show!
Choose other city guides
Monuments in Venice
Venice is a gem of a city that rarely disappoints. Many of its monuments are recognised throughout the world. The most important landmarks are concentrated in and around St Mark’s Square, yet historic sites can just as well be found in each of the six districts that make up the city. A number of Venetian monuments date back more than 1,000 years, but thanks to accurate restoration works still maintain their original appearance. Venice is a walking city with narrow, winding streets and over 400 bridges, of which the most famous are Rialto, Bridge of Sighs and Accademia. Other not-to-be-missed attractions include the Campanile (bell tower) in St Mark’s Square and St Mark’s Clock Tower.
|
St Mark's Campanile
|
Address: Piazza San Marco
Phone: +39 41 522 40 64
|
|
|
|
 see map
|
|
|
St Mark's Campanile is one of the symbols of Venice. The immense bell tower in Piazza San Marco is 98 metres tall and belongs to the famous basilica of the same name. The origins of the Campanile date back to the 9th Century when it was used as a watchtower for the nearby dock. In 1902, the tower was demolished and was rebuilt 10 years later. Today the Campanile has five bells which sound at every hour and can be heard throughout the whole city. Especially appealing is the opportunity to climb the tower and enjoy the magnificent view over the city, the sea and the surrounding landscape that reaches to the Alps.
|
|
more
|
|
|
Rialto Bridge
|
Address: Canal Grande
|
|
|
|
see map
|
|
|
The Rialto Bridge connects the two banks of Canal Grande, the main transport road and tourist attractions in Venice. As Medieval Venice was built on a host of islands, scattered in the lagoon, numerous bridges were necessary to maintain communication between the different parts of the settlement. The size and importance of the Grand Canal necessitated the construction of a bridge; however, the first facility of that type was a pontoon bridge that was replaced by a wooden one in
1250. It was too unstable and was burned and collapsed several times.
|
|
more
|
|
|
Accademia Bridge
|
Address: Canal Grande
|
|
|
|
see map
|
|
|
The Accademia Bridge is one of the three bridges crossing the Canal Grande and is situated near the southern end of the canal. It was built in 1854, following the need of the Austrian troops to move quickly over the broad waterway, which was crossed only by the Rialto Bridge at that time. The architect of the construction was the renowned Venetian engineer, Miozzi, who made the wide wooden bridge. However, this was too unstable and dangerous for the marching soldiers and the bridge
was demolished in 1985 with the idea to be replaced with a new one. Thus, the Accademia Bridge acquired its present look, a massive steel bridge in the form of an arch. The name of the facility was derived from the nearly located Accademia galleries.
|
|
|
|
|
St Mark's Clock Tower
|
Address: Piazza San Marco
|
|
|
Website: http://www.orologeria.com/ english/tower/index.htm
|
see map
|
|
|
St Mark's Clock Tower, connected to the Procuratie Vecchie, contributes to the majestic appearance of Piazza San Marco. The tower, a five-bayed building with wide central bay and a large clock above the main entrance, was constructed at the very end of the 15th Century according to the plans of
architect Mauro Codussi. It finishes with a one-storey tower on which the Lion of St Mark is depicted. On every hour two blackish bronze figures ring the bell. The construction has been altered a few times during its existence in order to acquire its present elaborate facade – something that has become one of the most photographed landmarks by tourists in Venice.
|
|
|
|
|
Bridge of Sighs
|
Address: Rio di Palazzo
|
|
|
|
see map
|
|
|
The Bridge of Sighs is the most romantic spot in Venice and the invariable highlight of every visit to the 'City of Water'. The covered limestone bridge links the old prison and the Doge's Palace over Rio di Palazzo. This location was the root of the popular name of the construction in the 19th Century,when the prominent English poet Lord Byron referred to it as 'Bridge of Sighs' in his poem 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage', suggesting that the convicts must have sighed when passing the bridge en route to the prison and feeling free for the last time. The facility was designed by Antoni Contino and built between 1600 and 1603. Today it is a favourite place for tourists and especially for lovers – kissing under
the bridge at sunset in hopes that, according to local legend, this will bring them eternal love. The magnificent sight from the bridge towards the lagoon and San Giorgio island is another appeal for visitors.
|
|
|
|