Venice in 3 days: a ready-made route

All squares in Venice are called Campo, except for the most important one — Piazza San Marco. When Napoleon first saw it, he exclaimed: "This square is the most elegant drawing room in Europe," which, however, did not prevent him from plundering Venice and destroying about forty of its ancient palaces.

During the Republic's heyday, this was the political and religious heart of Venice, with all the buildings surrounding it somehow connected to the government. Important celebrations and ceremonies were held here, and the doges, clergy, and people gathered for communal prayers to Saint Mark.

Piazza San Marco features:

• The Columns of Saint Mark and Saint Theodore
• The Doge's Palace
• The Bridge of Sighs, the old and new prisons
• Saint Mark's Basilica
• The Clock Tower
• The Old and New Procuracies, which house several cafes on the ground floor, including the famous Caffè Florian.
• The Napoleonic Wing
• The Biblioteca Marciana
• The Mint
• The Campanile and Loggetta

From the lagoon side, the city's main gates are visible — two columns, one topped with the statue of Saint Theodore, the city's early patron, and the other with Saint Mark depicted as a winged lion.

As befits a powerful Republic, the first impression on newcomers was meant to be unforgettable, leaving no doubt about Venice's wealth and glory!

Time to Visit: A general tour takes about two hours without visiting museums.

Museums of Piazza San Marco (combined ticket):

• Doge's Palace
• Integrated route Museo Correr
• National Archaeological Museum
• Marciana Library

The palace's name derives from the residence of the doge, the head of the Venetian Republic. Like Saint Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace was built and adorned over many centuries. The first structure, built in 810, was a fortress with walls and towers, surrounded on all sides by water. However, during uprisings, the fortress was destroyed.

In the 12th century, a palace was erected on its site. The current building was mainly constructed between 1309 and 1424. The facade facing the lagoon was completed between 1400 and 1404, and the facade facing Piazza San Marco was finished in 1424.

The palace was significantly damaged in a fire on December 20, 1577. During the subsequent restoration, it was decided to keep the building in its original Gothic style rather than changing it to a more modern one.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Currently, the building serves as a museum.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most famous bridges in the world. It was built by Antonio Conti in 1602 and decorated in the Baroque style. The bridge connects the Doge's Palace, which housed the courtroom, with the prison building.

The "sighs" from which the bridge gets its name are not the sighs of lovers but the sorrowful sighs of convicts who, under guard, were led across this covered bridge for one last look at Venice.

Time to Visit: Usually, tourists spend a few minutes here. Take photos during a general tour.

The main cathedral of Venice and one of the city's most visited attractions. It was founded in the 9th century and acquired its present appearance by the end of the 15th century.

A true jewel of its interior decoration is the golden mosaic dome (4000 m²), created in the Byzantine style from Murano glass on biblical themes.

The basilica houses the relics of Saint Mark, the heads of the apostles James and Titus, the relics of Saint Isidore, and numerous ancient relics that came to the basilica after the sack of Constantinople by the Crusaders in 1204. These include the quadriga on the west facade, the "Golden Altar" of Byzantine work, and the "Madonna Nicopeia" icon.

In 1987, the basilica, along with other Venetian monuments, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Time to Visit: At least 15 minutes; part of a general tour (if not visiting the Basilica museums).

The "Orologio" (Clock Tower) was built in the last decade of the 15th century.

Notice the bronze statues of the old man and the young man striking the bell: the first a few minutes before the hour ends, the second a few minutes after it starts, symbolizing the passage of time and the future. Just below, Saint Mark in the guise of a winged lion with an open book — symbolizing peaceful Venice.

Below are the Virgin Mary with the Infant Christ, with niches on either side from which, twice a year on the Ascension and Epiphany (January 6), an angel and the Magi emerge to pay homage, and finally, the luxurious blue-and-gold clock with 24 divisions, richly decorated with enamel and gilding. Besides the time, you can also see the current zodiac sign and moon phase on the clock.

There is a legend associated with the Clock Tower. The patron was so impressed with the masterwork that he ordered the eyes of the artisans to be gouged out so they could not replicate their creation.

Time to Visit: About 30 minutes

The Procuratie are three interconnected historical buildings located on Piazza San Marco in Venice, built above the arcades. The construction of the last building was completed during Napoleon's occupation of Venice.

