Venice is an amazing, unique, magical city that requires a lot of time and attention to get to know. If you are there for just one day, I will offer you a ready-made itinerary - a short tour of the sights that every tourist should see. Everyone dreams of seeing Venice at least once in their life. This is the birthplace of Vivaldi, Casanova, Marco Polo. It will be interesting if you take a gondola ride along the city's canals, walk through the narrow streets and enjoy the magnificent architecture. But a person cannot do everything in one day, so the route presented below contains only the most important attractions of Venice. If you find this route tiring, you can take the vaporetto and visit the attractions listed in the table of contents, and spend the rest of the time on entertainment and shopping.
Usually tourists go to Venice for one day by train, which stops at Santa Lucia railway station (it got its name in honor of the Great Martyr Lucia of Syracuse).
The station was built next to the Grand Canal. After leaving it, you will find yourself at the Scalzi Bridge (Ponte degli Scalzi), where the Ferrovia pier is located. The main square, the legendary San Marco, can be reached by vaporetto #1 (in 45 minutes) or #2 (in 25 minutes). This is the public water transport familiar to Venetians - passenger route ships. The vaporetto will take you across the Grand Canal to the S.Marco S. Zaccariapier. Steamboats depart every 10 minutes towards St. Mark's Square. The ticket costs €7.50 and is valid for 75 minutes. Detailed information about public transport can be found in the article Public transport in Venice.
As soon as you get off at stopS. Zaccaria, you will find yourself on the Slavic coast (Riva degli Schiavoni), and in front of you is Palazzo Dandolo. Along Riva Delli Schiavoni there are luxury hotels, shops, and souvenir shops. The length of the spectacular wide street is 850 meters. The construction of the coast was completed in the XIX century.
Palazzo Dandolo was built in XIV century for doges from the Dandolo family. In 1822, after careful restoration, the new owner opened the Hotel Danieli.
This is what the palace looks like from the inside:
Go a little to the right and past the Ponte del Vin, you will see the Church of La Pieta and the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II.
Ponte del Vin ("Wine Bridge") is a single-arch stone bridge laid across a narrow “wine canal” (Rio del Vin). The length of the upper platform of the bridge is 5 meters, the width is 9.67 meters, the height of the arch is 2.37 meters. There are ten steps from the north, twelve from the south. The staircase is surrounded by a white stone balustrade. Boats of wine merchants used to stop here.
Church of Santa Maria della Pietá - known throughout Italy for the performances of the choir of pupils of the orphanage for girls “Ospedale della Pieta”, where the famous composer Antonio Vivaldi worked as a teacher. That is why the Chiesa della Pietà is also called the Church of Vivaldi.
Statue of Vittorio Emanuele II riding on a horse, the first king of a united Italy has stood on the Slavic coast since 1887:
Let's return near the Dandolo Palace and continue our journey. Palazzo delle Prigioni (literally - "Palace of Prisoners") was built in 1598 and represented is a prison in the Doge's Palace, and today it is a concert square:
"Bridge of Sighs" (Ponte dei Sospiri) - stone gallery in Baroque style, connecting the two banks of the Royal Canal.
The author of the white limestone building is Antonio Conte. "Ponte dei Sospiri" connects Doge's Palace with the aforementioned new castle - Palazzo delle Prigioni. The "Bridge of Sighs" is a closed, almost blank building with small lattice windows: prisoners were once transported from the courtroom through this gallery.
Next on our way Doge's Palace - (Palazzo Ducale) - Main Venice Museum, an architectural masterpiece of the late Gothic.
This magnificent 15th-century building has a two-tier balustrade. Inside the complex there is a courtyard, the Golden Staircase, halls, paintings by famous Venetian artists, majestic historical paintings, luxurious halls, an armory, the Devil's Chest and others.
More about the Doge's Palace =>>
The Slavic coast continues along the Grand Canal. Soon we will reach a small square - Piazzetta San Marco.
The Piazzetta (small square) is a kind of continuation of Piazza San Marco. Two trophy columns were erected on it, standing here since the 12th century. One is the column of St. Mark with the image of a bronze winged lion, the other is St. Theodore Tiron, to whom the Venetians pay special respect.
Now let's take a look at the Marciana (St. Mark's Library) (Biblioteca di San Marco/Marciana) . 27 thousand ancient books and 13 thousand manuscripts are stored here. The building of the 16th century was built in the Renaissance style.
