Venice is a city crafted by power, time and water. Its intricate network of canals, winding through a labyrinth of historic buildings, obscures the stamp Venetian culture had on history. This floating city, built upon a lagoon, has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of artistic movements, and the evolution of human civilization. With its iconic gondolas gliding effortlessly through the waterways, its magnificent architecture reflecting in the shimmering waters, and its vibrant cultural heritage, Venice remains an enduring symbol of romance, beauty, and timeless elegance.
Full disclosure . . . we think one should spend at least a week in La Serenissima (translated to mean “The Most Serene”) but what if you only had one day? The GloveTrotters did just that and wanted to share how we were able see 17 different places of interest in just one day . . . along with our 90-year old Grandmother. While Venice is 160 square miles, it’s relatively easy to get from point-to-point provided you are prepared to change directions every 2 minutes. Venice is every bit as unique as Iceland but in a much different way. The labyrinth of roads, bridges and canals, with its decidedly Middle Age vibe, are unmatched in the world. Come spend a day in Venice with The GloveTrotters and experience a city like no other.
Finally, if you started at the Rialto Fish Market and ended at the Manin Square (see map) you would only walk a total of 2 miles (3.2 km). The walk is mostly flat with occasional steps for bridges. We walked it at our 90-year old Grandmother’s pace and, with lots of stops and meals, completed in around 6 hours. Perfect way to spend a day in Venice.
The Grand Canal
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The Grand Canal
Venice’s iconic Grand Canal, a 12th-century marvel, was dug to facilitate trade and transport. With only four bridges spanning its length, the most famous being the Rialto, the canal has historically served as a bustling marketplace. Today, water taxis glide along its surface, carrying locals and tourists alike. The Grand Canal remains a timeless symbol of Venice’s enduring charm.
The Grand Canal is the main waterway in Venice, Italy. It winds its way through the city in an “S” shape, connecting the Piazza San Marco to the railway station. Lined with stunning palaces, churches, and historic buildings, it’s a masterpiece of Venetian architecture and a major tourist attraction. In fact, more than 400 films and TV movies have chosen to feature Venice including Summertime, Death in Venice, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and (3) James Bond features.
Rialto Fish Market
La Peschiera Fratelli Da Vio is a well-known name in Venice, particularly for seafood lovers. Located near the Rialto Bridge, this market is a feast for the senses, with stalls overflowing with the freshest seafood, vibrant colors, and the intense aromas of the sea. The market offers a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood, sourced directly from the Venetian Lagoon (moeche, cuttlefish, sole) and other Mediterranean waters (shrimp, prawns, crabs, oysters, clams, mussels, and squid). During the evening it can be a quiet place to relax and enjoy the Grand Canal.
St. Giacomo of Rialto Square
Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, a historic square near the Rialto Bridge, once housed a bustling market that connected Venice to the world. Today, it’s a vibrant hub of activity, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. The ancient Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, with its distinctive 15th-century clock and Gothic portico, stands as a testament to Venice’s enduring history. The surrounding area is filled with traditional Venetian restaurants and cafes, offering a taste of local cuisine. A perfect, relaxing stop as you spend a day in Venice.
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge, a magnificent architectural marvel, stands as a testament to Venice’s rich history and engineering prowess. This iconic bridge, spanning the Grand Canal, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Its single, elegant arch, adorned with shops and stalls, offers stunning views of the canal and its surrounding palaces. A leisurely stroll across the bridge is a quintessential Venetian experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s unique atmosphere and capture unforgettable moments.
The Ponte di Rialto, a bustling artery of Venetian life, is a must-visit for any traveler. As millions cross its historic arch each year, take a moment to savor the panoramic views of the Grand Canal. For a truly immersive experience, explore the nearby Riva del Ferro and Riva del Vin to appreciate the bridge’s architectural beauty from different perspectives.
Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo
The Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo is a hidden gem in the Cannaregio district of Venice. It’s a smaller church compared to some of the more famous ones, but it packs a powerful punch in terms of artistic and historical significance. Designed by Mauro Codussi, this smaller church showcases the pinnacle of Venetian Renaissance architecture and houses stunning artworks by Giovanni Bellini and Sebastiano del Piombo. Bellini’s altarpiece, depicting Saints Christopher, Jerome, and Louis of Toulouse, is a particular highlight. The church’s history stretches back to the 11th century, but its current form dates to the late 15th century, following a devastating fire. As you spend a day in Venice, the church’s serene atmosphere and rich history offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Second Court of the Million
For all of you history buffs . . . Nestled within the labyrinthine streets of Venice, the Corte del Milion, or Second Court of the Million, offers a captivating glimpse into the life of one of world’s most renowned explorers, Marco Polo. Named after his iconic travelogue, “Il Milione,” this historic courtyard is steeped in intrigue and wonder. The courtyard’s centerpiece is a distinctive Veneto-Byzantine arch, believed to have once been the entrance to Marco Polo’s family home. This arch is often referred to as the “Marco Polo Arch.” Today, the courtyard is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of one of history’s greatest explorers.
St. Giovanni Paolo Square
In the heart of the Castello district lies Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, a historic square dominated by the imposing Gothic church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo. This magnificent church, built between 1246 and 1430 and often referred to as the “Pantheon of Venice,” is the final resting place for numerous Venetian doges. Adjacent to the church stands the Scuola Grande di San Marco, a former confraternity. The square is also home to the striking Equestrian Statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a unique bronze sculpture depicting the Venetian condottiero or warlord.
The Scuola Grande di San Marco is a beautiful Renaissance building with a marble and white Istrian stone facade, serving as the entrance to one of Venice’s main hospitals. Designed by renowned architects like Pietro Lombardo and Mauro Codussi, its grandeur reflects the wealth and influence of Venice during the Renaissance. If you take a gondola ride it’s likely you’ll pass under either the Ponte Rosso or Ponte Cavallo that serve as gateways to the square. The square has been a hub of activity since the 13th century. Today it’s an ideal spot to sit, relax and people watch as you spend a day in Venice.
Pallazzo Tette
The Palazzo Tetta is a striking Venetian Gothic palace that stands out for its unique position on the water. Situated in the Castello district, it’s one of the few palaces in Venice surrounded by water on three sides. Think its distinctive architecture, with its imposing facade and prominent chimney, makes it a captivating sight, particularly when viewed from the Ponte dei Conzafelzi. The palace’s historical significance and picturesque setting have made it a popular subject for photographers and artists alike.
Santa Maria Formosa Square
Campo Santa Maria Formosa is a charming square in the Castello district of Venice. Named after the church of Santa Maria Formosa, it’s a delightful spot to relax, people-watch, and soak up the authentic Venetian atmosphere. The square is surrounded by elegant Venetian palaces, including the Palazzo Grimani, a stunning Renaissance masterpiece. The church itself is a beautiful example of Venetian Gothic architecture, and its interior houses valuable works of art. As you spend a day in Venice, the Campo Santa Maria Formosa offers a quieter, more local experience compared to the bustling tourist areas. It’s a perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
St. Mark's Square
St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, is the iconic heart of Venice. This magnificent square, surrounded by stunning architecture, is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural significance. Dominated by St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the imposing Doge’s Palace, the magnificent Campanile tower and Torre dell’Orologio, the square has been the center of Venetian life for centuries. As visitors stroll through the square, they can admire the intricate details of the buildings, indulge in delicious gelato, enjoy live music and soak up the unique atmosphere of this timeless city.
St. Mark's Campanile
Soaring above St. Mark’s Square, the Campanile is an iconic symbol of Venice. This historic bell tower, with its distinctive brickwork and pyramidal spire, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s labyrinthine canals, elegant palaces, and sparkling lagoon. Originally built in the 9th century, the tower was meticulously rebuilt in the early 20th century after a tragic collapse. As you spend a day in Venice note how many times you can see the Campanile from other parts of La Serenissima.
St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is a stunning masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, adorned with intricate mosaics, marble facades, and ornate sculptures. Its five domes, topped with golden crosses, dominate the skyline of St. Mark’s Square. The basilica’s facade is a tapestry of colors and textures, with intricate mosaic work depicting biblical scenes and historical events. The iconic bronze horses, a symbol of Venetian power and prestige, stand proudly atop the entrance, adding to the basilica’s grandeur.
The interior of St. Mark’s Basilica is a dazzling spectacle of Byzantine art and architecture. The walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate mosaics, depicting biblical scenes, mythological figures, and historical events. The golden mosaics shimmer in the soft light, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. The basilica’s marble floors are inlaid with intricate patterns, and the high altar, surrounded by precious marble columns, is a focal point of the church. The basilica’s treasury houses a collection of priceless relics, including the purported remains of Saint Mark the Evangelist.
