Venice Sightseeing
Take your time to visit all the beautiful monuments, churches, piazzas and bridges in Venice. There are surprises around every corner in Venice. People who already visited Venice during a city break continue to come back to this Italian paradise, because here you can always discover something new. Here you can learn more about the wonderful tourist attractions you will encounter during your sightseeing tour in Venice.
Piazza San Marco
The Piazza San Marco is the most famous and important square of Venice. It´s named after the patron saint of the city, St. Mark the Evangelist, who´s remains are buried in the Basilica di San Marco, which is located at the square. At the moment the basilica was built, the Piazza San Marco was just a small site. In 1177 it gained its present shape. A famous building at the Piazza San Marco is the Campanile of the Basilica di San Marco, which is placed a little aside of the Basilica. The Campanile is often seen as a symbol of Venice. Also have a look at the impressive Doge´s Palace. Remarkable characteristics of the surrounding buildings of the Piazza San Marco are the elegant galleries. At the Piazza San Marco you can also enjoy a fantastic panoramic waterfront view.
Basilica di San Marco
The Basilica di San Marco is the most important and most famous church of Venice. The basilica we can see here today dates back to 1060, but it is already the third church at this location. The first temporary church was built in 828 to house the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist. But in 832 a new church was built at the present location. The St. Marks Campanile was built in the same period. The Basilica di San Marco is built in a beautiful Byzantine style. Inside you can have a look at amazing Byzantine mosaics, made of gold, bronze and all kinds of different stones. Very special is also the remarkable golden altar retable, called the Pala d´Oro. The basilica is also known under the nickname; Chiesa d´Oro or Church of Gold.
Campanile di San Marco
The construction of the famous bell tower of the Basilica di San Marco started in the beginning of the 9th century and was finished in the 12th century. It became a true symbol of the city. The tower has served as a watch tower for the dock. The campanile became big news all over the world, when it collapsed in 1902 after an attempt to build in a modern elevator. The campanile was reconstructed. Today you can climb the tower and enjoy a magnificent view over the city.
Palazzo Ducale di Venezia
The Palazzo Ducale di Venezia or Doge´s Palace was built between 1309 and 1324 to replace earlier buildings. It is located at the Piazza di san Marco. The Doge´s Palace stands out for its marvelous gothic style. The palace served as the residence of the Doge of Venice. Look at the amazing entrance, called the Porta della Carta, designed by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon. Inside the palace you can see paintings from famous artists as Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese. Also bring a visit to the remarkable Bussola room, where Venetian citizens could submit written complaints.
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is probably the most important waterway through the city. It leads through the middle of Venice and connects the Santa Lucia railway station to the Saint Marks Basin. The Grand Canal is 3,8 kilometers long and between 30 and 90 meters wide. You can easily explore the channel by gondola, water bus or water taxi. You will be amazed to see all the beautiful buildings along the canal in all kinds of different architecture styles, like byzantine, gothic, renaissance, baroque, neoclassical and even modern architecture styles.
Rialto Bridge
The oldest and most beautiful bridge across the Grand Canal is the Rialto Bridge. The bridge as we know it today dates back from 1591, when it came first in use, and was designed by Antonio da Ponte. This bridge replaced different wooden bridges that were situated at this point since 1180. The Rialto Bridge consists of a stone arch, which is formed by two inclined ramps. On the bridge you find shops on each side that are covered by a portico.
Basilica di Giovanni e Paolo
The construction of this church, that replaced an earlier church, was finished in 1430. The Basilica di Giovanni e Paolo is built of brick in an Italian gothic style. The church is known for the funeral services of the doges of Venice that are held here since the 15th century. In the church you can find the graves of twenty-five doges.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco was founded in 1478 in honor of St. Rochus, at the time the Black Death reached Venice. The architects that worked on this project were Bartelomeo Bon, Sante Lombardo and Antonio delli Abbondi. Especially the wonderful decoration on the walls and ceilings from the famous painter Tintoretto are worth a visit.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
This basilica belongs to the most eye-catching buildings in Venice. When you enter the Piazza San Marco from the water, this will be the first building you will notice. The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is located on a very small peninsula, with on one side the Grand Canal and on the other the St. Marks Basin. The church was built between 1631 and 1687 in baroque style by the architect Baldassare Longhena after they thought the plague was finally banned, but unfortunately it came back again later. Inside the church you can find different works of art, which refer to the Black Death. One example is the statuary group on the high altar representing ´The Queen of Heaven expelling the Plaque`, made by the Flemish sculptor Josse de Corte in 1670.