Venice is well-known for her canals but the buildings that sit atop the man-made piles and islands are also one of her most precious gems.
If you're looking for a slightly different way to experience the city, why not follow this quick and easy itinerary of just five of the many buildings you need to see if you ever find yourself in Venice?
While you're at it, find a luxury villa near Venice to do the trip in true style.
If you're looking for a slightly different way to experience the city, why not follow this quick and easy itinerary of just five of the many buildings you need to see if you ever find yourself in Venice?
While you're at it, find a luxury villa near Venice to do the trip in true style.
5. Doge's Palace
Odds are you would have ended up at this building anyway as its located in Piazza San Marco, the most famous square in Venice. However, make sure you find the time to venture inside.
Once the home to the Doges of Venice (leaders of the Republic of Venice), this Venetian Gothic building is not only stunning and beautiful but it has also housed a museum since the 1920s.
The museum in question displays sculptural decoration from the exterior that has been replaced by copies and moved indoors to keep it safe. After exploring both building and museum, the next stop is only a stone's throw away...
Once the home to the Doges of Venice (leaders of the Republic of Venice), this Venetian Gothic building is not only stunning and beautiful but it has also housed a museum since the 1920s.
The museum in question displays sculptural decoration from the exterior that has been replaced by copies and moved indoors to keep it safe. After exploring both building and museum, the next stop is only a stone's throw away...
4. San Giorgio Maggiore
You can't really come to Venice without seeing an example of the work of Palladio, perhaps the city's most famous architect of all time and one of the most influential architects in European history.
This Benedictine church was completed in 1610 in the classical Renaissance style and makes the most stunning vista located opposite the Piazzetta (adjacent to the Piazza di San Marco) with its white marble façade gleaming and reflecting in the rich blue waters of the lagoon below.
This Benedictine church was completed in 1610 in the classical Renaissance style and makes the most stunning vista located opposite the Piazzetta (adjacent to the Piazza di San Marco) with its white marble façade gleaming and reflecting in the rich blue waters of the lagoon below.
3. Ca' D'Oro
A highly iconic structure, the Ca' D'Oro is one of the many canal-facing, ornate Venetian palaces that any mention of the city brings to mind.
Built in the 15th century for the Contarini family (many of whom were Doges to the city), it changed hands repeatedly from the 18th century onwards until donated to the state.
Today it is open to the public as a gallery. This building is the epitome of the melting-pot of cultural influences in Venetian architecture and is exceptionally beautiful – not to be missed!
Built in the 15th century for the Contarini family (many of whom were Doges to the city), it changed hands repeatedly from the 18th century onwards until donated to the state.
Today it is open to the public as a gallery. This building is the epitome of the melting-pot of cultural influences in Venetian architecture and is exceptionally beautiful – not to be missed!
2. Ca' Pesaro
Another of the famous canal-facing palaces, this building is now home to the International Gallery of Modern Art in Venice.
Originally work on the building was begun under Longhena in the 17th century but it was only completed in 1710 under the supervision of another architect, Mr Gian Antonio Gaspardi.
Today it houses 19th and 20th century works by the likes of Klimt, Kandinsky and Miro as well as a small collection of contemporary pieces.
Originally work on the building was begun under Longhena in the 17th century but it was only completed in 1710 under the supervision of another architect, Mr Gian Antonio Gaspardi.
Today it houses 19th and 20th century works by the likes of Klimt, Kandinsky and Miro as well as a small collection of contemporary pieces.
1. Ponte Di Rialto
One of the four bridges that spans the Grand Canal and the oldest, the present incarnation (one of many) was designed by Antonio da Ponte and completed in 1591. Two ramps lead upwards to a central portico with stalls housed inside the covered ramps. Despite criticism when built, it is now an iconic part of the city. Cross it and see for yourself!
If you are spending time in Venice, be sure to appreciate its architecture and take the time to have a wander around. You'll thank me later.
If you are spending time in Venice, be sure to appreciate its architecture and take the time to have a wander around. You'll thank me later.