St. Mark's Clocktower
The Torre dell’Orologio, or Clocktower, is a striking landmark in St. Mark’s Square. This medieval tower, built between 1496-1499 and topped with a distinctive Moorish clock, has been a symbol of Venice for centuries. The clock’s intricate mechanism, featuring mechanical figures that strike the hours, is a marvel of engineering. The most famous feature is the intricate astronomical clock, which displays the time, the phases of the moon, the position of the zodiac signs, and the passage of the sun through the constellations. The tower also houses a bell tower, which chimes the hours and marks significant events in the city’s history. Climbing the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Venice and its lagoon.
The Piazzetta Columns
The Piazzetta Columns, two towering columns adorned with statues, stand proudly in the Piazzetta San Marco, a small square adjacent to St. Mark’s Square. The two imposing columns were brought from Constantinople in the 12th century. The column on the right supports a statue of St. Theodore, the patron saint of Venice, while the column on the left features a statue of St. Mark the Evangelist. These imposing columns have been a symbol of Venetian power and maritime might for centuries. The space between the columns was once considered a place of danger, and the phrase “Guardati dall’inter colonne!” (Beware of the inter-column!) was used to warn of potential threats. To this day there’s a superstition that walking between the columns brings bad luck.
Doge's Palace
The Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture, stands as a symbol of the former Republic of Venice’s power and prestige. Once the residence of the Doge, the symbolic supreme authority of the Republic, the palace has witnessed centuries of Venetian history. Its intricate facades, adorned with marble, pointed arches and intricate details, reflect the city’s wealth and artistic flair. The Doge’s Palace was the center of Venetian politics and diplomacy for centuries hosting numerous cultural events and ceremonies, deliberately showcasing the city’s wealth and sophistication to international dignitaries. Of particular note is the opulent courtyard featuring an arched tunnel whose stairs ascend into the palace entrance used for receiving international dignitaries.
Inside, the palace is a treasure trove of art and history. Visitors can wander through opulent chambers, admire stunning frescoes by renowned artists like Tintoretto and Veronese in the Hall of the Great Council, and pass through the mysterious Bridge of Sighs, which connected the palace to the city’s prisons. The palace’s labyrinthine corridors and secret passageways offer a glimpse into the complex political machinations that shaped Venice’s destiny. The Golden Staircase, adorned with gold leaf and intricate carvings, was once used for ceremonial processions. The Well of the Giants, located in the courtyard, is adorned with statues of the mythical giants Atlas and Neptune.
Bridge of Straw
The Ponte della Paglia, or “Straw Bridge,” is a historic bridge in Venice that offers stunning views of the Lagoon and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. Originally built in 1360, it was the oldest stone bridge in Venice at the time. The name “Straw Bridge” comes from the straw that was once unloaded from boats moored nearby. Today, the bridge remains a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into Venice’s rich history and picturesque beauty. Be aware, this vital stop as you spend a day in Venice, is very crowded as everyone wants to see the iconic gondolas pass under the Bridge of Sighs. Many Americans were first introduced to the bridge in 1979’s “A Little Romance” with Diane Lane and Laurence Olivier.
Royal Gardens of Venice
The Giardini Reali, or Royal Gardens, is a picturesque park located on the eastern edge of Venice. This serene oasis offers a variety of plant life, including exotic trees, colorful flowers, and lush greenery. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, admire the stunning views of the lagoon from the promenade, and relax in the tranquility of this idyllic setting. You can also glimpse the top of the St. Mark’s Campanile. Once a year the gardens host the prestigious Venice Biennale, a major international art exhibition.
Bridge of the Columns
The Ponte de le Colonne is a charming little bridge in Venice, crossing the Rio dei Fuseri canal. Its name, meaning “Bridge of the Columns,” refers to the distinctive columns that support its structure. This picturesque bridge offers a glimpse into the city’s intricate network of canals and historic architecture. As you cross the bridge, you can admire the beautiful Venetian buildings lining the canal, capturing the essence of this romantic city. This popular route for gondola rides also features iconic Venetian views of the Calle dei Fuseri to the west and Fondsmenta Orseolo to the east.
