Things To Do In Venice

Visitors to Venice generally know what to expect before they arrive and few would come with the misconception that this is a city where you’ll find theme parks or man-made attractions. The city’s top tourist sights are based almost exclusively around architectural and historical features. Take the time to check out some of the landmarks and structures listed below and you’ll get a true feel for the city’s history and heritage.

Chiesa dei Frari

One of the city’s oldest churches, Chiesa dei Frari is a huge and magnificent structure that was erected on the same site as a previous church, which was built between 1250 and 1338. The current building dates back to the mid-15th century and is notable for its striking interior which features a large collection of artistic masterpieces including works by Titian and Giovanni Bellini. Various fine monuments can also be found inside, among which is a statue created by the famous Donatello.

Canal Grande

Popularly considered 'the most beautiful street in the city', Canal Grande provides visitors with the chance to see some of the finest and most extravagant architecture that the city has to offer. Take a boat trip along this scenic stretch of the city’s waterways and revel in the sights it yields. Daytrips here are good for catching the finer details, but night-trips capture a romantic ambience and give an entirely different perspective on the city’s buildings.

Santa Maria della Salute

Coming near the top of the list for the city’s most famous landmarks, the Ciesa di Santa Maria della Salute is the dominant view on the Grand Canal. This beautiful, octagonal shaped church is made partly of 'marmorino' and was constructed between 1631 and 1681 as a tribute to the Virgin Mary for delivering the city from ravishes of the great plague, which lasted from 1630 to 1631. The church, which was designed by the architect Longhena, is built in a Baroque style and includes an enormous white dome among its more interesting features.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Among the city’s best examples of fine architecture is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a magnificent structure that was once a working school and offers stunning views of both its interior and exterior. The interior is decorated with the work of Tintoretto, a famous artist who spent more than 23 years completing over 50 paintings that now adorn the walls of the school. Visitors can use hand mirrors to get a better look at some of the ceiling paintings.

Chiesa di San Sebastiano

The church of Saint Sebastian was built back in the 16th century and is famous for featuring the work of artist Paolo Veronese. Visitors can view his masterpieces inside the church, where they cover a large proportion of the walls and ceiling. Magnificent frescoes and canvasses can be seen and these are listed among some of the artist's finest works.   Veronese’s body now resides within the church. The artist Titian also contributed to the church’s interior with his 'San Nicolò' painting, which can be seen near the entrance.

Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Previously known as Campo delle Maravege, Campo dei San Giovanni e Paolo is one of the city’s most notable squares and is home to some interesting architectural and artistic features. In the latter category, you’ll find the Monumento di Bartolomeo Colleoni, an imposing sculpture created by Verrocchio. Close by is the church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, which dates back to the mid-13th century, when it was founded by the Dominicans. However, construction of the current building was not started until 1333 and not completed until nearly a century later. The church underwent a restoration process in the 1920s.

Museums

Venice is the perfect destination for visitors with cultural and historical interests, offering as it does such a great selection of museums and art galleries. With some of the finest art and artefact collections in the country, housed in beautiful old buildings, a day devoted to perusing Venice’s cultural venues is a day well spent. Among the highlights, the Marciano Museum in San Marco Square is home to a gallery where visitors can view antique tapestries, remains of ancient mosaics and important historical manuscripts. The museum is part of the Basilica San Marco complex and inside you’ll also find the bronze horse statues that originally stood proudly outside of the basilica. Meanwhile, at the Correr Museum, visitors will find many interesting displays dedicated to giving an insight into the history of the city. Historical artefacts and works of art can be found in neo-classically designed rooms as well as sculptures by the artist Canova. Other museums worthy of note include the Naval Museum, Natural History Museum and the Archaeological Museum.