Grand Canal Itinerary in Venice

Venice is a unique city in the world that requires some time to be fully explored. Reaching various places in the city is very simple. You could use the motorboats that offer taxi services in Venice or, if you have more time, enjoy a route along the Grand Canal, weaving under bridges and admiring Venetian architecture. Our one-day itinerary starts from the Grand Canal and ends at the San Marco basin.

Along this itinerary, you will have the chance to pause at various jetties, docking points for the many palaces scattered along this route.

One-day Itinerary in Venice

Grand Canal

Our itinerary begins right at the Grand Canal, Venice’s main waterway. Stretching 3800 meters long with a variable width between 30 and 70 meters, the Grand Canal runs from north to west and from south to east, forming an “S” shaped circuit. The Grand Canal is dotted with noble buildings dating from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century. Characteristic of these palaces are the mooring poles which often display the coats of arms of Venetian noble families.

Bridges of Venice

Ponte degli Scalzi

The first bridge we encounter along our Grand Canal route is the Scalzi Bridge, entirely rebuilt in 1934.

Rialto Bridge

It is undoubtedly Venice’s most famous bridge and represents one of the three that span the Grand Canal. The Rialto Bridge has a single arch and was built at the end of the 16th century by Antonio da Ponte.

Accademia Bridge

The third bridge on the Grand Canal is the Accademia Bridge. Like the Scalzi Bridge, it was rebuilt in modern times (1934) replacing the 19th-century iron bridge. It has a wooden structure.

Left Bank of the Grand Canal

On the left bank of the Grand Canal, at the start of our itinerary, is the Venice Santa Lucia railway station, inaugurated in the latter half of the 19th century but rebuilt post-war. Nearby is the Scalzi Church, built in the 17th century by a community of Carmelites who found refuge here. Along the left bank of the Grand Canal are a series of palaces of great value and architectural interest. Here are some.

Palazzo Vendramin Calergi: Municipal Casino

The Palazzo Vendramin Calergi is the palace where Richard Wagner died in 1883 and houses the Municipal Casino. In Renaissance style, the palace was designed by Mauro Codussi.

Ca’ d’Oro

Home to the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery, it features a Gothic structure that underwent changes during the 19th century. The jetty bears the same name.

Ca’ de Mosto

This is a fondaco building dating back to the 13th century but underwent several additions over time. Known for having housed the Leon Bianco Hotel from the 1500s to the 1700s. Jetty at Rialto.

Palazzo Grimani

Home to some judicial offices, the Palazzo Grimani has three floors with Renaissance architecture. It was designed by Michele Sammichele and features large arches and columns.

Palazzo Corner Spinelli

A true masterpiece of early Renaissance architecture, the Palazzo Corner Spinelli was designed by Mauro Codussi at the end of the 15th century. Jetty Sant’Angelo.

Palazzo Grassi

Home to the Grassi Foundation, the palace boasts Baroque architecture. Designed by Giorgio Massari, it hosts art exhibitions and important events.

Palazzo Corner della Ca’ Granda

Headquarters of the Prefecture, the palace was designed by architect Jacopo Sansovino. The reference jetty is Santa Maria Zobenigo.

Right Bank of the Grand Canal

On the right bank of Venice’s Grand Canal, there are equally prestigious palaces. The starting reference jetty is Santa Chiara, which serves Piazzale Roma, where the Ponte della Libertà stands, connecting Mestre to the city of Venice. Here is what to see on the right bank of the Grand Canal.

Fondaco dei Turchi

The Fondaco dei Turchi houses the Natural History Museum. The Veneto-Byzantine architecture has been significantly altered since the late 19th century.

Ca’ Pesaro

Baroque palace begun by Baldassarre Longhena in the early 17th century and completed about a century later by Antonio Gaspari. It is home to the Museum of Oriental Art and the International Gallery of Modern Art.

Ca’ Corner de la Regina

A two-story loggia structure built by Domenico Rossi in the first half of the 18th century, Ca’ Corner houses the Historical Archive of the Venice Biennale. Jetty San Silvestro.

Palazzo Papadopoli

The Palazzo Papadopoli has a very sumptuous structure dating back to the first part of the 16th century. It features two large loggias.

Ca’ Foscari

Eight arches and two loggias characterize this palace started in the early years of the late 15th century. Home of the Ca’ Foscari University, it is built in Venetian Gothic style.

Ca’ Rezzonico

Baroque construction begun by Baldassare Longhena, completed by Antonio Massari. It houses the 18th-century Venetian Museum. Namesake jetty.

Palazzo Cini

Home to the Vittorio Cini Collection, which gathers paintings from the Tuscan school from the 13th to the 15th century, the Palazzo Cini has a Renaissance facade.

Palazzo Dario and Santa Maria della Salute

The Palazzo Dario features Renaissance architecture with three loggias, designed by Pietro Lombardo. Next to it stands Santa Maria della Salute, built by Baldassarre Longhena in the latter half of the 17th century, in Baroque style. Jetty della Salute.