Guide: all countries » Italy » Venice » Cultural sights

Culture of Venice. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Sunset from San Giorgio Maggiore Of course, St. Mark’s Cathedral remains the most famous landmark of Venice. The beautiful same named square located near it is also an important tourist attraction. The cathedral impresses visitors with its luxurious furnishings. Here you will see gold mosaic, furniture and other elements of interior decorated with precious stones, and the altarpiece Pala D'Oro - a true masterpiece created by hands of professional jewelers.
Old hotels keeping the history of Venice
Travelers keen on the culture of the past have a unique opportunity to spend several days in the high-class Ca dei Conti. This hotel is open in one of the most beautiful palaces of the 18th … Open
Golden House (Ca 'd'Oro) is another important object of excursions. This is a beautiful palace, the building of which was completed in 1434. Nowadays the visitors of the palace will find here a wonderful collection of old paintings, sculptures and tapestries - a part of the halls of the palace has been converted into a museum. Certainly, you should not forget to walk in the picturesque Rialto quarter, which is the location of numerous souvenir shops, markets and cafes. There are also some historical attractions in this area of the city. Among them is an old church Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto.
The main channel of Venice is named Grande. Its length estimates 3.8 km. The majority of houses along the canal were constructed over three hundred years ago. The Venice lagoon is the location of picturesque islands, each of which is home to numerous sightseeing sites. Thus, in the 10th century the Murano Island was home to famous glass blowers. Nowadays the visitors of the island can purchase interesting crafts and home decorations made of this Venetian glass from local craftsmen. The Torcello Island has retained some notable historic buildings, and Jesolo Lido will be genuinely loved by fans of beach holiday – the majority of most luxurious resorts are located here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Legends - famous hotels of Venice
Every historic hotel in Venice has its own interesting history, and the prestigious Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin is no exception. In 2011, this fabulous hotel on Giudecca Island became the … Open
Palazzo Ducale is another unofficial symbol of the city of canals. Besides the fact that it is a masterpiece of architecture, the place is historical being that many significant events in the history of the city took place behind its walls and in Piazza San Marco, where the palace is located. The building was constructed in the Gothic style under the project of Filippo Calendario. A stone was laid here for the first time in the year 810. However, the present building was erected between 1309 and 1424. Another interesting and amazing palace worth visiting is Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti. It is located on the Grand Canal. The time of its construction dates back to the 15th century but it was later restored in the 19th century.
Sunset from San Giorgio Maggiore Palazzo Pisani Moretta, built in true Venetian style and a real example of Venetian architecture, is another fascinating palazzo to visit and enjoy its appearance. It is surrounded by two other palaces from both sides – Palazzo Barbarigo and Palazzo Tiepolo. Every place offers a great view of the Grand Canal. Another palace, Palazzo Dario, is connected with a mystical history, which many tourists are attracted to. It is impossible to confuse the building as it was built in a style that was considered unusual for Venice. Everyman would wonder “this is nothing but Exoticism”. The building was constructed in 1487 by order of Giovanni Dario. This is where it gets interesting and if you would ask the locals about it, they will not fail to tell you in more details.
Best hotel choice for romantic escape, wedding or honeymoon in Venice
It won’t be hard to find a suitable hotel in Venice for enjoying a holiday together. For example, Hotel Concordia is an incredibly romantic place. The hotel is made in a magnificent … Open
Another eternal symbol of the city is Ponte dei Sospiri, or “Bridge of (last) sighs”. It connects Palazzo Ducale with Palazzo delle Prigioni. However, no romance emits from the place if you know why it is called so. The thing is that a prison was located next to the bridge, and the prisoners passed through it for the last time, on the way to the place of their execution. Thus, they last sighed and looked at their beloved Venice from here. However, this place has today become a symbol of lovers which is understandable taking into account the grace of the bridge.
Venice, Italy, Afternoon Panorama Squero di San Trovaso is some sort of “workshop of the city”. You can get acquainted with the traditional craft of the city here on the water, the fact being that the gondolas are made here. You will also find it interesting to visit the Museo della Musica, where you can look at ancient musical instruments, as well as the Museo Leonardo da Vinci for everyone who is interested in the work of the genius. You will find museums dedicated to the great artist in all of Italy. There are such exhibits as copies of Leonardo’s inventions in Venice.
Shopping in Venice - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques
Coin remains the most popular shopping center in Venice. It occupies a large five-storey building. Each of the floors is dedicated to particular goods, for example, there are several dozen … Open
The hometown of Antonio Vivaldi was often “under the lens” of many directors and it is for this reason that fans of cinema travel often visit it. Consequently, the Grand Canal became the location for shooting such films as “Casino Royal”, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, “The Tourist”. Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute became the sight for the shooting of the film “Casanova” (by the way, Casanova is a native of Venice), while the movie “Honest courtesan” reveals almost the entire city.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Venice and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Venice and surroundings

Plan your own excursion through Venice: churches, museums and castles

St Mark Basilica, Venice

Location on the map:     Facts:
» St Mark Basilica is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice.
» That’s most famous of the churches of the city and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture in Western Europe.
» Since the 9th century, the basilica was known as the Golden Church and was the symbol of Venetian wealth. It owed its second name to luxurious furnishings and golden mosaics.
» The cathedral has a free-standing bell tower of about 100 meters height. The tower has an observation deck.
» St Mark Basilica has the treasure house that currently stores 283 items. Collection consists of numerous treasure caskets for relics, chalices and other church utensils brought from the East or donated by popes.

