which more than 20 are buried here. Construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century. This piece of land was donated by the Doge to the Dominican monks. The construction was completed only in 1430. From the moment the temple was consecrated, memorial services were held here for the deceased doges, and they were buried right there. The interior of the cathedral amazes with its masterpieces of painting.

It was here that the artist Giovanni Bellini began his ascent to the top. The cathedral is also decorated with paintings by Paolo Veronese and Lorenzo Lotto. The sculptures should also be noted. In front of the church there is a masterpiece by Andrea del Verrocchio - a monument to the condottiere Colleoni. He is depicted proudly sitting on a horse. He was awarded this honor after he bequeathed his truly colossal wealth to the city.

St. Mark's Clock Tower

The clock tower is rightfully considered the hallmark of the city; it is the most recognizable landmark. The place for its construction was not chosen by chance. The architect assumed that the clock would be visible even from the coastal areas of the Adriatic Sea. All guests of the city, when they saw the tower, were supposed to represent the wealth and strength of the city.

In the 15th century, not every city could afford to have its own clockwork, so the power of Venice inspired respect for everyone who came to its shores. All images decorating the clock tower have symbolic meaning. On the flat roof there are two human figures - young and old. They struck the bell with hammers to strike certain periods of time. Several centuries later, the figures turned black and acquired the nickname “Moors.”

They are intended to represent the time during which human life passes. Below them you can see a lion, which represents St. Mark. The center of the tower is a bright blue dial, decorated with gold images. Tourists can view the clock tower from the inside. Tours are offered 4 times a day in several languages. It is worth ordering such an event in advance, because each group is limited to no more than 12 people.

Scuola San Marco

Scuola is a charitable organization that occupied an important place in the life of the city. This brotherhood worked for the benefit of Venice for 600 years, until this territory was captured by Napoleon, who abolished all scuoli. This organization was founded in 1260. Her goal was to help sick and poor people. The scuola was originally located in another building, which was destroyed by fire in the 15th century. By the beginning of the 16th century, a new building was built.

Now it is a unique example of Renaissance architecture. Externally, the building resembles an elegant carved box. The facade is decorated with columns, niches, and marble bas-reliefs. After Napoleon's invasion, a military hospital was located there, and many valuables were looted. Nowadays the building is occupied by the city hospital. In 2013 it was opened to the public. On the second floor there is an amazing museum of medicine.

There you can see surgical instruments that doctors used to use. Scuola has a wonderful library, in which you can even find the works of ancient aesculapians - Hippocrates or Avicenna. Even visitors far from medicine are invariably surprised by the interior design of the premises. Luxurious gilded wood carvings will not leave anyone indifferent.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday. Opening hours from 9.30 to 17.00, lunch from 13.00 to 14.00.

Scuola San Rocco

This scuola was built in 1478 to help the sick and disadvantaged. It was named after Saint Roch, who was revered for his power against the plague. In the 16th century, the scuola was the richest brotherhood in the city and announced a competition. The winner received the right to decorate the walls of the building. It was the famous master Jacopo Tintoretto. 54 of his works have become a true treasure of the scuola.

To view the paintings in the order in which they were painted, you must first go through the first floor and then continue the inspection in the main hall on the second floor. The interior also amazes with beautiful wood carvings and allegorical wooden sculptures. The building itself is perfectly preserved. You can visit the scuola any day from 9.30 to 17.30, except New Year and Christmas. The church is open every day, including holidays. The entrance ticket costs 11 euros, the same price includes an audio guide.

Church of San Zaccaria

In the 9th century, the Byzantine Emperor Leo V gave the city the relics of St. Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. The wonderful church of San Zaccaria was built to store them. In the 12th century, it was almost completely destroyed by a strong fire, and the city authorities restored it again. Subsequently, the church was rebuilt several times. For a long time there was a tradition - the Doge always visited this church on Easter. Now it is one of the most famous attractions, and this is justified, because tourists have something to see in it.

Firstly, the facade is remarkable, which is a combination of two styles - Gothic and Renaissance. Secondly, the abundance of paintings in the main room of the church is striking. Bellini's Madonna and Child with Saints is kept in the altar. There is not enough lighting for inspection, but you can insert a 50-cent coin into a special device nearby, and the picture will be illuminated. You can go down to the crypt of the church, where eight Venetian Doges found their final resting place. The crypt is half-flooded, and this gives it mystery.

Church opening hours:

From Monday to Saturday - from 10.00 to 12.00, from 16.00 to 18.00.

Sunday - only from 16.00 to 18.00.

Admission is free, but you will have to pay 1.5 euros to see the sacristy, the crypt and two chapels.

