Things to Do and See in Venice

Venice is a city unlike any other in the world, rich in history and art; it seems almost impossible to imagine not visiting it at least once in a lifetime. With its churches, palaces, ancient bridges, monuments, and squares, the city is a mainstay of Italian tourism and a true gem, famous and cherished throughout the world. It was only natural that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Known as the “city of bridges,” it stretches along the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers and historically developed into one of the most powerful cities in the entire Mediterranean: the Most Serene Republic of Venice. It all begins in the heart of the city—the splendid St. Mark’s Square—surrounded by works of exceptional value such as the imposing Campanile and the Basilica, one of the world’s most important architectural monuments. Built to house the relics of St. Mark, which Venetian merchants retrieved from Alexandria in Egypt, it offers a fascinating blend of styles and ornamentation unique in the world, such as the ceiling—a collection of gold and bronze mosaics. Don’t miss the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of the golden age of the Serenissima; the Torre dei Mori, better known as the Clock Tower; and the Napoleonic Wing, home to the Correr Museum. The “Serenissima” was ruled by the “Doge,” and the Doge’s Palace served as their seat of power; it can still be admired today, overlooking the lagoon and one side of St. Mark’s Square. Inside, there are priceless works of art, including those by Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese. A veritable open-air museum, it can be admired by boat or gondola along the waters of the Grand Canal, which begins at Punta della Dogana, the ancient port of the Serenissima, now used as a Center for Contemporary Art. Not to be overlooked is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection on display at Palazzo Venier de’ Leoni: the most prestigious collection of 20th-century art. Other important museum venues include the Gallerie dell’Accademia, housed in the majestic complex of the Scuola Grande de la Carità—which also includes the church and monastery of the same name—and Ca’ Rezzonico, one of the most beautiful Renaissance palaces and home to the Museum of 18th-Century Venice. The historic Ca’ d’Oro palace houses a precious art collection featuring works from the Venetian school. Also not to be missed is a visit to the world’s largest arsenale, the Scuola San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, built in the 12th century. Crossing the Rialto Bridge—the city’s timeless symbol—you reach the right bank of the Grand Canal, where we highlight some of Venice’s most famous “campi,” surrounded by famous religious buildings and stately palaces such as San Rocco, home to one of Venice’s ancient Grandi Scuole, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari—one of the most important Franciscan complexes—as well as San Sebastiano, San Pantalon, San Nicolò dei Mendicoli—home to one of the city’s oldest churches—and Santa Maria della Salute. Meanwhile, crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, you arrive in the sestiere (one of Venice’s six traditional districts) of Castello, rich in architectural and artistic masterpieces, where you can admire the Church of Saints John and Paul, where state funerals were held, the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the Church of San Zaccaria, the Church of San Giovanni in Bragora, and the Church of Santa Maria. The islands surrounding Venice are famous throughout the world: Burano, an open-air palette of colors, with house facades lining the canals and famous for its lace-making, Murano, famous for its glassmaking and worth visiting for the Museum of Glass Art; and Torcello, which gave rise to Venice over 1,500 years ago and is known for the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca. Other islands include Pellestrina, characterized by sandy dunes and tall reeds; the island of Mazzorbo; and the island of San Francesco del Deserto, the latter of which has always been inhabited by about ten Franciscan friars. In the rest of the province, notable coastal towns include Jesolo, a tourist destination known for its nightlife; Caorle, with its narrow alleys; Bibione, with its pine forest stretching all the way to the beach; and Cavallino.