Walk: From St. Mark's Square to the Tranquility of Dorsoduro

This walking tour takes you from the vibrant heart of Venice to hidden paths, upscale boutiques, and spectacular waterfront viewpoints. It’s ideal for those who want to savor the authentic Venice away from the crowds. This walk is A real highlight for visitors to Venice, as it connects the magnificent St. Mark's Square with the almost village-like tranquility of Dorsoduro.

The Beginning: St. Mark's Square and Napoleonic History

The tour begins in the city center: Stand with your back to the five large portals of the St. Mark's Cathedral. The long side of St. Mark's Square stretches out before you. At the far end, you'll see the Napoleonic Wing (Ala Napoleonica), which was built during Napoleon's reign.

Walk across the square, keep to the left at the end, and walk through the archway. Right in the passageway, you'll find the city's official tourist office—a great place to stop by if you still need city maps.

The Former Venice Stock Exchange

Right on the luxurious Calle Larga XXII Marzo, you'll pass the historic building of the Former Venice Stock Exchange. Where exclusive fashion is showcased today, the city’s financial heart once beat, with securities and foreign exchange being traded. The magnificent architecture still bears witness to the fact that Venice was a major hub for international trade and banking well into the 20th century. It’s worth taking a quick look up to admire the details of the façade before venturing further into the quiet of the alleyways.

Upscale Boutiques and the Walk to the Ferry

As soon as you pass through the archway, you'll be immersed in a world of luxury. Along the Calle Larga XXII Marzo You'll find internationally renowned fashion brands, elegant shoes, and upscale boutiques. Here, always follow the yellow signs on the building walls toward Accademia.

Continue walking until you are in front of the Hotel Ala on Campiello Santa Maria Zobenigo . Here, turn left and continue straight ahead to the canal bank toward the Santa Maria del Giglio Ferry.

A special experience: Take the gondola ferry (traghetto) here, which will take you across the Grand Canal on a short ride for a small fee. The ride takes only a few minutes. If the gondola seems a little wobbly, just sit quietly on the side of the boat. The gondoliers will be happy to help you get on and off.

Art and Vision on the Canale della Giudecca

After getting off at the opposite shore (San Gregorio), you have a choice:

• Cultural Tip: Keep to the right, and after a few meters you'll see the world-famous Peggy Guggenheim Museum to reach.
• The Walk: Keep to the right, but turn before you reach the bridge over the Rio della Fornace Turn left. Follow the path straight ahead until you reach the wide bank of the Giudecca Canal achieve.

Turn left here. Enjoy the magnificent view across the water: Directly across from you stands the Church of the Redeemer on the island of Giudecca, and in the distance to the left you can see the monastery island San Giorgio Maggiore.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection Located on the Grand Canal, it is one of the world's most important museums of 20th-century modern art. It is located in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the former residence of American collector Peggy Guggenheim.

Key Features of the Museum

• The Collection: The focus is on European and American art from the first half of the 20th century. The collection includes masterpieces of Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism.
• Renowned artists: The gallery features works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Jackson Pollock and Joan Miró.
• The building: An unfinished 18th-century palazzo that stands out among the architecture along the Grand Canal thanks to its single-story design and striking white facade.
• Outdoor area: The Nasher Sculpture Garden It offers a peaceful atmosphere and features an outdoor exhibition of modern sculptures. It is also home to the grave of Peggy Guggenheim and her beloved dogs.

The museum is ideal for a senior-friendly program because, compared to the huge state-run museums (such as the Accademia), it is more compact and easier to navigate.

Church of the Most Holy Redeemer

The Votive Church on the island of Giudecca, designed by Andrea Palladio, is a Renaissance masterpiece and, like the Salute, was built to give thanks for the end of a plague epidemic. It is the centerpiece of the famous Feast of the Redeemer, during which a floating bridge is built across the canal every July to celebrate the Venetians' deep religious devotion.

San Giorgio Maggiore Monastery Island

Located directly across from St. Mark's Square, the island is home to Palladio's basilica of the same name and an important Benedictine monastery, which today serves as the seat of the renowned Cini Foundation is. A special highlight for seniors is the comfortable Elevator ride up the Campanile, which offers one of the most spectacular and peaceful panoramic views of all of Venice and the lagoon.