Campanile of St. Mark's Basilica

The Bell Tower of St. Mark is easy to find in the square of the same name. In ancient times, there was a watchtower in its place, but there were no other buildings yet. Built in the 9th century, the campanile had several functions. It served as a lighthouse for ships. Also at its top there were five bells, each of which had its own purpose and notified city residents about important events. In the 15th century, lightning and an earthquake destroyed the bell tower.

It was restored only in 1513. A gilded statue of the Archangel Gabriel was installed at the top. A hundred years later, the building was supplemented with a loggia, which housed the guards of the Doge's Palace. At the beginning of the 20th century, the campanile experienced another destruction. The cause was a crack. This time the restoration took only 9 years. The height of the bell tower is 99 meters, it is one of the tallest buildings in Italy.

The pyramidal roof is crowned with a two-meter statue depicting the Archangel Gabriel. The observation deck offers an unforgettable view of the city and the sea. Residents believe that it was in this building that Galileo first used his telescope, and that Goethe loved to go upstairs and write poetry there. He claimed that the views of the city gave him inspiration.

Campanile opening hours:

Columns of St. Mark and St. Theodore

Adjacent to Piazza San Marco is another small square, which is decorated with two majestic columns. One of them is crowned with a statue of a winged lion, symbolizing St. Mark. At the top of the second is a statue of St. Theodore. These columns were brought in 1125, they were a trophy as a result of the victory over Tire. Initially, three columns were delivered to the shores, but one of them sank and still lies at the bottom of the lagoon.

The other two could not be immediately identified, and until 1196 they lay on the shore. Previously, criminals were executed between these two columns; since then, superstitious residents of the city have tried not to pass between them. Even after installation, testing for these attractions was not over. After Napoleon's invasion, the bronze lion was transported to Paris. When Bonaparte's empire collapsed, the lion went back, but during transportation it split into 84 pieces.

To restore them, they tried to melt them down, as a result of which the sculpture acquired a terrifying appearance. Only at the end of the last century did the lion regain its form. His story is unique. Scientists have found that the lion was cast in Assyria 2,500 years ago. Saint Theodore earned this place of honor because he was once considered the patron saint of Venice. Nowadays, the column is topped with a copy of the sculpture, and the original is kept in the Doge's Palace.

Ponte delle Tette

This seemingly small, nondescript bridge can be called one of the most piquant attractions. The name Ponte delle Tette translates as “Naked Breast Bridge”. In the Middle Ages the city was famous for its courtesans. There were so many of them that at the beginning of the 15th century a decree was issued that limited the areas for their fishing. Prostitutes could only work in certain places and at certain times. The Ponte delle Tette was one such place.

But what does bare breasts have to do with it? The fact is that at this time Italy was overwhelmed by homosexuality. This sin was punishable by death in those days. City authorities did not lose hope that lost souls could be “cured” of their addiction by seeing a beautiful woman. That is why courtesans were ordered to demonstrate their charms in the area of ​​this bridge. These rules were in effect until the 18th century. Then prostitution was legalized, and Ponte delle Tette lost its zest.

Naval Historical Museum

The entire history of the Venetian Republic is inextricably linked with the sea. This city has long been famous for its strong fleet, the ships for which were built right there. Nowadays, fragments of this glorious past can be seen in the Naval Museum. It is located next to the Arsenal, and the building it occupies was originally intended for grain storage. Only at the end of the 17th century did they begin to store parts and models of ships there. Now in the museum you can see unique exhibits - a model of a floating palace used in the ritual of “betrothal of the Doge to the sea”, torpedoes, boats, gondolas, models of fortresses, portraits of admirals, shells and so on.

From Monday to Thursday it is open from 8.45 to 13.30. On Friday from 8.45 to 17.00. Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00.

Punta della Dogana

Venice is a maritime city, which means trade has always flourished in it. Commercial activity led to the creation of a customs house, which was conveniently located next to the Arsenal. The building, which tourists can admire today, was built in 1682. In its architecture, the tower topped with a sculptural group attracts attention. The building functioned until 1980, then the vigorous activity was replaced by 20 years of neglect. Later, the city council decided to transform the former customs building into a contemporary art space. You can get there on any day except Tuesday. Opening hours - from 10.00 to 19.00.

San Trovaso shipyard

This is one of the city's oldest shipyards. She specialized in the construction of gondolas. They were made by hand and used 8 types of wood. Until now, tourists can admire this process and take unique photographs. Free excursions lasting half an hour are offered to visitors. The shipyard dates back to the 17th century.

