Grand Canal

Shaped much like an S, the Grand Canal is Venice's most famous possession. One can get around using water taxis called "vaporetti". On one of these boat rides, one can view all of Venice's beautiful waterfront architecture emerging from the waters below. There are also a few footbridges that connect one section of the city to the other, including Ponte Rialto, its largest footbridge covered with merchant shops.

Basilica di San Marco

Begun in 9th century and completed toward the end of the 10th century after a rampant fire, the five bulbous domes and additional rooms in the church are decorated with European, Islamic and Byzantine influences and are laden with sparkling gold, colorful mosaics, Venetian glass, and Italian marble. A fabulous mosaic on its fa?ade depicts how St. Mark's remains were smuggled out of Alexandria to finally rest here.

St Mark's Square

The large open space of St. Mark's Square is home to many tourist shops, cafes, and a multitude of pigeons flocking the ground. The Doge's Palace, Basilica di San Marco, and the clock tower are also located on the outer edges of the Square. At night, visitors can enjoy being serenaded by two "dueling" bands playing classical favorites, jazz and showtunes outside the cafes.

Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs, or Ponte dei Sospiri, extends from the Council Chamber to the prison inside the Doge's Palace. Its name derives from the report that the prisoners were taken across that bridge to receive fierce punishment, all the while groaning bitterly at their fate. Casanova was one of the prisoners to walk across the bridge and receive his punishment but he survived and became a librarian.

Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace or Palazzo Ducale, was rebuilt in the 14th century after a fire destroyed it. It represents the best of the Venetian Gothic style of architecture and design. Beautiful paintings and sculpture by Tintoretto, Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon, Sansovino, Veronese and Rizzo, can be found in various rooms in the Palace. The infamous Golden Staircase leads up to the Grand Senate Chamber where many people were sentenced to cross the Bridge of Sighs to the torturous prison.