Santa Maria della Salute, Venice

Location on the map:     Facts:
» Santa Maria della Salute is the cathedral built in honor of abolition of the plague in 1630-1631, when the disease has claimed more than a third of the city's population.
» The cathedral was built in the shape of an octahedron, with a dome hemisphere.
» The church entrance is designed as a triumphal arch.
» Facade is decorated with sculptures of the Archangel Michael, John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary.
» The altar is decorated with marble statues dedicated to the miraculous abolition of the plague by Virgin Mary.

San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice

Location on the map:     Facts:
» San Giorgio Maggiore is located on the same island right in front of Piazza San Marco.
» The bell tower is 75 meters in height; that’s the square brick tower.
» The main gable of the cathedral is decorated with statues of Christ and the Holy Archangels, George and Stephen.
» Interior of the cathedral impresses with its rigor and lighting.
» The most impressive thing in the church is the bronze altar depicting God and the four evangelists, supporting the globe, as well as the organ created in 1750.

San Pietro di Castello, Venice

Location on the map:     Facts:
» San Pietro di Castello is the Roman Catholic basilica of the patriarch of Venice, located in the Castello Quarter on the same island.
» The current church building dates back to 16th century, but the first church on this site has been built in the 7th century.
» Next to the church there is the bell tower, which stands decimated similar to the Leaning tower of Pisa. In this regard, it’s considered one of the most dangerous in Venice.
» The basilica features several outstanding works of art. Among them, St. John the Evangelist, Peter and Paul, by Paolo Veronese, the altar painting by Giordano in the Vendramin Chapel and the Throne of St. Peter carved out of gravestone in the 13st century are notable.
» The church is decorated with a large dome showing importance of the basilica. The dome is mounted on the dome drum with numerous rectangular windows, so there is much light inside.

Santa Maria Formosa, Venice

Location on the map:     Facts:
» Santa Maria Formosa was built in 1492, designed by Mauro Koducci.
» One of the interesting architectural features of the church is cream building corbels called apses.
» Another amazing thing is one of the few baroque details of the temple, a grotesque mask at the foot of the bell tower.
» There are several masterpieces of Venetian painting school representatives in the church; Saint Barbara with the Saints by Palma il Vecchio is the main of them.
» Another masterpiece situated in the church is the triptych Madonna della Misericordia by Bartolomeo Vivarini.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Venice

St Mark’s Square
Where: St Mark’s Square, Venice;
Ca’ Rezzonico
Where: Ca’ Rezzonico, Dorsoduro, Venice;
Ca’ Pesaro
Where: Fondamenta Pesaro, Santa Croce 2070, Venice;
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Venice
♥   Palace 'Palazzo Barbarigo' , 0.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Ca’ Foscari' , 0.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Palazzo Labia' , 0.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Palazzo Grassi' , 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Ca’ Rezzonico' , 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Palazzo Malipiero' , 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Ca’ d’Oro' , 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Venice and around
♥   Art museum 'Ca Pesaro' Venice, 0.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Museo Fortuny' Venice, 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Ca Rezzonico' Venice, 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Ca d Oro' Venice, 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Gallerie dell Accademia' Venice, 0.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Venice
♥   Basilica Cattedrale Patriachale di S. Marco, Venezia, 1.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilica di Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, Venezia, 1.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilica di S. Giorgio Maggiore, Venezia, 1.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilica Concattedrale di S. Pietro di Castello, Venezia, 2.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilica di Ss. Maria Assunta, Donato e Cipriano, Venezia, 3.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Chiesa S. Maria Asssunta, Troina, 9.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Cattedrale di S. Maria Assunta, Chioggia, 25 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Venice

Mestre
The church features plenty of religious artifacts the age of which counts in centuries. The city tour should also include a visit to the Palazzo da Re building which presents a consonant fusion of various architectural styles and trends. Dramatic art connoisseurs will ... Open »
Padua
By the amount of significant tourist objects the city of Padua trails only the majestic sea-born city of Venice. Padua is a large and impressive city which offers its guests various excursion programs fitting every taste, fancy and budget. A unique historical landmark ... Open »
Veneto
Verona offers its guests a rich excursion program. There is the antique Arena, a monument to the Roman Empire, as well as the famous monument to Juliet; a lot of romantic stories are associated with latter. Art lovers enjoy Padua; the city is home to the world famous ... Open »
Verona
Vacationers should definitely not forget to see the beautiful arch bridge of Ponte Pietra, the building of was also conducted yet in the prehistoric era. The bridge was seriously damaged during the Second World War, but thanks to efforts of skilled architects it was ... Open »
Ravenna
Among sites and landmarks of the city of Ravenna tourists will discover ancient religious buildings and constructions, majestic palaces, museums and scenic park areas aged more than several hundred years. The most remarkable object of tourist interest is the Basilica di ... Open »
Trieste
Not far from the castle there is the Victory lighthouse, the creation of world-renowned architect Arduino Berlam. This historic monument was built in memory of victims of First World War. Now it retains its navigation functions. In the center of Trieste there is one of ... Open »
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