The wooden structure is located on a foundation made of larch trunks. The walls and foundation are coated with clay for greater strength. The wooden structure is atypical for a city on the water, so it can be called a great rarity. The shipyard has quite a lot of premises. Some of them are intended for production, others are still inhabited by the owners of the gondolas.

Church of Sant Pantalon

The full name of this interesting building is the Church of St. Panteleimon. The Catholic church amazes with the contrast between its external appearance and interior decoration. The façade of the church, built in the 11th century, is distinguished by its simplicity and austerity. When viewing it, tourists are left with a feeling of incompleteness. But inside, visitors admire the masterpieces of Fumiani, Veronese, Veneziano, Vivarini and Longhi. A Catholic service is unthinkable without an organ.

The musical instrument, located in the Church of Sant Pantalon, dates back to 1803. The history of the creation of the main canvas decorating the church is interesting. This is the painting "The Martyrdom of St. Panteleimon" by Giovanni Antonio Fumiani. It took him 24 years to complete the canvas. This work was his last work. Tradition says that Fumiani died while finishing his masterpiece. The cause of death was a fall from scaffolding. The artist was buried in the same church. The area of ​​the painting occupies 443 square meters. m. The church can be accessed from Monday to Saturday.

Opening hours are from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 15.00. Free admission.

Casino

Formally, the casino was opened in 1959. Nevertheless, it can safely be called the oldest gambling house in the world, because the casino is the heir to the Ridotto traditions. Construction of this beautiful palazzo began in 1481 and was completed in 1509. The palace has long been the home of the royal family. In the 16th century, the palazzo housed a church and theater dedicated to Saint Moses. The Ridotto gambling house opened its doors to guests in 1638.

It was a privileged place; only members of aristocratic families could get there. In 1774 the casino was closed. The palace changed hands several times. The city authorities bought the palazzo shortly after the end of World War II and opened a casino in it 13 years later. To visit the palazzo, visitors must adhere to a dress code.

Scalzi Bridge

Most often this is the first Venetian bridge that tourists see. It is located in close proximity to the railway station and has long become the hallmark of the city. The name translates as “Barefoot Bridge”. There are two versions explaining its origin. According to the first, in the old days there were quite a lot of beggars in this area who did not even have money for shoes. The second version says that the church located nearby is involved in the name.

It belonged to the brotherhood of Carmelite monks, often called “barefoot.” The bridge was first built on this site in 1856. The townspeople initially perceived it negatively, believing that the bridge did not fit with the appearance of the city. It was also an obstacle to shipping, as the height did not allow ships to pass through. All this led to the bridge being rebuilt in 1934, making it 7 meters high. These days, numerous souvenir sellers have settled near the bridge.

We'll tell you what interesting places to see in Venice if you only have one day. Read on to create an interesting itinerary.

Venice is the main city and a real metropolis (if you count it together with its mainland) in northeastern Italy. However, the greatest value for travelers is, of course, the historical center of Venice, spread over 118 islands of the Venetian Lagoon in the waters of the Adriatic.

There are three ways to get from the mainland to the city center: byVaporetto water bus(€9) from the main airport of north-eastern Italy in the suburb of Tessera - Aeroporto Marco Polo di Venezia, or by rail or bus via Santa Lucia Station, located in the north-western part of the Grand Canal.

The main attractions of Venice in one day

The two most famous facts about Venice are that it is drowning and choking on tourists. And if the first news, most likely, will not affect your trip in any way, then crazy crowds of tourists can greatly spoil the impression. And even the advice to visit the most famous attractions early in the morning will not help here. There are so many tourists on the streets of Venice 24 hours a day and 365 days a year that it seems that the city cannot withstand such a load and that is why it is drowning!


St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)

Address: Piazza San Marco

Entrance: Piazza San Marco Pass for museum admission – €20

The main city square, Piazza San Marco, has reached us in its unchanged medieval form. In fact, these are two squares, the piazzetta (from Italian “small square”) occupied a small space from the Grand Canal embankment along the Doge's Palace on one side and the Sansovino library building ( Biblioteca nazionale Marciana ) on the other and rests on the high bell tower of St. Mark's Cathedral. The entrance to the square from the canal side is framed by two marble columns, on the tops of which there is a figure of a winged lion - the symbol of St. Mark, as well as a statue of St. Theodore - the patron saint of Venice. In the Middle Ages, executions took place between these columns, so superstitious Venetians still prefer to avoid this place.

