Grand Canal (Venice)

The Grand Canal is Venice’s main waterway, an S-shaped channel that runs through the historic centre and divides the city into two parts. It is approximately 3.8 kilometres long and varies in width from about 30 to 90 metres.

The canal is lined by large palazzi, churches and bridges from the Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods; travel along it offers front-row views of Venetian architecture and daily life on the water. Water transport - vaporetti, traghetti and gondolas - is the usual way to move along or across the canal.

Origins of the waterway date back to the city’s early settlement, and buildings along its banks were developed and remodelled over many centuries as Venice grew wealthy from trade. The route and façades visible today reflect continuous occupation and architectural layering from medieval to modern times.

Geographically the canal snakes through central Venice from the railway terminal at Santa Lucia and the Piazzale Roma area to the basin near Piazza San Marco, passing the Rialto and several major bridges and palaces along the way.

• Getting around: The canal is best experienced by water - vaporetto Line 1 runs most of the route and provides views of major palaces and bridges without the cost of a private gondola.
• Best viewpoints: Popular viewpoints include the Rialto Bridge and the Accademia Bridge; early morning and late evening have fewer crowds and better light for photography.