Afternoon to Early Evening: St Mark's Square
St Mark's Square was the embodiment of The Most Serene Republic of Venice's power and prestige, and as such contains its most magnificent public buildings: the extraordinary golden mosaic-encrusted basilica of St Mark's, the exquisite Doge's Palace, the all-seeing bell tower, the Bibliotecca Marciana library, and what is nowadays the famous Correr Museum. If timed correctly, it is possible to see all these sights on your own within half a day, although a guide can make the process much more efficient (and more educational as well). Keep in mind that the square is one of the most heavily touristed places in the world, so crowds and lines can be an issue.
St Mark the Evangelist was not the patrion saint of Venice until 829 AD, when two Venetian merchants stole St. Mark's remains from their original resting place in a chuch in Alexandria, Egypt, and then smuggled the relics home trussed up in a canvas sheet. The pretext for the theft was that the Muslim conquerors of Alexandria were expected to defile and plunder the church. While this may have been true, it is no coincidence that bringing such an important saint's relics to Venice was hugely important politically and signaled Venice's place as a rising independent power. A church was built to house the relics, and St. Mark's Square was established as the spiritual and political heart of the city.
St Mark's Square Campanile
Ascend this reconstructed cathedral bell tower for amazing views over St Marks Square, St Mark's Basilica and the Venetian lagoon.
Standing at 325 feet (99m) high, the Campanile, i.e. bell tower, of St. Mark's Basilica dominates the city's iconic square. Crowned by a spire that once acted as a lighthouse for Venice's naval ships, the cathedral tower was first built in the 10th century AD but underwent repeated repairs, reconstructions, and additions until reaching its current form in the 16th century. It was also a prominent part of the Venetian penal system as criminals were sometimes subjected to the Supplizio della Cheba (Torture of the Cage), which involved being incarcerated inside a crate that was hoisted up the south side of the tower to be left dangling there for several days or more in all weather.
The tower collapsed in 1902, and what you see today is actually an exact replica (with the convenient addition of an elevator). The bell tower is now one of the most visited sights in Venice, offering some incredible panoramic views over the city and its canals. Lines are long, but a ticket can be reserved in advance for an extra few Euros.
St Marks Basilica
Step inside Venice's most sacred and famous landmark and admire the glittering mosaics of the basilica's domes.
Important Note: Entry to the basilica itself is free, but there are huge crowds queuing up outside to see the interior at almost any time of year (waiting times are on average 45min), so we very strongly advise you to purchase a 'skip the line' ticket
A private chapel for the use of the Doges, the rulers of Venice, was purpose-built on the site and consecrated in 832 to house the stolen relics of St Mark. Destroyed in a fire, a replica was soon built, but this was in turn superseded by a third structure in 1063-94; the Basilica of St Mark. Today, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice and a sight to behold for all visitors. The glittering mosaics, the golden altar behind St Mark's sarcophagus, its beautiful chapels, and treasury make it a sight you absolutely can not afford to miss.
The stunning golden mosaics lining the interior were begun in the 12th century and work continued on them over the intervening centuries, but much of the exterior and interior decoration is actually art and monuments looted from cities defeated by Venice in its many wars. Many trophies seem out of place in a church, such as the Four Horses of San Marco, which were taken from Constantinople where they had once stood in the Hippodrome (the chariot racing arena). But the Venetians felt that anything which glorified Venice also reflected the glory and intercession of their patron saint, and thus belonged in the Basilica.
Doges' Palace
Explore the staterooms and masterpieces inside this famous Gothic-style Palace.
Important Note: Entry lines can be very long. We suggest taking advantage of skip the line entry.
As the name suggests, the Palace was the official residence of the Venetian rulers, the Doges, and the chief magistrates. The building was founded in the 9th century, but the present one dates from the 14th century. Tour its elaborate staterooms, grand halls and the 24-carat golden staircase before seeking out its collection of priceless masterpieces by Venetian artists including Titan, Veronese and Tintoretto.
Be sure to spend some time in the most incredible room of all, the Chamber of the Great Council, the assembly hall where all Venetian patricians gathered to participate in the running of the city - up to 2,500 at any one time. There you will find the Doge's throne and the world's longest canvas painting in the world, Tintoretto's Il Paradiso.
Torre dell'Orologio
Check out a renaissance clock tower dating from 1499.
St Mark's Clocktower or the Moors' Clocktower is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Venice. Originally built during the 15th century, the clocktower features an elaborate clock that displays the signs of the Zodiac and the current phase of the moon. It played an essential part of daily life in historical Venice, with seafarers setting out from the Grand Canal replying on its time to decide when to head out to sea. You'll notice at the top of the tower, two bronze wild men. They ring the bell on the hour. One of the men is old, the other is young, representing the passing of time.