St. Mark's Square itself is located in front of the cathedral of the same name. The buildings of the Old and New Procurations stretched along its remaining sides. They once housed the “administration” of Venice and even served as the residence of Napoleon. Now the first floors of the buildings are occupied by expensive cafes and restaurants. Also located in New Procurations Museo Civico Correr – the ethnographic museum of the Venetian Republic, the exhibition of which presents the life of the Venetians in the Middle Ages, as well as a decent collection of local artists.


St. Mark's Cathedral (Basilica di San Marco)

Address: Piazza San Marco

Admission: free to the cathedral, €2 – to the golden altar of Pala d’oro, €3 – to the treasury

Venice's main cathedral and the city's most visited landmark is filled with visitors from sunrise to sunset, so you have to make an effort to take in all the beauty of the mosaics that decorate its walls and domes. The Cathedral of San Marco was built in the Middle Ages in accordance with the Byzantine style. Later, many artifacts from the Crusades were brought to decorate its interiors, and architectural elements of Byzantine palaces and temples decorated the previously laconic façade of the building. Well, the main value of the cathedral for believers is the relics of the Apostle Mark stored here.

In a separate part of the cathedral, one of its main relics is located - the golden altar of the Pala d’oro. Once hidden from visitors and used only in festive services, the altar can now be seen by anyone for a symbolic fee of €2. There is also a museum inside the cathedral (€5) and a treasury with those same Byzantine artifacts (€3) is open to the public.


Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Address: Piazza San Marco, 1

The most romantic Venetian building with a delicate pink facade, intricate Gothic carvings and a snow-white colonnade along its perimeter was once occupied by the rulers of the Venetian Republic - the Doges. During the Middle Ages, the building also housed a court and secret police, while the lower floors were occupied by lawyers, censors and clerical offices. Despite several fires that damaged the building in the Middle Ages, the preserved and restored interiors, decorated with paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese, are still amazing!

Since immediately after visiting the Cathedral of San Marco, all tourists rush to tour the Doge's Palace, it is better to purchase a ticket here in advance online . The Piazza San Marco Pass (€20) also includes admission to other museums in Piazza San Marco. Well, for those who like a secluded walk through the historical interiors, they offer to visit the palace after it closes for €80 (only 20 tickets per day).

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Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

Address: Sestiere San Polo

In maritime Venice, cut along and across by hundreds of canals, of course, it cannot do without bridges. One of the 4 main city bridges spanning the Grand Canal, and also the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice - Ponte di Rialto - connects the banks of the canal in its narrowest part. The best way to admire the Rialto is from the water, or at least from the embankments. And of course, you just have to cross it from one bank to the other in such a dense crowd of tourists, as if in the morning rush hour on the subway.


Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)

Address: Piazza San Marco, 1

Entrance: Piazza San Marco Pass – €20

No less famous than its brother Rialto, the Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge's Palace and the neighboring prison. That's why it got its name. In the Middle Ages, after hearing cases in the Supreme Court of the Doge's Palace, convicts were taken to a prison cell along this very bridge, and the last chance for the unfortunate to see the world outside the walls of the prison was a fleeting glance through the barred windows of the bridge. Although it is, of course, difficult to call this structure a bridge, it looks like a small covered extension to two buildings over a small canal.


Grand Canal

The main transport artery of the city actually serves as the central avenue of Venice. About 100 of the richest, most famous and beautiful palazzos lined the banks of the Grand Canal. That is why the Venetians lovingly call the canal – Canalazzo, i.e. "Canal Palace". But there are almost no embankments along it, so you can only view the beautiful facades of Venetian palaces from the water. The amazing thing about the Grand Canal is that, unlike most artificially dug canals, the Venetian Canal Grande is a small channel that once passed through the islands of the Venetian lagoon and was turned by the Italians into a real water avenue connecting different parts of the city.


Gondolas, vaporetto and traghetto

The historical center of Venice is very compact and, if desired, you can easily get around it in just a couple of hours. Although even in this case, public transport operates in Venice, which serves more of an entertainment function for tourists. You can take a boat ride along the Grand Canal - Vaporetto . To make the most of the surrounding Venetian beauty, it is better to take seats at the bow or stern of the ship. However, ticket prices for Venetians and visitors vary greatly. For the latter, tickets for travel within the city will cost €8 one way or €15 round trip, but you can also purchase a ticket for the day (€30) and ride as much as you want. Ticket kiosks are located right at the entrance to the pontoon piers - vaporetto stops.