Staircase of the Snail
As you spend your day in Venice, please take the time to see the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, an absolute hidden gem in Venice, renowned for its stunning spiral staircase, known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. This architectural marvel, resembling a snail shell, winds its way up some 80 counterclockwise steps, offering breathtaking views of the city’s rooftops and the distant domes of St. Mark’s Basilica. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries for the Contarini family, the palace was enhanced in 1499 with the addition of the magnificent spiral staircase, designed by Giovanni Candi. The name “Bovolo” comes from the Venetian dialect and means “snail,” referring to the shape of the staircase.
Manin Square
Campo Manin is a historic square in Venice featuring a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic and Renaissance buildings. The square is named after Daniele Manin, a Venetian patriot who led the short-lived Republic of Venice in the 19th century. It features a monument to Manin, a bronze statue depicting him standing proudly. The square’s central location, near the Rialto Bridge, makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Surrounded by charming buildings and lined with cafes and shops, Campo Manin offers a delightful atmosphere for people-watching and enjoying a leisurely stroll and a relaxing stop as you spend your day in Venice.
Venetian Bridges
Venice, a city of canals, is also a city of bridges. With over 400 bridges connecting its 118 islands, these structures are an integral part of the city’s unique charm. Venetian bridges, with their elegant arches and picturesque reflections, are an iconic symbol of the city. These bridges span the city’s intricate network of canals, connecting neighborhoods and offering stunning views of the water. From the majestic Rialto Bridge, the charming Ponte de le Colonne and the iconic Bridge of Sighs, each bridge has its own unique character and history. As you spend a day in Venice, you’ll encounter countless bridges, each one adding to the city’s timeless beauty and romantic atmosphere.
Venetian Canals
Venetian canals, winding their way through the city, are a defining feature of Venice’s unique charm. These historic waterways, lined with colorful buildings and elegant bridges, offer a serene and romantic atmosphere. Gondolas glide silently along the canals, carrying visitors past stunning palaces, hidden courtyards, and picturesque churches. A boat ride along the canals is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this timeless floating city.
Streets of Venice
Venice’s labyrinthine streets, or calle, are a captivating maze of narrow alleyways, winding passages, and charming squares. These historic streets, often lined with colorful buildings and adorned with intricate details, offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and unique character. As you wander through these enchanting streets, you’ll encounter hidden courtyards, picturesque bridges, and stunning views of the canals. Each turn reveals a new surprise, making the exploration of Venice’s streets a truly unforgettable experience. A great way to spend a day in Venice would be to aimlessly wander through the streets and be amazed at what awaits you around every corner.
Venetian Architecture
Venetian architecture is a unique blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, characterized by ornate details, colorful facades, and intricate stonework. The city’s buildings, often adorned with marble sculptures and mosaics, reflect the wealth and power of the Venetian Republic. Due to Venice’s unique geography, its architecture is adapted to a watery environment, with raised foundations and water-resistant materials. This has led to the creation of stunning buildings, from the majestic Doge’s Palace to charming canal-side houses.
Venice Gondolas
Gondolas are the iconic symbol of Venice. These elegant, black boats have been gliding through the city’s canals for centuries. Venetian gondolas, with their distinctive shape and elegant design, are an iconic symbol of the city. These traditional boats, crafted by skilled artisans, glide silently through the canals, offering a unique and romantic way to explore Venice. Becoming a gondolier is often a family tradition, passed down from father to son. It takes years of rigorous training to become a licensed gondolier. They must learn intricate rowing techniques and the complex system of canals. While it’s almost requisite to enjoy a gondola ride as you spend a day in Venice, be warned that it can feel somewhat claustrophobic and crowded on the canals. Insist your ride also include the Grand Canal where there is more room for your gondolier to navigate.
Venetian Cuisine
Venetian cuisine is a delightful blend of fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and rich sauces. Influenced by the city’s maritime heritage, seafood dishes, such as grilled sardines, squid ink pasta, and risotto with seafood, are popular choices. Other local specialties include baccalà, a salted cod dish, and bigoli in salsa, a type of pasta with a rich meat sauce. Venetian pastries, like the soft and buttery sfogliata, are the perfect way to end a meal.
We can heartily recommend a few restaurants for lunch/dinner. Ostaria al Garanghelo features classic Venetian dishes, including seafood, pasta, and risotto. Sora Al Ponte has traditional Italian, Venetian and European offerings and a great location at the top of the Ponte de la Beccarie. Both locations have indoor and outdoor seating options. Finally, be sure to have a takeout lunch at one of the many shops along the canals.
Venice, a city of canals and stunning architecture, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, savor delicious local cuisine, and capture the timeless beauty of Venice in your memories.
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