We will pass through the Piazzetta and end up at Piazza San Marco. This is the only square that the Venetians call Piazza (square), and all other squares are called campo or campiello, which means field/small field.
The historical and cultural values of Venice are collected in St. Mark's Square, this is the center of the city's tourist life. The architectural ensemble is dominated by the Cathedral of San Marco with massive silver domes. The square is named after him.
The Basilica is an outstanding example of Byzantine architecture in Italy. Erected in 1063 on the site of a sanctuary of the 9th century destroyed by fire. The temple became the symbol and religious tower of the Venetian Republic. The huge five-domed cathedral was built and expanded over five centuries. Currently it is a functioning church and a place of international pilgrimage. It contains many treasures, including the Pala d'Oro - a luxurious golden altar decorated with enamel miniatures and thousands of precious stones.
The tallest building on the square is the Campanile - the bell tower of St. Mark's Cathedral (Campanile di San Marco). It existed since the IX century, but collapsed and was completely reconstructed in 1912.
The height of the bell tower is 98.60 meters. It is equipped with a viewing area from which a magnificent view of Venice opens.
Next to the Bell Tower stands Loggetta - beautiful pink and white a marble building that looks like a classic triumphal arch. It was built in 1537-1547, and the terrace has only existed since 1663. The upper tier is decorated with bas-reliefs, and bronze statues are located at the portals. In Loggetta there is the ancient library of Sansovino.
The old and new prosecutor's office buildings overlook the square from the north and south. The old prosecutor's office (Procuratie Vecchie) XII century was built to accommodate the offices and apartments of prosecutors. This is a three-level building with a facade 152 meters long, an arched gallery below, two tiers of arched loggias and graceful pinnacles (turrets) on the roof.
The construction of the New Prosecutor's Office (Procuratie Nuove) was completed in 1640. It's a mirror image of the old prosecutor's office, but without the pinnacles on the roof. The oldest Italian cafe "Florian" (Caffе Florian) was opened there.
These two procurations are connected by the wing of Napoleon (L'Ala Napoléonica) of the 19th century, which houses Museo Correr:
The museum is decorated with frescoes, pilasters, and Venetian glass chandeliers. Here you will learn about the history, culture and existence of Venice. You will see many exhibits, including paintings by Carpaccio and Bellini, the famous panel by Lorenzo Veneziano, which depicts Jesus surrounded by the apostles and angels.
The Old Prosecutor's Office borders the Clock Tower of St. Mark (Torre dell'Orologio) - This is the first Renaissance building on the main square (1496-1499):
The side wings were added to it only in the XVIII century. The watch mechanism was made by famous masters, father and son Ranieri. The mechanism of the round watch has not changed to this day. It shows the time, zodiac signs and moon phases. The bell on the tower rings once an hour, and at noon and midnight a melody of 132 beats is heard.
Behind St. Mark's Basilica and the Clock Tower is the Palace of the Patriarch of Venice (Palazzo Patriarcale). Its elegant white stone facade overlooks a small square - Piazzetta dei Leoncini:
It is the official seat of the Venetian Archdiocese, built in 1870. Here is the Tintoretto Hall and a cycle of frescoes depicting the life of St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Let's leave St. Mark's Square and walk through the streets of Venice: if we pass under the arch of the clock tower, we will find ourselves in the Mercheri area (Mercerie) - on the main trade artery of the city:
Mercheri is an area of ancient shopping streets from Piazza San Marco to the Rialto Bridge. On the ground floors of the houses there are boutiques and shops where you can buy any antique and modern goods. Let's enjoy the architecture and storefronts and go to the Church of St. Julian (Chiesa di San Zulian).
The basilica dates back to the 9th century, and in 1570 it was reconstructed in the classical Venetian style. Under the main altar, in a sarcophagus, lie the remains of St. Julian. In the church you will see works by Paolo Veronese, Palma di Giovanni and Fiamingo.
After passing through Campo de la Guerra we will reach the San Giuliano Canal and cross it. Walking along Calle Bande Castello we will come to the Ponte de la Bande bridge. There stands the Church of Santa Maria Formosa (Chiesa Santa Maria Formosa):
The Church of St. Mary the Beautiful is located in the small square of Santa Maria Formosa. This Baroque church with a high bell tower was built in 1492. The basilica has several chapels, an altar in the form of a triumphal arch, the work of Giacomo Palma the Elder and Vivarini.
Next to the church there is an ancient building - Palazzo Vitturi. It was built in the XIII century. Currently there is a hotel open there.
