An A-Z of Venice

Accademia

This unparalleled collection of paintings spans five centuries. The art here covers the whole spectrum of the Venetian school of art from the Byzantine period through the Renaissance to the Baroque time and even later. The basis of this art collection was the Accademia di Belle Arti founded in 1750 by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta. In 1807 Napoleon Bonaparte moved the collection to this location and enriched it with works of art taken from other locations.

Ca d'Oro

A magnificent palace commissioned in 1420 by Marino Contarini. The building's facade has intricate carvings and arches and is a wonderful sight to behold. Part of the colourful history was in 1846 when the Russian prince Troubetzkoy bought the palace for the famous ballerina Maria Taglioni. Inside to day there is a lovely gallery.

Basilica di San Marco

This is Venice's famous Basilica which manages to blend eastern and western styles in its architecture. The exterior facade has an eastern fel and owes its appearance to treasures from the old Venetian empire; this includes copies of the famous bronze horses brought from Constantinople in 1204. Theer are some wonderful mosaics and carvings that are inspiring to see.

Grand Canal

Perhaps the most famous Canal in the world and the largets one in venice which divides the city into two halves. The best way to view the canal as it winds through this beautiful city is from a Vaporetto or waterbus; several lines travel the length of the canal. You can see plaaces bult over five centuries along the length of the Grand canal and this is a journey not to miss.

Palazzo Ducale

This is also known as the Doge's Palace and was the official residence of each Venetian ruler (Doge). It was founded in the 9th century and the current exterior eminates from the 14th and 15th centuries. A large part of the exterior is built in pink Veronese marble.

Piazza San Marco

This is the most famous square of Venice (St Mark's square) where a capuccino and gelati will empty your wallet ! We recommend to go into one of the cafess a couple of streets away to have the same enjoyment at a fraction of the price after enjoying the atmosphere of the square. San Marco has witnessed countless events, processions and carnivals over the years. The most important historic sights here are the Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale.

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto takes its name from Rivo Alto (high bank) and was one of the first areas of Venice to be inhabited. The bridge is oen fo the most famous sights in Venice and offers good views of the Grand Canal as well as marking the centre of the city. Stone bridges like this were built as early as the 12th centruy in Venice. The first solid stone bridge for the Rialto was built in 1588. This was the only means of crossing the Grand Canal until the Academia bridge was built in 1854.

San Polo

This was founded in the 9th century and later rebuilt in the 15th century, then revamped in the 19th century. San Polo is a neo-classical style church with a gothic portal. There are Romanesque lions at the foot of the campanile.

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

This huge gothic church is more commonly known as the Frari and it dominates the eastern side of the San Polo. The first church was built on this site between 1250 and 1338. A larger building replaced this in the 15th century.