Old Procuratie are located on the northern side of the square — these are two-story buildings constructed in the 12th century to house the offices and apartments of the procurators.

New Procuratie are situated on the southern part of Piazza San Marco. They were built to expand the office space and were completed in 1640.

Initially, both the Old and New Procuratie had wings on the western side of the square, which were separated by a small church. In 1810, a new wing was built in their place — for Napoleon’s residence.

Today, the upper floors of the building house the Correr Museum — one of Venice's main attractions. Founded in 1830, the museum is renowned for its Venetian historical and artistic collections.

Built between 1537 and 1554 by Jacopo Sansovino, the two snow-white Renaissance buildings face the Grand Canal, adorned with sculptures and stucco work. The largest and most important library in Italy holds over 13,000 precious manuscripts, and its collection of books is vast. Since the early 17th century, the library has received a mandatory copy of every book printed in Venice. Among its masterpieces are two copies of the Iliad from the 5th and 6th centuries, as well as the first book printed in Venice.

Visiting time: For external viewing — part of a city tour. For a separate visit — from 1 hour

Soaring 100 meters into the sky, the bell tower has become a dominant feature of Piazza San Marco, uniting the Procuratie buildings, the cathedral, and the Doge's Palace in a single composition.

Completed in the 16th century, it quickly became a symbol of the city, and Venetians respectfully referred to it as il padrone di casa (“the master of the house”). At its top is a golden angel that indicates the direction of the wind. Originally, the bell tower also served as a lighthouse — a fire was lit at the top at night. In 1609, Galileo Galilei demonstrated the starry sky to Doge Leonardo Dona through a telescope here.

Visiting time: Approximately 20 minutes for the elevator ride to the top

The name of the waterfront comes from the inhabitants of Scuavonia — what Venetians called their first conquered lands — Slavonia and Dalmatia. Craftsmen, merchants, and sailors from these countries docked their ships along the waterfront and established their guild here.

Over time, the waterfront became a crucial part of the city's life. All ships came here, and it was where emperors, princes, and ambassadors were received. For this reason, the square and the waterfront had to enchant with their beauty and be a showcase of rich and beautiful Venice.

Walking past the Bridge of Sighs along the waterfront towards the Arsenal, past Calle Albanese, and then turning left, we will reach Campo San Zaccaria.

This modest square was once a religious center of great importance. Besides the church, which houses the relics of Saint Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, there was a Benedictine monastery for the daughters of the most prominent and noble Venetian families.

This monastery donated the land for the construction of St. Mark's Basilica. It was also the nuns of this monastery who sewed and presented the Doge with the "corno ducale," which later became the official headdress of the head of the republic.

The church is the final resting place of 8 Doges of Venice. It also houses sacred relics — the relics of Athanasius of Alexandria and a fragment of the True Cross.

Turning left, we will arrive at the Sant'Antonio dei Greci — an Orthodox church, one of the few in Venice. The church was built in 1530, after the Greek colony was established in Venice. The church is notable for its beautiful frescoes, its leaning bell tower, and the well in the courtyard with an image of Saint George.

In the direction of the Slavic Waterfront is the Pietà Orphanage. If you look closely, you can see a sign threatening parents who abandon their children.

The last stop on our route will be the church of Santa Maria della Pietà. It was designed by architect Antonio Massari. In this church, the orphanage's students performed. From 1703 to 1740, Antonio Vivaldi himself taught them music.

An extraordinary day spent in the lagoon with the charming backdrop of Venice awaits you. Enjoy a “cruise” among the islands with visits to Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

The Devil's Bridge, Attila's Throne, the oldest churches with Byzantine-Venetian mosaics, the bell tower with a fantastic panorama, the lovers' house… Stop for lunch at the famous Locanda Cipriani, where Ernest Hemingway once worked and described the island in his novel “Across the River and into the Trees.”

The island of lace makers and fishermen. It was believed that the brightly colored houses indicated the way back to the returning fishermen. The island is world-renowned for its lace, dolls, tapestries, and the finest seafood restaurants.

The lace has a very beautiful story, but you will hear it during the tour. An extraordinarily colorful place!

Many centuries ago, the production of Venetian glass was moved here to better conceal the secrets of the craft from outsiders and to protect Venice from potential fires. You can visit the workshops and watch glassblowers at work, learning about the stories associated with this legendary craftsmanship.

