The two most iconic canals of Venice are the Grand Canal and Canale della Giudecca. The former cuts its way through the very centre of the island, forming a reverse S shape. The latter separates Venice from the Giudecca, an important island still part of Venice but detached from it, reachable only by boat.
As if beauty followed the water streams, along these two majestic waterways unfold countless churches, historic buildings and palaces of noble families. It is magical to sit on a vaporetto and let hundreds of years of history manifest effortlessly before our eyes. And yet, the real magic is yet to happen. Both the canals begin on the western side of Venice and then flow independently for roughly four kilometres each. But then they meet. And they meet nothing less than in Punta della Dogana, right in front of St. Marc Square.
Once one of Venice’s customs centres, Punta della Dogana is now an art museum, restored in 2008-09 by the famous architect Tadao Ando. The beauty of this place, though, is not to be found only inside the museum or in the Chiesa della Salute, an enormous and magnificent church just a few steps from it, but rather outside in the open.
Placing your feet at the very point where the two canals meet, enjoying the cold breeze the winds are likely to blow in such an exposed location, and being surrounded by art, tradition, culture, and beauty is definitely something I recommend you experience.
Dorsoduro, 2
€
free
Find your way with 95 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"Torrefazione Cannaregio" is the place I choose to get my first dose of caffeine for the day! Even the pickiest Venetian is satisfied at this shop!
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"Da Luca e Fred" is a small Osteria just a few steps away from the Railway Station of Venice. I like going to this bar / restaurant for the Aperitif.
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"Orsoni Furnace" is the only mosaic tile furnace still functioning in the historic center of Venice. It has revived the city's Byzantine mosaic production...
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"San Francesco del Deserto" in Venice is a little monastery and chapel located near Burano and Torcelio. You can only get there with a private boat...
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"VizioVirtù Cioccolateria" Venice is a fantastic chocolate shop I discovered recently while I was walking around...
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"Lio Piccolo" in Venice is the perfect place to go on a summer day when the heat is too much to take. I love going there by bike and used to do so daily!
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"Magna Bevi Tasi" is a typical Venice 'baccaro' where you can have an aperitif or drink. I like to sit outside on a nice sunny day, enjoying my spritz...
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"Campiello Remer" in Venice is the best place to have an aperitivo in the center of the city. This beautiful place does have a spooky legend...
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"Pasticceria Rosa Salva" in Venice is a bakery that uses the highest quality of ingredients. I love coming here during festivals like the Carnival...
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"Birreria Forst" is a restaurant just behind Saint Mark's square in Venice. It's a historical, rustic locale. I like that gondoliers come here for breaks!
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"Il Ridotto" Venice near Piazza San Marco is a special place to me. It is part of the Hotel Monaco & Canal Grande and it hosts special events.
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95 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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