Now turn left onto Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, turn left again onto Calle Trevisana o Cicogna, the continuation of which is Calle Bressana. We will go out to the square Campo San Giovanni e Paolo and in front of us will rise the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo (Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo) is a magnificent cathedral built in 1430, where the eighteen Doges of Venice are buried.
This is a classic example of Italian brick Gothic. In front of the church is a statue of the influential Doge Pietro Mocenigo. The church contains paintings by Bellini and Veronese. The central altar by Longhena is considered a masterpiece of Venetian applied art. On the square, next to the cathedral, the Scuola Grande di San Marco was built. It was built in 1260 by the Brotherhood of St. Mark.
In 1485 it was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, which also has signs of early Byzantine architecture. The scuol housed a shelter, educational premises, and a military hospital (now a hospital). In the chapter house there is an altar in the Sansovino style. There is a medical library in the reception hall. On the top floor there are paintings by Carpaccio, Bellini and Tintoretto. They reflect the life of St. Mark.
Let's walk along Calle Larga Giacinto Gallina, cross the bridge Ponte Santa Maria Nova and we will see Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli:
This is an early Renaissance temple. It was built in 1481-1489 specifically for the miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also worth noting is the XVI century coffered arch and about 50 paintings of saints and prophets.
Go back to the square Campo Santa Maria Nova, turn left into Campiello Santa Maria Nova, then to the right on Campiello S. Canciano. Before us is the Church of San Canciano (Chiesa di San Canciano):
This church in the Canarejo area is also called “hidden” because it can be reached through a narrow street. This is one of the oldest in Venice (IX century), the bell tower was built in 1542.
From Campiello S. Canciano we first follow Salizada San Canzian, then turn to Salizada S. Giovanni Grisostomo. Let's approach the Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo (Chiesa di San Giovanni Crisostomo) - a Renaissance building XVI century in Canarejo. Next to it is a 21-meter bell tower.
Continue along Salizada S. Giovanni Grisostomo, let's look into the gelateria Grom (Salizada S. Giovanni Grisostomo, 5801 )and try wonderful Italian ice cream. Then we follow Salizzada del Fontego dei Tedeschi, turn right into Calle del Fontego. Here Palace of Fondaco dei Tedeschi:
It was built in 1228. The palace burned down in 1505 and was rebuilt in 1508. Currently, a shopping center is open there. You can go up to the square to look at it and see Venice.
Let's walk through the Ramo del Fontego dei Tedeschi. On the street Bombasei, where there are many small shops, is the Church of San Bartolomeo (St. Bartholomew) (Chiesa di San Bartolomeo):
The church was built in 1170, and the bell tower was built in 1747–1754. After the fall of the Venetian Republic and the arrival of Napoleon, the territory of the church was occupied by the Cathedral of San Salvador standing next to it.
Turn right and follow Meceria II Aprile to the square Campo San Salvador.
Church of San Salvador (Chiesa di San Salvador) beautiful church XVI century in Baroque style. Inside you can see Titian's Annunciation and Bellini's Supper at Emmaus.
Let's go through Calle Larga Mazzini to the Grand Canal, turn right and follow it to the bridge Rialto (Ponte di Rialto). This is the first bridge over the Grand Canal, one of the symbols of the city.
The length of the stone structure is 48 meters, width – 23 meters, height – 7 meters. Shops are open on the bridge. This is the best place for photos.
More about the Rialto Bridge =>>
Let's continue to the square Campo San Giacomo di Rialto. There we will see Church of San Giacomo di Rialto (Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto). According to historians, this is the oldest church in Venice.
San Giacometto, as the city's inhabitants call it, stands on the foundations of a temple built in 421. It was rebuilt in the XI-XII centuries, and restored in 1601. It is a Gothic brick building with a large clock in the bell tower. The Rialto Market is located in the same square. For a long time, merchants came to the nearest temple to repent of their sins. On the facade of the apse of San Giacometto, under the cross there is an inscription calling on merchants to be honest.
In front of the church there is a statue of "The Hunchback of Rialto" (Gobbo di Rialto). It was created in 1541 by Pietro da Salo. A kneeling man holds the pedestal from which government orders were announced. Here the Venetians left satirical “opposition” leaflets directed against the power of the Pope and the Doges.
The Rialto Market has existed since the 11th century. It is divided into two parts: the usual grocery (starts right from Piazza San Giacomo di Rialto) and the fish pavilion (La Pescheria).
