A unique and delightful city. Almost all tourists in the world dream of visiting it, leafing through reference books, exploring the sights of Venice, and making their own list of what to see in Venice.
What to see in Venice first of all
Among the many Venetian attractions there are those that every self-respecting traveler must visit.
1. The Grand Canal
View of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge
The largest and most beautiful canal in the city. You can say its central avenue, which is 4 km long. When viewed from a pleasure boat, truly postcard views open up – colorful mansions, solemn palaces, beautiful cathedrals. And the views of the canal that runs through the whole city are also very picturesque.
Driving along the Grand Canal, tourists can notice what else to see in Venice and where to go first.
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2. St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square is the main city square of Venice
If you have a question about what to visit in Venice, then this square will definitely be on the “Must visit” list. The business card of the city, San Marco is one of the main attractions of Italy. It is here that the best sights of Venice are located and the most iconic events of this city take place. And it begins with two majestic columns, on which the statues of the Apostle Mark and the winged lion are located.
3. St. Mark’s Cathedral
The facade of St. Mark’s Cathedral on St. Mark’s Square
A very original example of church architecture, which does not prevent it from being one of the main attractions of Venice. It is very difficult to briefly describe the cathedral – it has a rich and unusual history. First of all, the main style of the cathedral is unusual for Western Europe – Byzantine. But due to the fact that Venice has always been an open trading city, the main word in the description of the main Venetian cathedral is eclecticism.
All the best that came to the city was used here – ideas, trends, craftsmen and goods. For example, where else can you find statues of horses above the entrance to the church? Take a closer look and you will see many more unusual things in St. Mark’s Cathedral. Guides in Venice are happy to describe to tourists how this or that element appeared in the interior or architecture of the Catholic Church. But the main pride of the cathedral is that it is here that the relics of St. Mark are located, brought by the crusaders back in the 10th century, a century before the construction of the cathedral began. It lasted, by the way, until the end of the 15th century.
Official website: http://www.basilicasanmarco
4. The bell tower of St. Mark’s Cathedral
A pyramidal spire with a weather vane in the form of a golden angel on the Bell Tower
The magnificent ensemble of St. Mark’s Square also includes this landmark of Venice. Previously, the bell tower was a lighthouse for numerous ships arriving at the Venetian shores. It was built in the 16th century and at the beginning of its existence the interior served as a torture chamber. There are five bells on the tower, which each have their own purpose.
Official website: http://www.basilicasanmarco .
5. St. Mark’s Clock Tower
St. Mark’s Clock Tower is an Early Renaissance monument in the northern part of St. Mark’s Square
No excursion in Venice passes by this unique building. It was built in the 15th century. The tower is designed so that all travelers arriving in the city along the Adriatic can see its astronomical dial. The top of the tower is decorated with the symbol of Venice – the figure of a winged lion.
Official website: https://torreorologio.visitmuve.it
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Venice!
6. Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute
Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute on the main Venetian street – Grand Canal
Everyone who has been to the “city on the water” has seen it. Because it is impossible to visit Venice and not look at St. Mark’s Square, where it is located. The history of the temple’s appearance is quite sad. In the 17th century, the plague raged in the city, the epidemic was so strong that it claimed the lives of a third of Venetians, it was in gratitude to the Lord for ridding Venice of this scourge that the church was erected. The cathedral was under construction for almost 50 years.
Official website: https://en.turismovenezia.it
7. Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Frari Basilica and its 70-meter bell tower on San Polo Square
The temple appeared in the city in the 14th century. In its architecture, like many attractions in Venice, it combines several styles at once, the main of which are Gothic, Venetian and Byzantine. Rich Venice invited the best craftsmen in those days to decorate the interior of the cathedral. Many tourists know that in this cathedral in Venice you can see the painting “Madonna of Pesaro” by the genius Titian and the sculpture of John the Baptist by the great medieval master Donatello.
