From the traghetto (jetty), you can access the street behind, which has a number of pretty cafes and restaurants.
In the golden years of the Venetian republic between the 13th and 18th centuries, the city’s enormous wealth and power was mostly concentrated in the hands of a few important families. Not content with merely being among the richest people in Europe, these families built lavish palazzos (mansions) along the Grand Canal in a series of ongoing attempts to outdo one another. No expense was spared in their efforts to demonstrate the depths of their civic pride and historic connection with the city, and the result is a stunning array of houses for the modern visitor to enjoy.
The Grandest of the Grand
One of the most famous of these is the Ca’ d’Oro, located in the very middle of the Grand Canal’s lazy meander. Its classic Venetian Gothic design, with three floors of loggie (open-air corridors) facing out onto the water, immediately grabs the eye with its beautiful stone arches and intricately textured façade. Sadly, the gold-leaf inlay for which the house is named has long gone. The ground floor loggia features an open-water access point, meaning that visitors can actually enter the house by boat, before stepping off onto the entry area within.
A Superb Gallery
Inside is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures and tapestries, many of which were moved here from elsewhere in Venice by Napoleon during his conquest of Italy. The finest of these are Andrea Mantegna’s San Sebastiano and Titian’s Venus with a Mirror. The latter is sadly missing the eponymous mirror, having had its right side cut off at some point, and is also thought to be a study for the famous version which hangs in Washington D.C.’s National Gallery of Art.
Discover the best of "La Serenissima" and immerse yourself in a Venice that is not just gondolas, but a city of canals with many grand palaces such as Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), unique museums and impressive churches like St. Mark's Basilica.
On your private tour, you will:
Trace the city’s fascinating beginnings, learn about its failed defence against the plague and unearth its dark secrets. Your journey will take you through Venice’s grandest central district. The architecture is sublime, the excitement rejuvenating and the atmosphere unique.
You will begin your tour walking towards Venice’s pre-eminent bridge- Rialto Bridge. Famous for being the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops is the best place to buy beautiful Venetian masks and feathers.
Your private guide will give you the history of the markets, as they have been operating for over seven centuries. Stroll around the bustling Rialto Markets, a picturesque shop primarily selling fish and vegetables. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the market.
Venture through the most magical streets and canals of San Marco, and pass the iconic St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the astonishing St Mark’s Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace.
You will see the Doge’s Palace, built-in 812, which is one of the best examples of Venetian gothic architecture. Right next to the Doge’s Palace is St. Mark's Basilica with its gold mosaics and many domes will also be sure to capture your attention.
Your tour will finish with tickets and a tour of St Mark’s Basilica. Your guide will take you on a tour of the historic Basilica, deemed to be an icon of Italian art and culture.
Please note that St. Mark's Basilica is an active church and can be subject to unforeseen closures due to religious reasons. In cases of closure, you will be given alternative touring options.
Explore the best of Venice and see "The City of Canals" most popular highlights on this private 2-hour introduction tour with a professional tour guide, who will take you to on a journey to discover one of Italy's more picturesque and romantic cities.
On your private tour, you will:
Trace the city’s fascinating beginnings, learn about its failed defence against the plague and unearth its dark secrets.
You will begin your tour by visiting Venice's Rialto neighbourhood. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the local markets before crossing the Rialto Bridge. Famous for being the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal.
Venture through the magical streets and canals of Venice, step off the beaten tourist path to uncover the quieter side of the city, and end the tour in the iconic St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the astonishing St Mark’s Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace.
You will see the Doge’s Palace, built-in 812, which is one of the best examples of Venetian gothic architecture. Right next to the Doge’s Palace is another superb building that will be sure to capture your attention!
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