The Grand Canal Venice, Italy
The Grand Canal in Venice is more than just a waterway—it's the city's main artery. Stretching for about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles), it divides the city into two parts and is locally known as "Canal Grande" or "Canalasso." When you look at a map or satellite image, you'll see that it curves like a large reverse S-shape right through the center.
The canal is between 30 and 90 meters wide (98 to 295 feet) and has an average depth of 5 meters (16 feet). The water levels change twice daily due to the tides from the Adriatic Sea.
From the Santa Lucia railway station in the north to the Saint Mark’s Basin in the south, the canal is lined with beautiful palaces dating from the 12th to the 18th centuries. These buildings belonged to Venice’s wealthiest families. They showcase the city’s rich history and artistic skills during its golden age under the Serenissima Republic.
The Grand Canal connects with many smaller canals throughout the city. Cars are banned in much of Venice, so these waterways carry most of the city's transportation. While traditional gondolas are popular with tourists, motorized water buses (vaporetti) and private water taxis are more common among locals.
Police, fire, and emergency medical service boats, equipped with sirens, also travel the canal quickly. Barges deliver goods throughout the city, and funeral barges often take the deceased to Isola di San Michele, Venice’s largest cemetery since the early 19th century.
Venice Canal history
The Grand Canal in Venice likely followed the course of an ancient river, possibly a branch of the Brenta. Before the Roman age, the Adriatic Veneti people lived along the "Rio Businiacus," in stilt houses, relying on fishing and salt trading. The main canal was wider then, flowing between small islands connected by simple wooden bridges. Under Roman and Byzantine rule, the lagoon became more populated and important.
In the early 9th century, Venice's political and economic power grew rapidly. The Doge moved his seat from Malamocco on the Lido to the safer area of Rialto, the highest point in Venice. This decision marked the birth of the city of Venice. The Grand Canal became a vital deep-water terminal for Venetian trade.
Over time, Rialto became the most important market in Europe, with ships weighing over 400 tons sailing along the Grand Canal. Venice emerged as a major trading center of the Mediterranean. The Grand Canal also saw the rise of "fonteghi," large buildings acting as warehouses and lodging for merchants.
Post-Republic Era and Modern Developments
After the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, many grand buildings stopped being built, and some fell into disrepair. However, efforts to restore and preserve Venice's architecture have continued.
During the Napoleonic era, the suppression of monastic orders vacated large real estate sectors, leading to new uses for many buildings. Monasteries were shut down and their buildings were turned into museums or gardens.
Santa Maria della Carità became the Gallerie dell’Accademia Museum, Santa Croce became the Papadopoli Gardens, and Santa Lucia was replaced by the Santa Lucia Railway Station.
With the Kingdom of Italy's rise, building along the Grand Canal started again. These new structures respected its beauty and often used the Gothic Revival style, like the Fish Market at Rialto. Today, many of the grand palaces are owned by the city, state, or public institutions, while others have been turned into hotels, museums, and offices.
Buildings Along the Canal
The Grand Canal is lined with over 170 buildings, including palaces, churches, hotels, and public buildings. These structures date back to the 12th to 18th centuries and reflect the wealth and artistic skill of the Republic of Venice.
Most buildings are in Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Their foundations are made of timber piles driven into the mud. Over time, the timber absorbs minerals from the lagoon water and hardens. Layers of stone and rubble are then added on top to form a platform.
Early Venetian buildings were made of timber, which was prone to fire and infestation. Later, brick faced with marble or Istrian stone became the common building material. Interior walls and some exteriors were finished with stucco, made from ground limestone, brick, and terracotta.
Buildings were usually rectangular with most of the decoration facing the waterfront. They were accessed by boat. To save space, extra stories were often added to existing buildings. Buildings close together were linked by small bridges to prevent them from moving sideways.
Most buildings have a wooden roof terrace, or "Altana." Venetian women used these terraces to socialize and sunbathe, especially in the summer to avoid the bad smells from the canals below.
