Grand Canal of Venice

Grand Canal of Venice

The Grand Canal is the most important canal in Venice, Italy, and part of the city’s main water-based transportation network. Privately operated water taxis and vaporettos form the public transport system, but many tourists prefer to take a gondola. The gondola is a uniquely Venetian and highly iconic traditional rowing boat, painted entirely black and propelled by a gondolier standing at the stern.

One end of the Grand Canal opens into the Venetian Lagoon near Santa Lucia railway station, while the other ends near Saint Mark's Square. The canal is shaped like an S, running through the heart of Venice, spanning 3,800 meters in length, with a width of 30 to 90 meters and an average depth of 5 meters. Its banks are lined with over 170 buildings, most of which were constructed between the 13th and 18th centuries, showcasing the prosperity and artistry of the Venetian Republic. Among the notable structures are the Ca’ Rezzonico, Palazzo Dario, Ca' d'Oro, Palazzo Barbarigo, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Since most of Venice’s transportation routes run along the canal banks, until the 19th century, there was only one bridge connecting the two sides—the Rialto Bridge. Today, there are four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, including the Accademia Bridge, the Scalzi Bridge, and the most recently built Constitution Bridge.

Grand Canal (Venice)

Reason to visit: Venice’s most important canal

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Italy[Italy]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Veneto Region [Veneto Region]

City where the attraction is located: Venice [Venice]