Discover Venice
Palazzo Ducale
A masterpiece of gothic art, the Ducal Palace, also called the Doge’s Palace, is the symbolic place of the city, in ancient times the seat of the Doge and the Venetian magistrates.
A visit to the museum will allow you to discover the history and culture of Venetian civilization, from its origins and the first doges, to the end of the Republic of Venice. The interiors, superbly decorated by legions of artists including Tiziano, Veronese, Tiepolo and Tintoretto, allow for extraordinary visit routes and include a rich artistic and sculptural heritage commissioned and collected for centuries by its doges.
Piazza San Marco
St. Mark’s Square is the beating heart of the city and an essential stop for anyone visiting Venice. Begin your exploration by admiring the majesty of St. Mark’s Basilica, with its golden mosaics that tell stories of faith and art. Don’t forget to climb St. Mark’s Campanile. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the lagoon.
Walking through the square will allow you to feel the historic energy of the place, discovering architectural details that speak to centuries of history. Stop at one of the historic cafés lining the square for an espresso or a spritz, enjoying the unique atmosphere of this corner of Venice. St. Mark’s Square is a place that invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Venice.
Ponte dei Sospiri
The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most iconic symbols, located near Piazza San Marco. Built in the 17th century in Baroque style, it connects the Doge’s Palace with the New Prisons, spanning the Rio di Palazzo. The bridge’s poetic name comes from the legend that prisoners, crossing it for the last time before imprisonment, sighed as they gazed out over the lagoon, knowing they were losing their freedom forever. Among the most famous prisoners to pass under its arch was Giacomo Casanova, protagonist of a celebrated escape from the Venetian prisons.
Today, the Bridge of Sighs attracts thousands of visitors who admire its elegance and history. The bridge can be viewed both from the outside, navigating along the canal, and from the inside, during a visit to the Doge’s Palace, an experience that allows you to relive the dramatic moments of Venice’s past.
Teatro La Fenice
La Fenice Opera House is one of the most famous opera houses in the world, a symbol of rebirth and art. Located in the San Marco district, La Fenice has a fascinating history, marked by destruction and reconstruction, a testament to its resilience.
Taking a guided tour will allow you to explore its sumptuous interiors, admiring the main hall with its frescoed ceiling and glittering chandelier. You will also discover the theater’s history, from the pomp of centuries past to modern challenges. During the tour, you will also visit the dressing rooms and stage, where world-renowned artists have left their mark. La Fenice is not just a performance venue, but a true monument to culture and a passion for opera.
Torcello Island
Torcello is an island in the Venetian lagoon that retains an ancient and mysterious charm. It was one of the first islands to be inhabited in the lagoon. Sailing to Torcello is like taking a journey back in time: the island is characterized by natural landscapes and historical monuments.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its splendid Byzantine mosaics, is an artistic masterpiece that bears witness to the island’s glorious past. Nearby, Attila’s Throne and the Devil’s Bridge add a further touch of mystery to the visit. Torcello is the ideal place for a relaxing stroll amidst nature and history, offering a different experience from the bustling center of Venice. Its peaceful atmosphere will allow you to discover a lesser-known but equally fascinating side of the Venetian lagoon.
Burano Island
Burano is a charming island in the Venetian lagoon, famous for its brightly painted houses and picturesque atmosphere. Each building is painted in brilliant hues, creating a mosaic of colors that makes Burano unique and irresistible for photography enthusiasts.
Walking through its narrow streets, you can admire the artisan workshops where the skilled hands of lacemakers create exquisite lace, another ancient tradition of this island. With its colorful houses and deep-rooted traditions, Burano is a hidden gem, definitely one of the things to see in Venice.
Tip: Don’t forget to try “bussolai,” delicious biscuits typical of Burano, perhaps accompanied by a glass of local wine in one of the island’s small bars.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of the most fascinating places in Venice, a true treasure trove of art and history. Founded in the 16th century, this confraternity commissioned Tintoretto to decorate its rooms, which today house one of the most extraordinary pictorial cycles of the Renaissance. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by works that narrate biblical episodes with breathtaking drama and mastery. The Sala dell’Albergo and the Sala Capitolare are the focal points of the visit, where you can admire masterpieces such as “The Crucifixion” and “The Visitation.”
Beyond Tintoretto’s works, the building itself is a magnificent example of Venetian Renaissance architecture, with decorative details and intricate coffered ceilings. Visiting the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is an immersive experience that allows you to explore Venetian art in a context of rare beauty and spirituality.
Biennale Gardens
The Biennale Gardens are a green lung in the heart of Venice and a hub for contemporary art. Located in the Castello district, these gardens host the renowned International Art Exhibition, an event that attracts artists and enthusiasts from around the world. Strolling through the tree-lined avenues, you can discover the various national pavilions, each presenting artworks reflecting the latest trends and themes.
The gardens also offer a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, art merges with nature, creating a unique space for inspiration and reflection. Even when the Biennale isn’t underway, the gardens remain an enchanting place to spend time outdoors, breathing in the fresh lagoon air.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a jewel of modern art, located along the Grand Canal in Venice. Housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, this museum was the residence of the eponymous American art collector, Peggy Guggenheim. The collection includes works by world-renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, and Kandinsky, offering a unique overview of 20th-century modernism.
Squero Casal dei Servi
The Casal ai Servi boatyard, dating back to the 15th century, is one of the most secret and fascinating places in Venice, a treasure trove of history passed down to us thanks to the work of the Arzanà Association, which established its headquarters in this ancient shipyard for the construction of rowing boats.
Lagoon discovering
A motorboat tour to discover all the islands of Venice. History, breathtaking views, and magical experiences await as you navigate through the renowned and unique Venice Lagoon aboard a motorboat.
Accademia Bridge
The Accademia Bridge is one of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal and offers one of the most spectacular views of Venice. Located near the Accademia Gallery, this wooden bridge connects the Dorsoduro district to the San Marco district. A climb across the Accademia Bridge is an unmissable opportunity to admire the extraordinary beauty of the Grand Canal, with its sparkling waters and majestic palaces reflected in them.
From here, you can glimpse the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, one of the city’s most beloved icons, rising majestically on the horizon. The bridge is an ideal spot for memorable photographs, especially at sunset, when a golden light envelops the city.
Murano Glass
Get an inside look at the centuries-old art of glassblowing with a factory tour on the island of Murano, home to the finest artisanal glass in the world. Watch a master craftsman shape molten glass through a combination of heating, blowing, and sculpting techniques. Visit the Lino Tagliapietra showroom to see beautiful works of art.
Mystical Garden
Visit the wonderful Mystical Garden of the Convent of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers in Venice! To book the visit to the church and the mystic garden
Acqua Alta Bookstore
The story of the Acqua Alta Bookstore in Venice is a captivating tale that began in 2002 when Luigi Frizzo, originally from Vicenza but enamoured with the lagoon city, decided to bring a unique project to life.
Luigi’s creativity, shaped by numerous journeys over the years, finds expression in an extraordinary place that authentically narrates Venice.
The bookstore is not just a space dedicated to books but rather an authentic representation of the lagoon city – a microcosm of Venetian suggestions with books of all kinds, unique furnishings, the friendly presence of cats, and, of course, the occasional high water that floods the shop.