Correr Museum
Take a fascinating journey through the history and art of Venice inside one of its most important museums.
Established in 1830, 33 years after Venice lost its independence, the Museo Correr depicts life and culture in Venice during its glory days of wealth and strength. Somewhat ironically given that the museum is dedicated to Venice's glory, the city's loss of independence made the collection possible, as many formerly wealthy Venetian families were forced to sell their treasures in the difficult conditions.
Highlights in the museum include works by the famed Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova and a fine art collection that covers the work of many famous Venetian painters of the 13th to 16th centuries. Also fascinating are the collected antiquities from the city's long history, such as ship flags, nautical instruments, books, maps, and coins.
Library of St Mark
Visit the magnificent monumental rooms of the Marciana Library, one of the oldest public libraries in Venice.
The Sansoviniana library, also referred to as National Marciana Library, is one of the biggest and most important libraries in Italy. Located in a beautiful Renaissance building opposite the Doge's Palace, it holds a number of valuable Greek and Latin manuscripts. The interior is richly decorated, with an impressive ceiling and a collection of Venetian paintings including works by Tintoretto and Veronese.
Morning/Mid-Day: The Dorsoduro District
Discover the less well-known sestiere (district) of Dorsoduro and visit its world-famous art collections at Gallerie dell'Academia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Cà Rezzonico. Once a haven for artists before rising rents drove them out, it is still a charming and unique district with many lively spots, such as the Campo Santa Margherita, one of Venice's largest squares. Be sure to take a walk along its enchanting waterfront promenade known as Zattere and explore the cafes along its canals.
Gallerie Dell'Accademia
See the incredible masterpieces held within Venice's most renowned art gallery.
Filled with some of the very best 13th- to 18th-century Venetian artwork, this is one of the most important art galleries in Italy. Here you can see masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini, Carpaccio, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and Giambattista Tiepolo. There are too many masterpieces to list here, but if time allows you should definitely rent the audioguide and spend some serious time acquainting yourself with Venice's glorious art heritage.
The galleries occupy the former church and convent of Santa Maria della Carità and the adjoining Scuola Grande della Carità, which was the oldest of the six "scuole grandi" – lay confraternities dedicated to charitable works. Dating back to 1343 AD, the Carità was mostly destroyed by fire, but two of its richly decorated rooms can still be seen. The other scuole grandi were also important art patrons and collectors, and many of their greatest works have also ended up in the Accademia.
The Gesuati
Watch the sun set from the steps of this beautifully decorated 18th-century church.
The Church of Gesuati, or Santa Maria del Rosario, sits directly on the large Giudecca Canal and its steps are a favorite spot to catch the last of the sun's rays. Located on the waterfront area known as the Zattere, its a lively scene with several vaporetto stops and many nearby al fresco cafes.
The interior gives you a good opportunity to acquaint yourself with the best known and successful of Venice's 18th-century painters, Giambattista Tiepolo, who frescoed the ceiling and painted the scene on the first south altar. Almost all its sculpture and paintings were created within a thirty-year period, making it an excellent time capsule of the mid-1700's. Construction began in 1725, the church was consecrated in 1743, and the last sculptural decoration was in place by 1755. Its highlight is the preserved ceiling paintings and the four large sculptures on the exterior facade, that represent Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
See the rich collection of 20th-century art inside one of Europe's most important museums.
The Peggy Guggenheim Museum is one of the top sights in Venice, not just for art lovers. Housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, this was the former residence of the flamboyant copper heiress Peggy Guggenheim from 1949 until her death 30 years later. It houses masterpieces ranging from Cubism and Surrealism to Abstract Expressionism from artists such as Magritte, Picasso, Ernst and Miro.
Ca' Rezzonico
Acquaint yourself with Venetian art of the 18th century and get a taste of what it was like to live in a fabulously ornate palace.
Ca' Rezzonico is one of the most important 17th-18th-century palaces in Venice, abd it now houses the Museo del Settecento Veneziano, the city's collection of 18th-century art. Apart from some wonderful paintings by Tiepolo in addition to his ceiling frescoes, the museum also contains Venetian scenes painted by the brilliant landscape artist, Canaletto.
Of course it is not just the art hanging on the walls that visitors come for, but the artistry of the building itself. The beautifully decorated interior, including colorful frescoes and ornate marble staircases, is well worth seeing in its own right.
Ponte dell'Accademia
Catch the iconic photo of the Grand Canal from the this attractive wood and metal bridge.
As one of only four bridges to span the Grand Canal, the Ponte dell'Accademia bridge, located right next to the Gallerie Dell'Accademia, is an important pedestrian thoroughfare and a popular spot for taking the iconic Grand Canal photograph.
