Monuments and Culture
Basilica of Saint Mark (Basilica di San Marco) - a basilica founded in the 9th century, one of the most significant churches in Venice. It is decorated with golden mosaics and many artistic treasures. This is the most famous Byzantine sacred building in Europe. This "Temple of Gold" is known for its stunning decoration, but also for containing part of the relics of Saint Mark, the patron saint of Venice. Interestingly, these relics were originally stolen from Alexandria in Egypt and brought to Venice in the 9th century to become a symbol of the city's power and faith.
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice
St. Mark's Square – the main square of Venice, named after Saint Mark, the patron saint of Venice. It is a meeting place not only for thousands of tourists but also for local pigeons. And if you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a Hollywood star, this place is perfect for photos with incredible crowds of birds, which may look like extras.
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice
Campanile di San Marco - a stone tower with a bell tower dedicated to Saint Mark, offering panoramic views of the city and the lagoon. It measures 98.6 meters and was originally built as a lighthouse. As you climb, you may briefly reflect on what Venice would look like from the bell tower's perspective – and also what it was like to experience the view from a place where bells once rang to warn the city's inhabitants of danger.
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) - a palace built in the style of Venetian Gothic, serving as the residence of the doge and the center of Venetian political power. Its courtyard, courtrooms, and museum are open to the public. In 1577, a tragic fire destroyed a large part of the palace. Today, you can admire the reconstruction of its interiors, including large paintings and artworks. And if you enjoy tension, it is said that ghosts of old politicians still haunt the hallways.
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice
Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) - this romantic covered marble bridge connects the Doge's Palace with the old prison. The bridge is known for its name and beautiful architecture. It measures only 11 meters. The name comes from the legend that convicts, being led from the prison to trial, would hear the sighs of their last days as they crossed the bridge. The place still evokes romantic and mysterious feelings.
Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) - the oldest and most famous bridge across the Grand Canal in Venice. It is surrounded by shops and marketplaces, and the bridge itself is an iconic landmark of the city. When it was built in 1591, it was the only bridge connecting both shores of the Grand Canal. Today, it is not only a popular tourist spot but also a historic landmark that has witnessed many dramatic moments in the city’s history. In the past, Rialto was also known as a commercial hub where precious metals and spices were traded.
Address: Ponte di Rialto, Venice
Scuola Grande di San Rocco - a 16th-century building, an important art center. The painter Tintoretto decorated it with his frescoes. For art lovers, this is a place to admire some of the greatest works of Renaissance painting. And if you're particularly interested in Tintoretto, you’ll find the world’s largest collection of his works here.
Address: San Polo, Venice
Ponte dell'Accademia – one of the five bridges crossing the Grand Canal, and the most beautiful for a view of the palaces and canals of Venice. It is known for its wooden structure and is one of the main connections between the Dorsoduro area and the historical center of the city.
Address: Ponte dell'Accademia, Venice
Santa Maria della Salute – a baroque church built in gratitude for the city's liberation from the plague epidemic in the 17th century. This impressive church is one of the most famous landmarks of Venice and is located at the edge of the Grand Canal. Its dome is one of the most distinctive elements of the cityscape.
Address: Campo della Salute, Venice
Gallerie dell'Accademia – one of the most important art museums in Venice. Housed in a former monastery, it has an extensive collection of Venetian art. If you love Renaissance and Baroque painting, you shouldn’t miss this gallery.
Address: Campo della Carità, Venice
Palazzo Grassi - a modern art gallery housed in a magnificent palace, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions. If you're in the mood for some avant-garde or want to see art that you might not always understand but will definitely surprise you, this is the place for you!
Address: Campo San Samuele, Venice