Venice is a place where history and storybooks come alive. The famous canals of this “Floating City,” wind through Renaissance palaces and piazzas, among a mosaic of art, food and culture. Being there multiple time over the years, I enjoy sharing 15 of the Venice Italy’s top things to see. So, read on to learn about this unique destination.
Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. It spreads over 118 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. Furthermore, the Venetian Lagoon is a bay between the mouths of the Piave and the Poe Rivers. Venice is known for its sophisticated canal system and 400 bridges with no roads. The largest canal is the Grand Canal, lined with historic Renaissance and Gothic palaces.
Venice was a significant maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and also a central area for the Crusades. It’s been a center for commerce, such as, grains, silk, spices and art. Besides the main island, there are 2 popular islands for daytrips: Burano for lacemaking and Murano for glassmaking.
Venice Italy’s Top 15 Things to See
Named after Venice’s Patron Saint, this main public square is the heart of Venice. It is colossal and surrounded by the city’s top attractions. For example, the famous landmarks here are San Marco Basilica, Campanile, Doge’s Palace and Zodiac Clock Tower. Be sure to check out the amazing view of the square and city from the top of San Marco Campanile. There are lots of people and events here, so this is an iconic place for people watching and just soaking in the history.
San Marco Basilica:
San Marco Basilica is Venice’s most famous cathedral church in the heart of Piazza St. Marks. This Roman Catholic church is known for its splendid Italo-Byzantine architecture. The roof’s Gothic domes stand out over the skyline. The real treasure trove is inside, so don’t miss out. The interior is adorned with enough mosaics to cover 1.5 American football fields. The mosaics, done in mostly gold, were created over 8 centuries. Many of the basilica’s relics came from the Crusades, especially the 4th in 1204 when Venice seized Constantinople. Also, check out the outdoor terrace with views of the square. Without a tour, it’s free, however, expect long queues.
San Marco Campanile – Venice Italy’s Top Things to See:
San Marco Campanile is Venice’s tallest landmark also in Piazza San Marco. This bell tower is 98 m (323 ft) high, looming over the city. The current tower is a reconstruction model, after it collapsed in 1902. It’s the best observatory in the city, that even Galileo used to study the skies. Don’t miss out on the views accessible via elevator to the top. The astounding panorama reveals the square below and beyond of the cityscape and Venetian lagoon. Overall, this gives a big picture to the network of labyrinthine canals and alleyways in this historic city.
Doge’s Palace:
Also, in the heart of Piazza San Marco, this Venetian Gothic-style Doge’s Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice. The Doge was the leader of the former Republic of Venice, that existed from 8th – 18th century. Since 1923 it has been a museum. It also provides excellent views of the city. Also, a tour includes a walk across the Bridge of Sighs (explained later).
Bridge of Sighs:
The Bridge of Sighs is an enclosed bridge made of white limestone that passes over the Rio di Palazzo. It connects the former prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. Because prisoners often took their last look at Venice through its stone barred windows before incarceration or death, this is called the “Bridge of Sighs.” You can walk across the bridge in a Doge Palace tour or glide under it on a gondola.
Gallerie Dell Accademia:
Gallerie Dell Accademia showcases the world’s largest collection of Venetian Art. Located on the south bank of the Grand Canal, it features pre-19th century art in Venice. For example, some of the Venetian masters’ art include Tintoretto, Titian, Veronese and Lorenzo Lotto. Iconic pieces to not miss are Veronese’s Feast in the House of Levi and Tintoretto’s paintings of St. Mark’s legends.
Grand Canal:
The canal is the main artery of Venice, winding as a reverse-S shape through the city. It is 3.8 km (2.4 mi) long and lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. History and romance come alive here, where you experience the unchanged grandeur of Venice. Many of the buildings along the canal are only accessible by boat. You see all kinds of boats here, such as, the traditional wooden gondolas, water taxis and police boats.
Gondola Ride in the Canals:
There are various types of gondola rides you can catch throughout the canal system in Venice. Also known as the vaporetti, this is the main form of transportation in Venice. A gondola is a flat bottomed, wooden boat usually hand built and handled by Gondoliers. Moreover, riding the Gondola is the most iconic way to experience the real Venice.
Get Lost in Venice’s Narrow Alleyways:
The Venice alley or small streets (‘calle” in Latin) are legendary for being narrow and getting lost in as a tourist. They are often named after the commerce done on the street, such as, calle del forno (Bakery Street) and calle del spezier (Pharmacist Street). The most narrow alleyway is reported to be calle varisco, just 53 cm wide in the Cannaregio District.
Ponte Di Rialto Bridge:
The Ponte Di Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the 4 bridges crossing the Grand Canal. Rebuilt several times from its original pontoon style, it is now a stone bridge. It has 2 inclined ramps leading to the central portico. Along both sides of the bridge are shops, and it is one of Venice’s most popular tourist attractions.
Rialto Market:
Near the base of the Rialto Bridge is this historic Rialto Market. Here you can have an authentic local experience and sample some delicious Venice street food. Overall for the palate, there is plenty of fresh seafood and seasonal fruits, vegetables and spices.
Leaning Tower of Santo Stefano:
There is no need to go to Pisa in Italy for a leaning tower spectacle. The leaning bell tower of Santo Stefano is one of the highest bell towers of Venice. It stands 66 meters high and has an inclination of 2 meters, similar to Pisa. The tower is located in the neighborhood of San Marco and still has the late renaissance electromagnetic bells.
This Venetian island and its Renaissance style church is an important landmark. The clock tower has an elevator to the top with spectacular views of Venice. Also, now it is the location for the Cini Foundation Arts Centre, known for its library and Teatro Verde open-air theatre.
Burano:
Colorful Burano is an island known for its brightly painted fishermen houses and Burano lacemaking. The Museo del Merletto exhibits the lacemaking tradition here. This is a wonderful place to shop in boutiques for unique lace clothing or weightless souvenirs. Additionally, the ancient Chiesa di San Martino has a leaning 17th-century bell tower in the main square.
Related: Colorful Burano & Murano Daytrip from Venice
Murano:
This is a series of islands linked by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon, about 1.5 km north of Venice. It is a world-renowned center for glassmaking. Since the 13th century the glassmakers kept their furnaces on the island, to avoid fire amongst the wooden buildings of Venice. Additionally, Murano is home to the Museo del Ventro or Murano Glass Museum displaying the history of glassmaking. There are many opportunities to see glassmaking demonstrations on the island and shop for Murano glass products.
Overall, Venice Italy Top Things to See
Anyone can’t help but fall in love with life in romantic Venice. The Renaissance culture invites you through winding canals and alleyways to a historic period before the automobile. This helps you to slow down and connect with the deep past and wonder of this magnum opus of humanity.
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