The Customs Point: Punta della Dogana

Continue along the lakeside path until you reach the Punta della Dogana, the distinctive „Zollspitze.“.

Punta della Dogana, a former customs house, marks the magnificent transition between the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal and is now world-famous as the François Pinault Foundation’s museum of contemporary art. Its striking spire, topped by a golden globe supported by two Atlas figures, is considered one of the most spectacular vantage points overlooking the entire San Marco basin.

You’ll probably have been taking pictures the whole time you’ve been walking along the waterfront path anyway. By the time you reach Punta della Dogana, at the very latest, you should be taking some souvenir photos: all the way over on the opposite side lies the monastery church of San Giorgio, and right in front of you are the Doge’s Palace and the stunning skyline of Venice’s magnificent boulevard.

An important note: Unfortunately, there are no benches at Punta della Dogana itself. You can’t rest here or sit for any length of time to enjoy the view. Once you’ve taken your pictures, just continue along the side facing the Grand Canal.

The way back via the Church of La Salute

Walk around the tip and then head back a short distance along the bank of the Grand Canal. On the opposite side, you can see the famous Harry's Bar and admire the magnificent facades of the luxury hotels. After just a few meters, you'll find yourself in front of the highlight of the tour: Santa Maria della Salute.

Brief Profile: This Baroque round church was built in the 17th century as a token of gratitude for the end of a plague epidemic. It rests on over a million wooden piles, and with its massive dome, it is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.

The basilica's sweeping staircases invite you to take a break—here you can sit down, enjoy the peace and quiet, or admire the church's magnificent interior.

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, in short La Salute, is one of Venice's most striking Baroque churches, and its massive dome dominates the skyline at the southern end of the Grand Canal.

Historical Background & Significance

• Reason for its construction: The church was built in the 17th century (construction began in 1631) as an offering of thanks to the Virgin Mary for bringing an end to a devastating plague epidemic that wiped out nearly a third of Venice’s population.
• The Architect: It is the masterpiece of Baldassare Longhena, who worked on this monumental project for over 50 years.
• Special feature: Because the ground at the tip of Dorsoduro is extremely unstable, the entire church rests on more than 1.1 million wooden posts, which were driven into the lagoon bed.

Interior Highlights

• The Sacristy: It houses important works by Titian (including ceiling paintings) and the famous painting „The Wedding at Cana“ by Tintoretto.
• The floor: The elaborate marble mosaic in the octagonal main hall is a technical and artistic masterpiece.
• The Main Altar: It depicts a sculptural group portraying the „Madonna della Salute“ driving the plague out of Venice.

The Salute is an ideal place for a quieter visit away from the massive crowds of tourists at St. Mark's Square.

Valuable advice for connoisseurs

At the station Salute Once you arrive, you’ll notice how many visitors take the crowded Vaporetto Line 1 just to travel one stop from St. Mark’s Square. They get off, take a quick peek inside the church, mentally check it off their to-do list, and shortly thereafter squeeze back onto the next boat back to St. Mark’s Square. That’s typical mass tourism: get there fast, take a quick look, and ciao ciao.

Do it differently—do it better!

If you choose this tour, you'll really get to experience Venice felt. You strolled through the quiet alleys of Dorsoduro, took in the view from the Punta della Dogana at your leisure, and—this is the real highlight—cruised down the Grand Canal in true style on the Ferry crossed.

This short ride in a real gondola may only take a few minutes, but it offers you an authentic experience that no vaporetto ticket in the world can replace. You’ll discover hidden corners and artistic treasures off the beaten path while the crowds are still waiting at the stop. Take the time—Venice will reward you with unforgettable memories.

Return to St. Mark's Square

To finish the tour, take Vaporetto Line 1 right in front of the church. The boat arrives every 12 minutes from the left side. Get off just one stop later at the stop San Marco Vallaresso again.

From there, a short path leads you through the Royal Gardens (the Royal Gardens) right back to your starting point at St. Mark's Square. Enjoy the tranquility of this small park, which was once a retreat for the nobility. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled—with a little luck, you might even run into Empress Sissi there on one of her beloved walks.