What to See while on a Gondola Ride in Venice
During your Venice Gondola Tours, get ready to be amazed by the stunning panoramic views of the city’s scenery. Although there are numerous sights to behold in Venice, make sure to keep an eye out for these significant landmarks:
The Doge's Palace
It is an exemplar of Gothic architecture, was erected in 1340 and functioned as the dwelling of the Doge of Venice, who served as the highest authority in the former Republic. In 1923, the Italian state granted the Venetian municipality the responsibility of transforming the palace into a museum, thus opening it up to the public. Today, the Doge’s Palace is among the most frequented attractions in Venice, drawing an average of 1.4 million visitors annually. If you’re planning to explore, be sure to check out the Chamber of the Great Council, the courtrooms, and the armoury room, among other notable features.
St. Mark's Basilica
The 9th-century St. Mark’s Basilica was erected as a place of worship to house holy relics. Its construction, which included over 500 columns and covers an area of 8,000 sq. m., lasted almost 800 years. Today, the basilica’s interiors boast intricate mosaics that date back to between the 6th and 11th centuries. In addition, the church is home to a plethora of treasures acquired during the Crusades and from Constantinople, such as the Madonna Nicopeia, four bronze horses, crosses, relics, enamels of the Golden Altar-piece, and much more, which can all be viewed during your visit.
The Grand Canal
The waterway in Venice is well-known, with more than 170 buildings lining its banks, and it serves as a lively marketplace. The canal was built over 500 years, from the 13th to the 18th century, and it covers a distance of 3.8 km as it winds its way through various neighbourhoods in Venice, stretching from the lagoon close to the Santa Lucia train station to the basin at San Marco. Its banks are a crucial water route in the city. The majority of gondola departure points in the city are located along the Grand Canal.
Rialto Bridge
Constructed in 1591, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest among the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. Antonio da Ponte was responsible for the design and construction of this iconic structure, renowned for its architectural brilliance. The previous bridge was dismantled to pave the way for the Rialto Bridge, which facilitated easier access to Rialto, the financial hub of Venice. Despite initial scepticism about its unique design and predominantly stone construction, the bridge’s exquisite Renaissance architecture has made it a sought-after tourist attraction in the city.