On the island is the Church of Saints Mary and Donatus. Originally (in the 7th century) the church was dedicated to Mary, but in 1125, relics of Saint Donatus were brought from the island of Kefalonia, and thus the church acquired a double name.

Visiting time: Minimum time for a brief tour of the famous islands — five hours, but if you take a guided tour and stay for lunch, such a cruise will take a whole day (and the islands are indeed worth a full day visit!)

Rivus Altus — “high shore”. Indeed, this part of Venice is considered not only the highest point of the city but also the center of the lagoon.

Here, by the 11th century, the city's commercial center had already formed, and the main city market was located there, where we see it today. Until the 19th century, it was the only bridge across the Grand Canal.

On both sides of it are the waterfronts, whose names derived from the goods unloaded there.

Here you can admire the oldest palaces in the city — Ca’Loredan and Ca' Farsetti, and the ancient Church of San Giacomo di Rialto.

Visiting time: Approximately one hour. Possibly as an extension of a tour of Piazza San Marco

Leaving Piazza San Marco under Napoleon’s wing, we will come to a luxury shopping street — here you will find boutiques of the world's top fashion houses.

Then — parallel to the Grand Canal with its best palaces. This is how Venetians boasted about their wealth, and now most of them are four- and five-star hotels.

The Chiesa di San Moisè (ital. Basilica di San Moise) — a pompous Baroque church. Its facade was adorned with so many sculptures that in the 19th century, its condition even caused concern due to the heavy load. It was decided to lighten the facade, and some of the decorations and sculptures were intentionally removed. Sometimes the Church of San Moisè is called the clumsiest building in Venice.

The altarpiece depicting Moses receiving the Ten Commandments is carved from stone by Heinrich Meyring. In the nave of the church is the tomb of the Scottish financier John Law, as well as numerous paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

In the presbytery are intricately carved wooden choir seats dating back to the 16th century. In the left chapel — paintings “The Last Supper,” attributed to Palma the Younger, and “The Washing of the Feet” by Jacopo Tintoretto.

Visiting time: Approximately 10 minutes

The church was founded in 966 and later reconstructed. It consists of a series of niches with statues and bas-reliefs, positioned between Ionic and Corinthian columns. At the entrance to the church, six stylized stone plaques representing the cities of Heraklion, Corfu, Padua, Rome, Split, and Zadar are visible.

The only painting by Rubens in Venice, "Madonna with Child and St. John the Baptist," is housed in this church.

Time to visit: approximately 10 minutes

Behind the church of San Maurizio is the "Leaning Tower of Venice," built in the 13th century along with the church and monastery of San Stefano. The tilt occurred after an earthquake in the 16th century.

On Piazza San Stefano, with the church of the same name, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Venice. The church is a true treasure trove: paintings, sculptures by Jacopo Tintoretto, Bartolomeo Vivarini, and Pietro Lombardo.

One of the most famous churches in Venice, which you have surely seen in photos.

The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built in gratitude for the end of the plague epidemic of 1630-31 by architect Baldassare Longhena. It is said that he received secret knowledge of Kabbalah from his father, and the basilica is filled with corresponding symbols and signs. A monastery was also built next to the church, designed by Baldassare Longhena, where in 1742 Casanova studied physics.

Every year on November 21, the city celebrates the anniversary of its liberation from the plague. Venetians come to the church via a temporary wooden bridge to pray and ask the Madonna to cure diseases or help a sick person.

The main facade is adorned with marble statues of the four evangelists by sculptor Tommaso Rues. An interesting interpretation of the embodiment of God in Christ as an all-encompassing spirit, materializing in the earthly realm and embodying the union of the four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. Christ is surrounded by apostles, each representing a zodiac sign and associated with one of the four elements.

Matthew (angel) symbolizes the spirit, representing the element of air, and his zodiac sign is Aquarius.

Mark (lion) represents the element of fire, and his zodiac sign is Leo.

Luke (ox) symbolizes the earth, and his zodiac sign is Taurus.

John (eagle) belongs to the element of water, and his zodiac sign is Scorpio.

Time to visit: approximately 1 hour

The Church of the Redeemer (Redentore), built in the 16th century in gratitude to God for delivering the city from the plague that struck Venice in 1575-1576 and destroyed up to a third of the city's population.