Well, where would Venice be without gondolas and singing gondoliers? Unfortunately, the once popular type of personal transport in the city has turned into entertainment for tourists for decent money (from €80 per trip). Gondoliers sing less and less and compete more and more to attract customers by decorating their boats in tasteless fashion. But no problem! Authentic gondolas have also been preserved in Venice, still serving as public transport -Traghetto. These stark gondolas, without the comfort of seats, transport passengers from one side of the Grand Canal to the other. The trip takes about 3-5 minutes, and the one-way cost is only €2. Real Venetians ride the traghetto standing up, but no one forbids you from actually sitting on the narrow side of the boat and completely feeling like a resident of medieval Venice!


Islands of Murano and Burano

Address: Isola di Murano, Isola di Burano

Vaporetto fare in both directions: €20

No less famous, located north of the historical center of Venice, the islands of Murano and Burano are officially included within the city limits. To get here you need to take a Vaporetto from Piazza San Marco on a special green line - Linea Verde.

Murano is famous for its colored Murano glass products. Since the 13th century, a commune of glassblowers has been formed on the island, producing art glass using unique Venetian technology, which was highly valued throughout the world. In order not to disclose production secrets, the craftsmen were forbidden to leave the island, and in return they, members of their families, and then all descendants were granted titles of nobility.

Burano was an ordinary fishing village, where you can still admire the bright and colorful facades of fishermen's houses, buy Burano lace and try the famous local cookies - Buranelli.

Venetian cathedrals and churches

When all the main attractions of the city have been examined, and the abundance of people already dazzles the eyes, it is worth delving into the narrow and surprisingly quiet Venetian streets and, walking through areas remote from St. Mark's Square, visiting churches and cathedrals of amazing beauty. In total, there are 150 churches in compact Venice!

Chorus Venezia - an association of the Venetian Patriarchate, which includes 16 main churches of the city. These cathedrals are known not only as monuments of medieval architecture, but also as original art museums, because their walls are decorated with masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese, as well as other Italian painters of the Renaissance. An entrance ticket to most churches on the Chorus list costs a symbolic €3, but you can also purchase a single Chorus Pass for just €12.


Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Address: San Polo, 3072

Entrance: €3, or Chorus Pass – €12

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is the second most important cathedral in Venice after San Marco. The building was built in the Gothic style and amazes with its rich interior decoration. The interior of the Frari Basilica, as the Venetians call it for short, is decorated with elaborate wooden carvings, many statues and paintings by Venetian artists, and above the altar is one of Titian’s main works, “The Assumption of Mary” (“Assunta”). In addition, Titian and the famous Italian sculptor Antonio Canova, whose works are exhibited in the Louvre and the Hermitage, are buried in the cathedral under magnificent tombstones.


Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

Address: Dorsoduro, 1

Entrance: €4

Perhaps the most famous Venetian building, constantly appearing in all photos of the city. MonumentalBasilica di Santa Maria della Salutemeets travelers at the very beginning of the Grand Canal. It was built in the second half of the 17th century in memory of the plague epidemic that claimed the lives of a third of Venetians. And to this day, a mass is celebrated in the cathedral every year in gratitude for the deliverance of Venice from the plague. The austere and majestic façade of the cathedral is continued in its laconic interiors. Walking inside the building, you will find yourself in a simple, spacious and cold hall, completely decorated with multi-colored marble and decorated with marble statues.


Church of St. Panteleimon (Chiesa di San Pantalon)

Address: Dorsoduro, 3703

The entrance is free

This small and inconspicuous-looking church on the square of Sant Pantalon of the same name is not included in the Chorus list, but includes a real masterpiece of Venetian painting and the largest artistic canvas in the world (700 sq.m.). The church is famous for its painted vault, on which the Italian painter Giovanni Fumiani depicted scenes from the life of St. Panteleimon. The peculiarity of the fresco is that, thanks to the artist’s skill, the low flat ceiling creates the feeling of a dome extending far into the sky. In addition, the picture without a frame smoothly passes onto the walls, and this only intensifies the impression of the depth of the vault.


Cathedral of Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Address: Castello, 6363

Entrance: €10

Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo- the largest cathedral in Venice, where 18 Doges of the Venetian Republic and a dozen more famous Venetians are buried. The interior of the cathedral does not look like a religious institution at all. The huge space inside, decorated with paintings, massive sculptures and colorful stained glass windows, is more reminiscent of a real palace. And, of course, the scale of the cathedral is impressive, which is so unusual for compact Venice.

Atypical sights

It would seem that in a city so well-trodden by tourists far and wide there is not a single interesting and well-worn attraction left. But even in Venice, if you try, you can find real hidden gems, after visiting which you will fall in love with the city even more!

