Venice never quite seems real, but rather like an ornate film set suspended on the water.
Take a journey
Welcome to Venice, the city built on water. Travel the canals, walk the streets, ride on boats, cross bridges and plan your own adventure in one of the world’s most unique cities.
Step back in time
See how the city has changed over the centuries as you walk through major moments in Venetian history.
See how it currently looks onGoogle Maps
Doge’s Palace, 1340
Construction of the historical residence of the Doge of Venice began in 1340 and it was extended to overlook the Piazzetta of St Mark’s Square in 1424. The palace includes living quarters, rooms for business and the old prison. Eventually the prison was moved out of the palace, but the two remained connected via the Bridge of Sighs.
Teatro La Fenice, 1792
Although this theatre was completed in 1792, it has burnt down and been rebuilt so many times that it has earned the name “The Phoenix Theatre” for its ability to rise from the ashes. Many notable operas had their world premiere here, including La Traviata and La Bohème.
Rialto Bridge, 1591
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge in Venice and was the first structure to span the Grand Canal. Although the current stone bridge was completed in 1591, the first bridge on this site dates back to 1181.
Frari Church, 1396
With its memorable brick façade and towering campanile, the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is known for housing Renaissance masterpieces. It is also the final resting place of the famous 16th-century Venetian painter Titian.
Venetian Arsenal, 1104
Dating back to the Republic of Venice, this complex of shipyards and armouries was a massive undertaking for its time. The military and trading vessels constructed here are responsible for centuries of Venetian wealth and power.
St Mark’s Square, 9th century
Arguably the most famous site in Venice, Piazza San Marco has long been the city’s social hub. People have gathered here since the 9th century when the first church was built on this spot, and locals and tourists still visit the Piazza to enjoy a coffee and the view of St Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile and the Doge’s Palace.
Bridge of Sighs, 1602
Built in 1602, this enclosed white limestone bridge was used to transport prisoners from the interrogation rooms inside the Doge’s Palace to their cells. Prisoners were known to sigh as they glimpsed their last view of Venice through the bridge’s windows, which is how this site got its melancholy name.
Church of San Giorgio Maggiore
Located on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, this famous church sits across the canal from St Mark’s Square. This site was occupied by the Romans and then home to a 10th-century Benedictine monastery before the construction of the Italian Baroque church that stands there today.
Roam the city
How do you get around a city with no cars? Check out the different modes of transport in the Venetian archipelago.
Take a tour
See Venice through the eyes of artists by exploring locations that inspired famous works of art, available via the Google Cultural Institute.
Venice, the Doge's Palace
Venice, the Doge's Palace
by Edward Lear (Undated)
On display at the Yale Center for British Art
Learn more at the Google Cultural Institute
See it in Street View
See it in Street View
View of the Grand Canal and the Dogana
View of the Grand Canal and the Dogana
by Bernardo Bellotto (about 1743)
On display at The J. Paul Getty Museum
Learn more at the Google Cultural Institute
See it in Street View
See it in Street View
Venice: Afternoon on the Grand Canal
Venice: Afternoon on the Grand Canal
by Edward Darley Boit (1911)
On display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Learn more at the Google Cultural Institute
See it in Street View
See it in Street View
Processione in Piazza San Marco
Processione in Piazza San Marco
by Cesare Vecellio (1586-1601)
On display at the Museo Correr
Learn more at the Google Cultural Institute
See it in Street View
See it in Street View
The Riva Schiavoni, Venice
The Riva Schiavoni, Venice
by James Craig Annan (October 1904)
On display at The J. Paul Getty Museum
Learn more at the Google Cultural Institute
See it in Street View
See it in Street View
The Saint Mark's Basin, Venice
The Saint Mark's Basin, Venice
by James Holland (About 1860)
On display at The J. Paul Getty Museum
Learn more at the Google Cultural Institute
See it in Street View
See it in Street View
I like
Adventure
Venetian Arsenal
Military history buff? Explore the Venetian Arsenal, a series of shipyards and armouries that was the centre of Italy’s naval power for centuries.
Taverna Del Campiello Remer
Off the beaten path, Taverna Del Campiello Remer sits on the edge of the Grand Canal. Sing along with the live music as you feast on delicious prosciutto and melon.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Looking for something a little more contemporary? Learn about Italian futurists and American modernists at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
I like
History
Caffé Florian
Sit inside the ornately decorated rooms of Caffé Florian, one of the oldest cafés in Europe, or sip your cappuccino outside and enjoy the sights of St Mark’s Square.
Gallerie dell’Accademia
Visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia, site of one of Venice’s oldest scuole grande which now houses a collection of Venetian art through the ages.
Rialto Bridge
Take a stroll across the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and perhaps most iconic bridge spanning the Grand Canal.
I like
Romance
Ponte dei Sospiri(Bridge of Sighs)
Visit the Bridge of Sighs, one of the most romantic spots in Venice. Legend has it that kissing in a gondola under the bridge leads to eternal love.
La Boutique del Gelato
The gelato at La Boutique del Gelato is considered to be some of the best in Europe. Order a cone to share with your sweetheart.
Teatro La Fenice
Fall in love at Teatro La Fenice, one of Europe’s most well-renowned and ornately decorated theatres.