For nearly five centuries, every third Sunday in July, Venice has celebrated this event. Giudecca is filled with Venetians, thanks to a pontoon bridge connecting the island to the rest of the city. On Saturday evening, fireworks are traditionally launched.

Even before the completion of the church, the faithful flocked to it. Since July 21, 1577, every third Sunday in July, a pontoon bridge connects Giudecca with the rest of the city.

Time to visit: approximately 30 minutes

Across from Giudecca is the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

The masterpiece of the architect Andrea Palladio in Venice is the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore (the term “Maggiore” is used to distinguish it from the eponymous church on the island of San Giorgio in Alga). It is located on the island of Giudecca, opposite San Marco, the heart of Venice.

The previous Benedictine monastery, dating back to the 10th century, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1223. The construction of the current building was completed in 1576, with the facade finished later by architect Scamozzi. The church houses paintings by Tintoretto, including "The Last Supper." The bell tower dates back to 1791.

The Basilica is currently managed by a small community of Benedictine monks, who continue to live in one of the oldest parts of the abbey.

Upon request, it is possible to visit both the church and the monastery.

Time to visit: approximately 30 minutes

The Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is the second most important and popular church in Venice, following the Basilica of San Marco. The bell tower of the Basilica also holds a second prestigious position, standing at 70 meters, only shorter than the bell tower of St. Mark's Cathedral at 99 meters.

Venetians refer to the Frari Basilica in honor of the Franciscans (a Catholic mendicant monastic order).

The church acquired its present appearance in 1443, thanks to architect Niccolò Pizano. The Basilica is built in Italian Gothic style, with its facade decorated in Venetian-Byzantine style.

Here you can see the magnificent work of Donatello (the only one in Venice)—the statue of St. John the Baptist, as well as famous paintings by Titian, including "Madonna Pesaro" and "Assumption of the Virgin Mary" (where the artist is also buried), the monument to Doge Giovanni Pesaro, a cross with the image of Christ made in the 13th century, and a crystal vase containing the Holy Blood of Christ (believed to have been received by Mary Magdalene after Christ's crucifixion). You will surely be impressed by the 124 wooden choir seats carved with saints' likenesses and the tomb of Canova, which holds the heart of the great master.

Time to visit: approximately 1 hour

The Church of San Giovanni e Paolo is considered the largest building in the city. San Giovanni e Paolo is the burial place of 25 doges of Venice, as well as many famous Venetian figures: Horatio Balioni, Gentile Bellini, Giovanni Bellini, and others.

Nearby is the Former Scuola Grande di San Marco and a monument to Bartolomeo Colleoni, created by Leonardo da Vinci's pupil.

Time to visit: approximately 30 minutes

Once a little-known area in the Cannaregio district, everything changed on March 29, 1516, when the Venetian Senate decreed: "All Jews must be gathered in one place." Thus, the world's first Jewish ghetto was born in a walled and guarded area of the city.

The word "ghetto" comes from the Venetian word "gheto," which referred to the "foundry" in Venetian dialect. Over time, the word evolved, became pronounced as "ghetto," and took on its modern meaning.

The territory allocated to the Jews was small, leading to the construction of Venetian "skyscrapers." At night, the ghetto gates were closed, and only doctors were allowed to leave.

Today, the area houses the Museum of Jewish Art, two synagogues, and the Renato Maestro Jewish Library.

Time to visit: approximately 1 hour

The Grand Canal, or Canalazzo as it is called by Venetians. The main street of Venice, 3.8 km long, 30 to 70 meters wide, and 5 meters deep. Along it are the most beautiful palaces in the city—a showcase of Venice’s grandeur and its former glory.

The main "artery" of Venice divides the city into two parts: Ultra (San Polo, Santa Croce, and Dorsoduro) and Citra (San Marco, Castello, and Cannaregio). Winding in the shape of an inverted S, the canal runs through the city and ends at Piazza San Marco.

It is best to start the walk from the Santa Lucia train station. You will see all four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, churches, and palaces. Some of them include: San Geremia, Fondaco dei Turchi, Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi, Palazzo dei Camerlenghi, the Dolfin-Manin, Bembo, Loredan palaces, and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

The cruise will end at the city's grand entrance—Piazza San Marco!

Time to visit: approximately 1 hour