Cemetery Island of San Michele

Address: Isola di San Michele

Vaporetto fare in both directions: €15

The Venetian “island of the dead” is located exactly in the middle between the historical city center and the island of Murano. You can get to San Michele by vaporetto lines 4.1 and 4.2 . The entire island is occupied by a cemetery, which in turn is divided into 3 parts: Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant. At the Orthodox cemetery there are three points of attraction for tourists - the graves of Joseph Brodsky, Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Diaghilev. According to tradition, ballet admirers lay ballet shoes at Diaghilev’s grave instead of flowers.


Campo Santa Margherita Square

Address: Campo Santa Margherita, Dorsoduro

The spacious (rare for Venice) central square of the Dorsoduro district with many hostels, clubs, cafes and restaurants and a favorite meeting place for Venetian students. Here local boys play football, young men and women make dates, and Italian donnas hang laundry to dry on lines stretched between houses. And, of course, in cafes and restaurants on Campo Santa Margherita you can order the famous Venetian black pasta with cuttlefish ink, local sparkling Prosecco as part of the equally famous Spritz cocktail, or a traditional Italian dessert at prices 2 times lower than on the central streets of Venice around the square San Marco.


Bookstore Libreria Acqua Alta

Address: Calle Longa S. Maria Formosa, 5176/b

The entrance is free

A bookstore that is amazing for us and typical for Venice, where, to protect against sudden floods, books are stored not on shelves, but in spacious cast-iron baths and even in real gondolas inside the sales area! What will happen to books if they are not stored in this way can be seen in a small shop yard. Where water-damaged books in colorful bindings are lined up into real “fortress walls.”

Venice is a distinctive city in Italy with magnificent architecture, a special atmosphere and hundreds of attractions to admire. Venice is unlike any other city on the planet. A wonderful, bewitching world awaits tourists who decide to visit a wonderful corner of Italy.

Do you know cities where canals completely replace streets? Where else are dozens of museums and palaces concentrated in a small area? Venice is unique. Touch the history of the ancient city. Every corner will tell you a wonderful story.

The city on the water fascinates from the first minutes of acquaintance. There is no need to specifically look for attractions. They are here - at every step.

Visit luxurious palaces and museums, ancient temples and churches, walk along bridges across Grand Canal, take a boat trip on a river bus and enjoy the beautiful views of Venice.

Grand Canal

Main street of Venice, a link between different areas of the city. The Grand Canal starts at the train station and runs through the whole of Venice. At the customs building, the water artery merges with other canals. Interestingly, there are no embankments along the entire street.

The houses stand on solid stilts, the facades are immersed in water. Houses here have two exits: to the water and to the land. Along the Grand Canal are richly decorated, the most beautiful buildings in Venice.

Magnificent palaces, ancient churches, houses with colorful facades and exquisite decorations surround the canal on both sides.

Most tourists and city residents use gondolas and vaporetto as main means of transportation on water. A total of four bridges connect neighboring streets.

Guides advise taking a walk along the canal in the evening. Lighting emphasizes the beauty and luxury of architectural monuments. The walk lasts about an hour.

Gondolas and river taxis ply along the Grand Canal. The cheapest way to travel is by “vaporetto” - a water bus.

Doge's Palace

Symbol of the greatness of Venice, a luxurious palace with unique architecture and exquisite decoration. It is unlikely that you will be able to pass by indifferently. Shouts of admiration constantly escape from tourists, amazed by the beauty of the most famous building in Venice.

Note to tourists

The main form of public transport in Venice is Vaporetto water buses. They are operated by a municipal and private transport company. How much will you have to pay for the trip and can you save money?

A one-hour trip on municipal transport costs 7 euros. Significant savings are achieved by purchasing a special transport card, valid from 12 hours to a week.

You can travel along it not only by vaporetto, but also use buses.

Depending on the time of stay in the city and the proposed routes, select one of 30 types of transport maps. Some cards include travel to the airport and excursions to various museums.

A 12-hour card costs 18 euros. Popular option - tourist card for 72 hours(water bus and bus). Costs 35 euros. The same card, but with a trip to the airport, will cost 39 euros. Most popular tourist routes are serviced by the Alilaguna company.

Important: for those who are under 30 years old, a special travel card is offered - the Rolling Venice Card. 72 hour travel pass will cost 2 times cheaper– only 18 euros.

Time flies when you travel around Venice. There are so many interesting places in this museum city that you won’t see even a tenth of all the wonders in one trip.

Venice is mesmerizing. Many tourists who visit here leave a piece of their soul in Venice. They throwing a coin into the Grand Canal for good luck hoping to return here again.