From Campo de la Pescaria let's go back a little and turn right into Ruga Vecchia S. Giovanni on First, let's walk along it, then along Calle de L'ogio o de la Rughetaand exit at Calle Sbianchesini. Here stands the Church of Saint Apollinaria (Chiesa di Sant'Aponal), which the Venetians call "Saint Aponal". It dates back to 1034.
Let's walk through the streets of Calle dei Meloni, Calle dei Meloni, Calle Sottopassaggio de la Madoneta and go out to the square Campo San Polo. Here is the Church of San Polo (Chiesa di San Polo) (IX century). Inside you will see paintings by Tintoretto, Veronese and Tieppello.
Now let's go through Calle dei Saoneri to the San Polo canal, cross it via the San Polo bridge, turn right onto Calle Seconda dei Saoneri, left on Rio Terà Cazza, right on Fondamenta Frari, left on Campo dei Frari. Here we will see the current Gothic church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Chiesa Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari).
The most valuable works of Italian religious art are collected here: paintings by Titian and Bellini, the sculptural tombstone of Antonio Canova. Here are the crypts of Monteverdi and Titian.
Let's go around the temple, turn right into Salizada S. Rocco and go to the square Campo San Rocco. Here stands the Church of San Rocco (Chiesa di San Rocco):
This church was built in 1489-1508 and named after Saint Rocco, who was considered the healer of the black plague and the protector of Venice. The church houses Tintoretto's painting "Saint Rocco Healing the Victims of the Black Plague" and three more of his paintings.
Next to the church is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco - a charitable institution that belonged to the brotherhood of St. Rocco and still exists:
The building was built in 1515-1549. It is famous for its interior: 54 Tintoretto originals on biblical themes are kept here, including the large Calvary cycle.
Let's go around Scuola from Calle Fianco de la Scuola, turn left to Sestiere Dorsoduro, to Calle S. Pantalon and enter the square Campo S. Pantalon.
The Church of St. Panteleimon (Chiesa di San Pantalon) was built in 1686 and outwardly looks stern and modest:
But the treasures are inside: a huge (700 sq. m) fresco by Giovanni Antonio Fumiani on the ceiling arches “The Passion and Ascension of St. Panteleimon” and “The Miracle of St. Panteleimon” by Paolo Veronese.
We will cross the canal on the bridge and walk through Calle de la Chiesa to the square Campo Santa Margherita, in the Dorsoduro area. There are several educational institutions here. Let's turn onto Rio Terà Canal, cross the Ponte dei Pugni bridge, turn left and find yourself in Piazza San Barnaba. Here stands the Church of San Barnaba (Chiesa di San Barnaba):
The temple was built in 809, although it was reconstructed several times, and acquired its current neoclassical appearance in 1776. Now it houses a museum of da Vinci's inventions.
Our further route: Calle del Pistor o del Lotto, bridge Ponte Malpaga, Calle dei Cerchieri , on the right - Calle Della Toletta, on the left on the bridge - Ponte de le Maravegie and Calle Contarini Corfù to Campo della Carita. Here, next to the Academic Bridge, is the Gallery of the Academy (Gallerie dell'Accademia):
The gallery contains a golden fund of Venetian painting, paintings from the XIII-XVIII centuries, collections of Carpaccio and Bellini, works by Leonardo da Vinci and others.
We continue along the road: on the right - Rio Terrà Foscarini, on the left - Calle Nuova Sant'Agnese, then Piscina Forner, Calle della Chiesa, Fondamenta Venier dai Leonand on the left - Calle S. Cristoforo. On the banks of the Grand Canal in the small palace Venier dei Leoni (Palazzo Venier dei Leoni) there is The Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Collezione Peggy Guggenheim):
Peggy Guggenheim was a philanthropist and art collector of the XX century. The collection includes works by famous contemporary artists - Picasso, Kandinsky, Malevich, Chagall, Dali, Modigliani, Miro and others.
From here we pass through Campiello Barbaro and Calle Del Bastion to Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.
This basilica was built in 1631 as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin Mary, who saved the Venetians from the Black Death.
More about Santa Maria della Salute =>>
If we walk another 200 meters along the Grand Canal, we will reach the last point of our route. This is the old customs office (Punta della Dogana):
This is a baroque architectural complex with a 17th century tower and a figure of Fortune on a gilded sphere. It is located between the Grand Canal and the Giudeca Canal. Today, a collection of works of art (2,500 exhibits) is stored here.
This concludes our route.
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