Venice Grand Canal Map

The Grand Canal Guide

The Grand Canal (Canal Grande) is Venice's main waterway, winding 3.8 km through the heart of the city in a reverse S-shape. Lined with over 170 buildings dating from the 13th to 18th centuries, it's one of the world's most beautiful urban waterways.

The Four Bridges

• Rialto Bridge (1591): The oldest and most famous, with shops on top
• Accademia Bridge (1854): Wooden bridge near the Accademia gallery
• Scalzi Bridge (1934): Stone bridge near the train station
• Constitution Bridge (2008): Modern glass bridge by Calatrava

Famous Palaces

• Ca' d'Oro: Gothic masterpiece, now a museum
• Ca' Rezzonico: Baroque palace, 18th-century Venice museum
• Palazzo Grassi: Contemporary art exhibitions
• Ca' Foscari: Gothic palace, now part of the university

Seeing the Grand Canal by Vaporetto

Vaporetto Line 1 runs the full length of the Grand Canal, stopping at almost every landing between Piazzale Roma and San Marco; the trip takes around 45 minutes. Line 2 is faster, with fewer stops. For the best views, try to get one of the outdoor seats at the front or back of the boat, and ride early in the morning or in the evening when it is less crowded.

Highlights Along the Canal

• Rialto Market: Venice's fish and produce market, busiest in the morning (closed on Sundays).
• Ca' Pesaro: Baroque palace housing the International Gallery of Modern Art.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection: modern art in an unfinished 18th-century palace in Dorsoduro.
• Santa Maria della Salute: the domed church at the mouth of the canal, built after the 1630 plague.
• Punta della Dogana: the former customs house, now a contemporary art museum.

Events

The Regata Storica, held on the first Sunday of September, opens with a historical procession of decorated boats followed by rowing races along the canal. During the Festa del Redentore, on the third weekend of July, fireworks light up St Mark's Basin and the Giudecca Canal on the Saturday night.

Frequently Asked Questions