You definitely need to watch this video about the incredibly beautiful sights of Venice:

In contact with

Only one word is said - Venice, when you close your eyes, you immediately imagine a city on the water (there is no analogue in the world), hundreds of historical and architectural monuments, gondolas, tens of millions of tourists a year. But that's not the main point. This city is associated with a romantic and fairy-tale atmosphere. Happy is the man who has the honor of seeing a city on the water.

So, you have decided to go to Venice.

  • Firstly, the prices in these hotels are more reasonable, comfort, service and hospitality of the staff of such hotels are not inferior to hotels located in the island city of Venice.
  • Secondly, you can relax calmly after a day of excursion, there is no such fuss and influx of tourists here. This city is located very close to Venice, approximately you will spend up to 15 minutes drive.

You can get from Mestre to Venice in 15 minutes:

Hotel Stardom Discount Price per night, from Select dates

★★★★

5 851 4 951

NH Venezia Laguna Palace

★★★★

7 716 6 430

Best Western Plus Quid Hotel Venice Mestre

★★★★

6 623 5 208

Hotel Villa Costanza ***S

★★★

6 044 5 658

In Venice you can look at everything, from historical monuments, fabulous palaces, unique palaces, ancient monuments, unique bridges, parks and ending with viewing the picturesque islands of the Venetian lagoon.

The beauty and uniqueness of this region cannot be described; it is not for nothing that the world community has included Venice and the lagoon on the UNESCO heritage list.

Walk around the city

The main thing to understand is that in Venice there are no roads or metro. So, expect to have two modes of transportation as you walk around and get to know the city - by boat or by foot. The city itself is not difficult for tourism, a few recommendations and you will feel at ease here.

Almost every souvenir kiosk sells booklets with a map of Venice, where you will find all the attractions in Russian. The cost of such a book is up to 6 euros .

The city itself consists of six districts: Cannaregio, Castello, San Polo, San Marco, Santa Croce and Dorsudoro. Therefore, for convenience, choose a couple of neighboring areas bordering each other, travel, enjoy the view of historical monuments and the sights of the city.

On foot

The most important thing is that you can see Venice yourself, slowly, walking along the amazing streets of this city.

The main thing is that you know where to go and what to see, and in a couple of days, and you will get an impression of the city, you will see almost all the historical places.

And if time permits, you can check out a couple of museums. Venice is made for walking.

Tip: Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

The main walking route in Venice

We start moving from the Santa Lucia station (located on the left on the map) towards St. Mark's Square

Public boats

A city on the water, therefore the main mode of transport in Venice is water transport. It’s not difficult to understand the traffic pattern, the frequency of boat departures, the number of stops, purchasing tickets, and so on. It is advisable that you know the devices and operating procedures of this water public transport.

Just imagine an ordinary underground metro, which consists of only two subway lines. So, the public water transport of this city is two water lines of this metro. Each line of such a metro has its own traffic, boat schedules, stops, etc.

At each stop of the water metro there are traffic maps. Instead of underground trains, boats took over this function in Venice. They are public water transport. The movements of such boats are also precisely defined - they only sail along the Grand Canal and along the Venetian lagoon near the main skeletons.

Boat intervals vary. So, in the morning it lasts up to 20 minutes, in the afternoon quite often - up to five minutes, in the evenings less and less often, at night - boats go once an hour.

Boat tickets are sold at every water metro stop. Don’t be surprised, the prices are quite high, since the ticket costs not by distance, but by time.

The cost of an hour's kata trip costs approx. 7 euros. It is beneficial to take a ticket for a large number of hours, depending on how long you come to Venice. The routes of such transport practically do not change.

Advice: set aside one day for boating, it will be enjoyable, educational, and you will save money.

While riding a boat, you can see many of the architectural and historical sights of Venice. All buildings face the large canal (monuments run along it). The cost of such an excursion for 24 hours will be approximately 18 euros .

By boat you travel along the Grand Canal, but to cross this canal there is another type of public transport - the traghetto.

By traghetto we mean a boat - a gondola with two oarsmen, the price to cross the canal is - 0.5 euro. Traghetto crossing locations are indicated on city maps and at public water transport stops.

Recommendation - you need to pay for this service directly in the boat; they melt while standing, but tourists are allowed to sit even on the side of the gondola. An interesting fact is that traghetto rowers are reservists for gondoliers, and wait in the wings for a very long time.

Taxi boats

Venice has the water taxi, one of the most expensive urban forms of transport in the world. This taxi is a luxury yacht that can accommodate up to 10 passengers. With the help of a water taxi you can get from the door of your hotel to any place in the city.

True, the cost of this type of transport is expensive; one trip will cost you up to 100 euro, therefore it is profitable to order a taxi for a long time or join groups for one taxi.