Official website: https://www.basilicadeifrari.it
8. The Island of San Giorgio Maggiore
Panorama of the island of San Giorgio Maggiore
The question of where to go in Venice on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore usually does not arise. Its main attraction is the church of the same name. Back in the 10th century, the island became the property of the Benedictines, they built a temple and monastery here, which were destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th century. It was only by the beginning of the 16th century that a new Renaissance-style church appeared, and it is still on the island. When visiting, you should definitely inspect the interior walls, which are decorated with Tintoretto’s works, in particular, “The Last Supper” and “Manna from Heaven”.
9. The Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace is the former residence of the Doge of the Republic of Venice
No rating of the main attractions of Venice is complete without this majestic and extremely elegant building. It has been built, reconstructed and decorated for more than a hundred years. After all, it was here that the rulers of Venice lived, which means that this palazzo should demonstrate the wealth and greatness of the Venetians with all its appearance. Like most local attractions, the palace is a symbol of eclecticism. Its architecture is intertwined with many styles, most notably the influence of Gothic, Moorish and Byzantine cultures. Now there is a museum in the palace.
Official website: https://palazzoducale .visitmuve.it
10. Ca Rezzonico Palace
The three-storey marble facade of the Ca’ Rezzonico Palace, facing the Grand Canal
This luxurious and typical Venice palazzo was built in the 17th century and belonged to the influential Rezzonico family. Nowadays, there is a museum here, whose visitors can see firsthand how luxuriously the representatives of the Venetian nobility decorated their interiors. The palace also exhibits paintings by Tintoretto, Longhi, Guardi, Piazzetto, sculptural works and unique furniture.
Official website: https://carezzonico.visitmuve.it
11. Palazzo Santa Sofia
Palazzo Santa Sofia is an elegant palace built in the Venetian style
Another interesting place in Venice. The palace was built by the famous architects of Bona in the 15th century, again, for one of the powerful Venetian families. The owners took part in the luxury race of the Venetian aristocracy and decorated the facades with gold leaf, alas, it has not been preserved to this day.
It is now a museum. At the end of the 19th century, the rich Baron Frenchetti bought the palace, he was fond of painting and collected an impressive collection, which, together with the house, passed to the state after his death. If the recommendations of the guidebook indicate to visit the Ca d’Oro Palace – we are talking about the same palazzo – this is its second name.
Official website: https://www.cadoro.org
12. La Fenice Theatre
The main entrance to the main Opera house of Venice on Campo San Fantin Square
One of the main theaters in Venice, it burned down several times and was rebuilt in an even more luxurious form. For this, he received his mythological name – La Fenice, i.e. “phoenix”. It was here that the audience was able to listen to Rossini’s opera for the first time.
Official website: https://www.teatrolafenice.it
13. Correr City Museum
The majestic Correra Art Museum in St. Mark’s Square joergens.mi
The palace, along with a collection of paintings, was inherited by the city from the aristocrat Teodoro Correra, a representative of an influential Venetian clan. Over time, the collection grew at the expense of donated and purchased copies and gradually turned into a Fund of Venetian museums.
Official website: https://correr.visitmuve.it
14. Academy Gallery
Entrance to the Art Museum on the south bank of the Grand Canal Mongolo1984
Originally, an art school was located in the building, built in the 18th century, and later exhibitions began to be exhibited. In the 19th and 20th century, the collection was very modest, but through the efforts of patrons it gradually acquired impressive dimensions.
Now there are 24 exhibition halls, and the Gallery is one of the main attractions of Venice. It is worth considering that there is almost always a queue in front of the entrance. Among the works there are paintings by Titian, Canaletto and Veneziano.
Official website: https://www.gallerieaccademia.it
15. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Museum of Modern Art in the unfinished Palazzo Andrea Mancini
Fans of modern art do not have a question about what to see in Venice, they definitely go to see the collection of Peggy Guggenheim, the niece of a famous collector. The exhibition is based on paintings from Peggy’s personal collection, but temporary exhibitions are often opened in the museum.
Official website: https://www.guggenheim-venice.it
16. The Bridge of Sighs
A covered passage between buildings with luxurious carvings on white marble across the Palace Canal
An elegant bridge connects the royal palazzo with the prison and is made in the form of an arch. This is one of the most romantic places in Venice. According to the legend, if lovers kiss while standing on this bridge, their love will be eternal.