Notable Palaces and Churches
The palaces along the Grand Canal reflect various architectural styles and periods, from Byzantine to Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical. Many of these buildings have no paved walkway at the front, opening directly onto the canal. The colorful poles (Pali di Casada) lining the entrances are painted in distinct family colors, helping visitors recognize their destinations.
Some notable palaces include:
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Palazzo Venier dei Leoni:
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Ca’ Rezzonico:
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Ca’ d’Oro:
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Palazzo Pesaro
Among the churches, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute stands out. Located at the eastern end of the Grand Canal, this Baroque masterpiece was built in the 17th century by Baldassare Longhena. Its famous domes and beautiful facade make it one of Venice's most photographed landmarks.
Other Notable Sights Near Grand Canals
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st mark square
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Palazzo Grassi
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Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace)
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Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Fonteghi
Fonteghi (singular: fontego, Italian: fondaco) were buildings that served as both warehouses and homes for foreign merchants in Venice. As Venice grew as a major trade hub, more foreign merchants came to the city. This led to an increase in the number of fonteghi, which were highly valued by the Venetian Republic.
These buildings provided merchants with storerooms and lodging. They also allowed the Republic to monitor trade activity and ensure taxes were paid.
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Fontego dei Turchi: This building dates back to the 13th century. It has been restored and now houses the city's Museum of Natural History.
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Fontego dei Tedeschi: Once a hub for German merchants, this building is now a luxury department store with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Venice.
Bridges Across the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is crossed by four main bridges, each with its own history and charm:
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Rialto Bridge: The oldest and most famous bridge, designed by Antonio da Ponte in the late 16th century, crosses the canal at its narrowest point. It was a marvel of architecture then and remains a key site in Venice today.
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Accademia Bridge: Originally built in the mid-19th century and replaced in 1932, this wooden bridge offers stunning views of the canal and connects the districts of Dorsoduro and San Marco.
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Scalzi Bridge: Constructed in 1934, this white stone bridge near the train station connects the districts of Cannaregio and Santa Croce.
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Constitution Bridge: The newest bridge was built in 2008 by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It connects the train station to the bus terminal at Piazzale Roma. Despite its modern design, it has been controversial due to its high costs and maintenance issues.
Grand Canal in The Modern Era
Life on the Grand Canal Today
The Grand Canal is still Venice's busiest and most important canal. Almost everything in the city is transported by water, even waste collection. The logistics to keep Venice running smoothly are incredible.
Living costs in Venice are high, so many workers and tourists come from the mainland. They arrive at the bus and rail terminals at the north-western end of the Grand Canal, then either take a vaporetto or walk to their destination.
Early in the morning, boats bring fruit, vegetables, and fish to the Mercato di Rialto. Throughout the day, the canal is busy with deliveries, gondolas, and water taxis. Vaporetti (water buses) slowly move from one stop to another along the canal.
Every visitor should take the No.1 Vaporetto to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Grand Canal. Occasionally, police and ambulance boats race by with their alarms sounding. Even the deceased travel by boat to their final resting place.
Special Events and Celebrations
The Grand Canal is the backdrop for several traditional celebrations. One of the most famous is the Historical Regatta ("Regata Storica"), held on the first Sunday of September.
This event has a parade of old boats and rowing races, attracting thousands of spectators. The regatta celebrates the arrival of Catherine Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, in 1489, with participants dressed in traditional outfits.
Another important event is the Feast of the Madonna della Salute on November 21. This religious festival marks the end of the plague in 1630-38 and includes a pilgrimage across a temporary bridge to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.
Grand canals Tours
The Grand Canal is Venice's main avenue, but it's an avenue of water! The best way to explore it is by gondola, the traditional Venetian boat.
Experiencing the Grand Canal is a must for tourists visiting Venice. You can explore the canal in different ways, like taking a peaceful gondola ride or hopping on a lively grand canal tour. These experiences let you soak in the beauty of Venice's historic waterway.
Along the Grand Canal, from the Rialto Bridge to Ca’ d’Oro palace, explore Venice's history and architecture up close.
Whether you're in a gondola or on a boat tour, it's a special way to experience the charm of Venice.