The Venice taxi service works excellently; you just need to call 041-72-31-12 at any time of the day.

In addition to public transport and water taxis, Venice also has its own special and only transport in the world - gondola travel.

Gondola rides are expensive entertainment; for about 40 minutes of sailing on this unusual boat it will cost you up to 100 euro, don’t be surprised, gondoliers often reduce these minutes by one third of the time. Therefore, it is best to join a group of six people and ride a gondola.

Almost anywhere in the city you can find a free gondola in the parking lot. Please be aware that prices for a gondola in the evening have been increased by 25 percent, and at night - by half. You can always bargain with the gondoliers, they say a slightly inflated price, and accordingly lower it by 20-30 euros .

City sights of Venice

The city of Venice itself is a monument city; there is so much interesting and unique here that it is necessary to streamline your tourist plan of the city. Above it was written about the districts of the city, now let’s decide what to see in each district.

If you gradually and slowly (if you have time to do so, of course) walk around the area and see the sights, then the memory of Venice will stay with you for a long time.

Cannaregio area

One of the main uniqueness of this area is the Ca'd'Oro Palace, which is located on the Grand Canal (the main street of Venice). There is no point in telling the beauty of the golden palace, you will see and understand everything.

Also in the area, check out:

  • Cathedral of Santi - Giovanni s Paolo;
  • architectural building of Scuola Grandedi Marco;
  • Santa Lucia Station;
  • Church of the Madonna.

San Polo area

In the San Polo area It is worth paying attention to:

  • Museum of Scuola Grandedi San Rocco;
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriozadei Frari;
  • Constitution Bridge (a very unusual old city bridge);
  • Rialto Bridge;
  • Palazzo Ca'Pesaro (made in the Venetian style);
  • BarbarigoPisani palaces;

District of San Marco

In the San Marco area visit:


Dorsudoro District

In the Dorsudoro area you will especially be attracted by:

  • Temple of Santa Maria della Salute:
  • embankment of the incurable;
  • Church of St. Barnabas;
  • Ca' Foscari Palace;
  • Academy Museum;
  • Dario's palace

Other areas

The Castello area will attract you:

  • Arsenal;
  • Othello's house

Near Santa Croce look at the Leoni and Borsari gates

Here is a short list of the city's attractions, but these are the main attractions of Venice.

Natural attractions of Venice

The natural attractions of Venice are, first of all:

  • Grand Canal(divides the city into two parts):
  • The lagoon contains beautiful islands such as Murano, Lido, Burano, San Giorgio Maggiore, Giudecca and Torcello. The magnificent parks of San Giuliano, Savorgnan, Giardini Papadopoli and Groggia, as well as the Biennale Gardens, will not leave anyone indifferent.

Ancient monuments

Venice has many ancient historical monuments.

Must see:

  • monument "San Teodoro";
  • monument "Comet DiVerto";
  • monument "Vittorio Emanullo II"";
  • statue of “Daniel Manin”;
  • statue of "San Silveste".

Rent a car in Venice

You won't be able to drive around Venice itself. But it always makes sense to rent a car to travel to other cities in Italy. After all, there are many iconic places nearby, such as Verona, Treviso, Milan, and the very beautiful Lake Garda region. If you wish, you can go to Florence.

You can see routes around Italy.

Read in detail about all the nuances of car rental in Italy in THIS ARTICLE .

What to see in Venice on your own?

In addition to exploring the historical places of the city, have fun and go to the islands. So, on one of the largest islands of the Venetian lagoon - on the island of Murano, you can see the picturesqueness of the island, visit the Murano Glass Museum and the Cathedral of Santa Maria s Donato.

On the island of Burano, see the weaving of world-famous lace. The island of San Michele is famous for its unique cemetery. And on the island of Torcello you can see one of the oldest Byzantine cathedrals from the 11th century - the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

What to see in Venice with children?

Visiting various palaces can tire children. Take them on an excursion to the island of Burano (just 40 minutes by boat) and the island of Murano. The child will really like the atmosphere of responsiveness on the part of local residents. In the San Marco area, take the kids to the fabulous Piazza San Stefano, the constant theatrical street performances will be a big hit with the kids.

Goldoni Museum, and if you guess when there will be a performance for children, you will be very impressed.

There are many parks for children in the Castello area.

On Lido Island, children will love visiting the history museum, which has a magnificent aquarium, animal exhibits and even a dinosaur skeleton.

In the park "dellaRimembrase" there are a large number of attractions and children's playgrounds; in the park "Via Sant'Elena" in addition to amusement rides, children will try the most delicious ice cream in Venice.

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