Official website: https://palazzoducale .visitmuve.it
17. Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the very first and most ancient bridge over the Grand Canal
If you ask the guides what is definitely worth seeing in Venice in 1 day, they will answer – St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. It is thrown over the Grand Canal and is one of the most beautiful structures of the “city on the water”. In addition, the bridge has a rich history.
The first ferry at this place was built back in the 12th century – a floating bridge. Then it was replaced by a wooden one, and then a stone one. Tellingly, none of the designs lasted long. However, at the end of the 16th century, a reliable structure was built, which is now photographed by all the guests of Venice.
18. Cafe Florian
Iconic Venetian coffee shop with its own orchestra in St. Mark’s Square Son of Groucho
A place of worship. The coffee shop has been operating here since the 18th century, it has been visited by many celebrities of the past and present. The cafe has several halls, and guests are entertained by its own orchestra. Visitors are delighted with the atmosphere of the place, as well as delicious desserts, interesting cocktails and incomparable coffee.
Official website: https://www.caffeflorian.com
19. The gondola is the symbol of Venice
A gondolier in a traditional black gondola glides along the Venice Canal
A rare trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through the local canals. This Venetian boat has become the most recognizable symbol of the city. It is the canals that are the local roads, because it is forbidden to drive cars in Venice. Therefore, a gondola ride is an amazing and romantic pastime only for tourists, but for Venetians it is a common way of transportation.
20. Murano Island
View of the canal surrounded by the sights of Murano Island in the Venetian Lagoon
Surely many people have seen beautiful Venetian glass jewelry and heard rave reviews about them. The origins of this craft come from the island of Murano, so glass is often called Murano glass. Magnificent necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings – here you can buy jewelry in different styles and colors. It is better to do this in specialized shops, because there is a high probability of buying a fake with your hands. There are a lot of such shops on the island offering the work of local glass blowers. You can also watch the process of creating masterpieces here.
Official website: https://museovetro.visitmuve.it
The sights of Venice: What else to visit in Venice?
There are less popular, but no less interesting places in this charming city. And also the grandiose events that regularly take place in Venice deserve special attention.
21. Burano Island
Picturesque colorful houses of bright colors on the island of Burano
This island attracts with its uniqueness. The architecture of the local houses is quite trivial, but the color scheme involuntarily causes a smile. Each house is painted in a bright color assigned to it. The locals came up with a funny story for tourists – the wives of local drunks did it so that their husbands could recognize their home in any condition.
Official website: https://museomerletto.visitmuve.it
22. Arsenal
Crenellated Arsenal towers connected by a wooden bridge across the canal
There is an exhibition hall and a research center here. And the Arsenal was founded in the early 12th century to arm war galleys. A galleon, the famous warship, was also created here.
Official website: http://www.marina.difesa .
23. The Constitution Bridge
The view from below from the Grand Canal to the iron spans and glass parapets of the Constitution Bridge
It is unexpected to see this building among the ancient Venetian sights. The union of metal and glass – the Constitution Bridge is made in accordance with all modern trends and is very much out of step with the general appearance of the city. Because of this, to this day (it was built in 2008), the debate about its relevance in Venice has not subsided.
24. Venice Film Festival
Star guests on the red carpet at the opening of the Venice Film Festival Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Official website: https://www.labiennale.org
This festival is also, of course, a landmark of Venice. It involves original films, as well as documentaries and short films. Many world stars and film fans become guests of the event, and the winners receive a very respected prize in the film industry – the Golden Lion.
25. The Carnival of Venice
Participants in carnival costumes and masks at the annual costume festival in Venice
Ten days of unrestrained fun, extravaganza and farce. The streets of Venice are filled with harlequins and people in luxurious masks, and balls are held in numerous Venetian palaces. This was the case many centuries ago, and it is also happening now. The participants of the carnival seem to fall into the past – a magnificent and beautiful Renaissance.
Official website: https://www.carnevale .venezia.it
Venice is multifaceted and diverse. It is impossible to get to know it completely in one trip, but thanks to this list you can thoroughly get acquainted with this magnificent and such a romantic city. Read also about the sights of Padua and be inspired to travel further in Italy.
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